Denee’ Locke, founder of Closets In Order, has a knack for organization that has helped many locals find peace in the chaos.
She has 25 years of experience in the residential construction business working closely with her husband, Matt Locke, president of Locke Homes. This experience has allowed her to see firsthand how attention to storage and organization can improve the appearance of the main areas of a home. Knowing that the closet is usually the most neglected room in the home when it comes to design detail, Locke takes pride in working with customers to utilize her experience and training to create functionally beautiful storage areas.
"I have always had a knack for conserving and using space efficiently," Locke said. "I knew that an organized home shielded me from the stresses of the day-to-day, and I thought I could help others find this same peace. My favorite part of my job is relieving stress from the daily life of others."
Not everyone has this gift — and it was a surprise to Locke. “I was an adult before I realized everyone didn’t think like me!” She laughed. “My mind is always thinking about how to improve my surroundings without realizing I am doing so.”
Locke organizes much more than just closets. “We provide storage solutions for every room in the home or office,” Locke said. “Closet, pantry, laundry room, garage, offices, etc.”
Closets in Order provides a complimentary consultation to get started. "I have a software (CAD) program that provides images that are to scale," Locke said. The program also provides pricing for the job, determined by the amount of material used, color, style and finish choices.
“Before the day of installation, we provide portable retail rolling racks and baskets for removing and temporarily storing your belongings,” Locke said. “Suggestions are given on how to sort as you remove them. The morning of installation, your designer and installer will arrive and review all of the plans in the area. The installer will place floor coverings to create a clear path to the area.”
Closets In Order also offers a free service of taking all discarded clothing to the Providence House at no additional charge. After the service is complete, they will contact their clients within 60 days to check and make sure they are completely satisfied.
One organization tip Locke offers is that when she walks through her home, she usually has something in her hand. “For example, when I leave one room and go to another, I do a quick scan to see what might need to go to that room,” Locke said. “Therefore, there is no picking up at the end of the day.”
Locke also recommends that once a year, homeowners should take one room at a time and purge. "If you can create a space for everything, you should never have clutter," Locke said. "The most popular words that are a predictor of an unorganized home are ‘for now.' How many piles in an unorganized home were created because they are placed ‘for now'? Always have a place for what you bring in your home. This is the number one way to keep from creating clutter!" Locke understands that it’s difficult to let go of emotional attachments to possessions. She has tips for that too. “Sentimental clothing should never be housed in your main closet. The closet you use every day is ‘prime real estate’ in the organizational business,” Locke said. “If you do not touch it very regularly, store it somewhere else. I recommend washing sentimental clothing to be certain it is clean before storing. Don’t iron or use starch as it will yellow over time. Then, store the item in a vacuum sealed bags which can then be stored in labeled plastic containers.”
Closets In Order is an ORG Home-certified business and has been named a President’s Club Recipient every year since 2008 for exhibiting the highest quality and standards.
Closets in Order is located at 9020 Youree Drive in Shreveport, La.
For more information, call 797-1186 or visit www.closetsinorderinc.info – Betsy St. Amant – Photography by Remi Locke
