How To Maximize Your Small Closet
It's your typical tiny closet—the kind with a built-in hanging rod and shelf. Whether it's in your bedroom, kid's room or guest room, The Container Store has small closet organization ideas to help you make the most of every inch.
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 best closet storage solutions to maximize the small space you do 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 clothing rack to make sorting clothes even easier. You'll also want boxes or hampers to sort clothes and shoes you want to donate or recycle.
Step 1: Clean It Out
The first step in closet organization is decluttering. Follow the one-year rule to purge outdated or ill-fitting garments from your closet.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 recycle. 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 storage space go to waste. That top shelf can quickly become a dumping ground. Instead, keep handbags and sweaters from toppling over using shelf dividers. Shoes and t-shirts may be stored in stacking drawers, stacking shelves, or labeled storage 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 velvet 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 racks 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 for accessories, jewelry, hats, purses—even shoe storage. 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 door organizers: those that hook over the door and those that mount to the door directly. Hooks and hook racks can be used for 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.