Does this sound familiar: you're rushing to get ready in the morning, and open up your jewelry box to take out your go-to necklace. Except that now, after sitting with all of your other jewelry, it's stuck to 2 other necklaces, and you can't get them detangled. Irritated, you leave for work in a huff; feeling under-accessorized and overstressed.
No need to break up with your pendants and drop earrings just because you have an overabundance of them. So read on for easy ways to detangle, store and even pretty up your jewelry storage space - no jewelry box required!
Divide and Conquer
A typical jewelry box is okay if you have a small amount of jewelry, like, say, under 10 necklaces and a few pairs of earrings. But if you have more, and are constantly acquiring more jewelry, a jewelry box that sits on your dresser starts to look crowded, messy, and in the end, doesnt help you organize anything at all.
Instead, opt for unconventional solutions. A great way to store jewelry while keeping it all separate, and in view? Try a closet organizer made just for jewelry. This is an organizational system that hangs right in your closet, and separates all of your jewelry into individual, clear pockets (genius, isn't it?). Usually canvas in the middle, with clear plastic zip or open pockets on both sides, you can store dozens of necklaces or pairs of earrings while taking up virutally no space. Hang it up, and take it out when you need it. No more tangled necklaces or lost earrings, and everything is in full view! Here's one to try: Hanging Jewelry Organizer from Amazon.com, $9.77.
Hang It Up
So you may not have space on your dresser, but have you thought about utilizing your wall space? Have some to spare? You're in luck! Here are a few solutions to try:
If you have a lot of necklaces, head to your local hardware store or home decorating store. Find a few decorative wall hooks (usually used for coats, purses, etc.) that compliment the decor of your bedroom. For something unique, browse Etsy, a site where handmade and custom items are sold. I love this wall key hanger, by OldNewAgain, because it incudes a vase on the side for your favorite flowers; chic and cheery.
If you have bracelets and earrings as well, but want to use your wall space, try a shelf with a drawer and pegs, like this Taymor Decorative Wall Shelf With Chrome Hooks, $36.93. You can put put some candles or a framed photo on the shelf, or use it however you'd like, and the drawers can multitask for earrings and bracelets. Use the pegs to hang necklaces from, and you're all set!
Low on space...everywhere? An over-the-door jewelry organizer fits the bill. These hold a lot of jewelry, and will be out of your way. This one, by Longstem Productions, holds over 300 pieces of jewelry: 50 rings, 75 pairs of earrings, over 75 bracelets or watches, and more than 100 necklaces. Get it for yourself for $59.98 on Amazon. Bonus: This organizer also includes hardware for the option to mount it to the wall.
Tips and Tricks
These solutions are perfect for large amounts of jewelry, but what if you don't have a lot?
- Use a decorative candle plate to hold a few pieces. Perfect for your go-to pair of earrings and favorite bracelets, and can go right on your nightstand. It keeps everything in one place, and looks pretty. Some to try: Sonoma Life + Style Coral Candle Plate, or Mosaic Pillar Candle Plate, both $7.79 at Kohl's.
- If drawers are what you're after, these mini Sterilite organizational drawers work wonders. You can even label them, one drawer for earrings, one for bracelets, etc. Some are stackable, which is great if you just want a small, simple solution. Try these, a set of 6 from Walmart, $29.82.
- Your necklaces are tangled, and you can't seem to get them apart. Use this easy fix: put baby powder on the knot. The powder will help to loosen the tangle, making sure your necklaces come apart effortlessly.
- How can you prevent tangles? It's easier than you think. Feed a necklace through a regular drinking straw, and close the clasp. This ensures that your necklaces keep their shape, so instead of tangled knots, your jewels will be perfectly laid out.
From decorative hooks and candle plates to practical drawers and pretty displays, these options ensure you'll never lose your jewelry again. So embrace one of these fresh ideas, and you'll feel organized, too! Remember: forget the traditional storage, and think outside of the (jewelry) box.
Chrissy Lorenzo - Chrissy Lorenzo is a 20-something college graduate, Cleveland-based writer, blogger, twin, sister, daughter and self-confessed girly girl ...
