How To Maximize A Small Closet
It's your typical small reach-in closet, the kind with a single bar and a shelf. Whether it's in your bedroom, kid's room or guestroom, we'll show you how to make the most of every inch of your space.
How-To Guide
Getting Started
No matter what size your closet is, you'll discover a lot more space when you get it organized. The key is using the right storage solutions to maximize the space you have. Since you'll be taking everything out of your closet, make sure you have plenty of room on your bed to lay out clothes. Consider bringing in a rolling garment rack to make sorting clothes even easier. You'll also want boxes or hampers to sort clothes and shoes you want to donate or toss.
Step 1: Clean It Out
The first step in organizing any space is to take everything out. Follow the one-year rule to purge outdated or ill-fitting garments from your closet. If you haven't used it or worn it in a year, it's safe to say it's time to get rid of it, or store it elsewhere. Make four piles. One for things to keep. One for seasonal clothes and shoes. One for things to donate. And one for things to toss. That's also the case for things that don't belong in the closet. Move them to another area of the home, donate or sell them.
Step 2: Measure Your Space & Line The Shelf
Use a tape measure to measure the width, depth and height of your closet space and shelves. Don't forget to make note of any obstructions.
If you like, line your closet shelves with a patterned or scented shelf liner paper. Not only does it add a finished look to your closet, but it will keep clothes smelling fresh and make it easier to clean the shelf.
Step 3: Use Containers That Maximize Vertical Space
Don't let valuable space go to waste. That top shelf can quickly become a dumping ground. Instead, keep items from toppling over by storing handbags and seasonal sweaters and shoes in stacking drawers, stacking shelves or labeled bins. Moving seasonal items to the top shelf will also clear hanging space on your closet rod - better yet, store them under your bed with a rolling under bed storage box, or in another space with a garment rack. If most of your clothes are short hanging, add an extra closet rod to instantly double the amount of hanging space. Add-on, cascading and slim profile hangers are other good ways to save space. Finally, give yourself the benefit of drawers in your closet by using hanging sweater and hanging shoe organizers. The cubbies give you easy access to items while making the most of your hanging space.
Step 4: Make Use Of The Floor
Stacking shoe shelves are an easy way to keep extra shoes from getting lost in your closet while keeping them all in view. And if you have room, you'll find it convenient to store a short hamper under your hanging clothes. Tuck a folding step stool in the corner if you have trouble reaching the top shelf.
Step 5: Make Use Of The Doors
Your closet doors are an ideal place to store everything from your robe to accessories, jewelry and shoes. And if you're organizing a kid's closet, it's a great place to put hair accessories and a backpack. There are two basic designs of organizers. Those that hook over the door and those that mount to the door directly. Hooks and hook racks can be used for a everything from belts and scarves to hats, and using adhesive hooks lets you keep the other side of the door clear without having to screw or nail anything permanently to the door.
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