Experts say that when it comes to maximizing closet space, every inch counts. The key is ensuring that your organization structure goes from floor to ceiling, with an eye toward how you use your space.
Start with a thorough decluttering. Anything you don’t wear or can’t stand anymore should be donated or used for rags, experts advise.
Invest in a Hanging Shelving System
Shelving is a great space-saving option that can be used in many different ways. There are a variety of closet shelving systems available, from simple floating shelves to more elaborate designs that incorporate drawers and dividers for socks, underwear, and other small accessories.
Many closet shelving systems are modular, so you can customize the design to meet your needs. For example, a wall-mounted system can fit shoe racks to store shoes, while a suspended system can include a hanger for scarves and belts. You can also add a hanging shelf to the back of your closet door to hold handbags and other accessories, which utilizes vertical space and keeps them easily accessible.
There are some systems that can be custom-fitted to your specific closet, and a professional installer can help you determine the best solution for your space. These experts will come to your home and measure the space and contents of your closet, so they can create a plan that maximizes storage.
If you have a limited amount of hanging space, a double hang is a simple and inexpensive solution that can instantly transform your closet. By hanging one longer category, like shirts, you can create room below for another shorter section, such as pants. Remember that each room should be deep cleaned once in a while to make sure that dust and garbage are taken out.
The top shelf is a valuable space for storing items you don’t use every day, such as off-season clothing or luggage. Installing sturdy storage bins can keep everything neatly tucked away, and you can label the bins to make it easier to find what you’re looking for. These bins are also an ideal place to stow larger seasonal items, such as boots and heavy winter coats. Using the popular file folding method made famous by Marie Kondo, you can fold clothing into smaller stacks that are easy to see and reach.
Create a Shoe Rack
Shoe racks are a great addition to closets. Not only do they keep footwear organized and tidy, but they also protect shoes from dust, scuffing, and marking. They also make it easy to quickly find a specific pair of shoes. There are a variety of shoe racks available, including over-the-wall hanging shoes organizers, mesh shoe organizers, bar carts, and freestanding racks. Some are designed to hold only shoes while others can be used for storage of practically anything from rolls of gift wrap to children’s toys or extra pantry supplies.
If you’re tired of tripping over stray shoes, or spending an inordinate amount of time searching for the perfect pair of shoes to match an outfit, consider adding a shoe rack to your bedroom closet or foyer. It’s a great way to declutter your space and instantly makes the area feel tidier, cleaner, and more spacious.
Another great feature of a shoe rack is that it allows you to keep shoes away from other items in your closet, like sweaters or dresses. This helps prevent abrasions and stretches in your clothing and keeps them looking their best. Plus, it’s a lot easier to see the bottom of your shoes when they’re stored on a rack than if they’re piled on top of one another in your closet.
If you want to maximize closet space and get the most out of your existing closet, consider adding a shoe rack, over-the-door storage bins, or a hanging jewelry organizer to the back of your door. With some creativity and closet space savers, you can easily turn your small or cluttered closet into a spacious, well-organized sanctuary where all of your clothes, shoes, accessories, and linens fit perfectly.
Add Drawers
When it comes to maximizing closet space, adding drawers is a simple and cost-effective solution. Drawers help to keep your clothes organized and can also add some aesthetically appealing storage to your new closet system.
If you’re unsure whether or not to invest in a drawer system, consider the following benefits:
Clothes are easy to store in drawers and are much less likely to get wrinkled than those on hangers. Folded items take up a fraction of the space as their hanging counterparts, so you can fit more clothing into your drawers. Drawer dividers can help you fine-tune your organization system even further, keeping things like socks, underwear, and stockings neatly sorted.
Another reason why you may want to consider investing in a drawer system is the added convenience of being able to throw things away, such as unwanted clothes or accessories, easily. Having a designated place for things like this can help reduce clutter on your closet’s countertops, making it easier to find what you’re looking for when getting ready in the morning.
You can further optimize your closet space by utilizing over-the-door organizers for small items and by using hooks to hold long, thin items like scarves and umbrellas. By doing this, you can free up more space on your closet’s shelves for clothes and shoes. You can also utilize shelf dividers to create separate sections for different types of clothing. This will make it easier to find the dress you want in the morning, rather than having to look through a stack of T-shirts and sweaters. This will also allow you to see the most worn garments first, so you’ll have those at the front of your wardrobe when getting dressed.
Hang Under-Bed Bins
Unless you have a walk-in closet, it can be challenging to fully maximize the space in a small home or apartment. Often, items that aren’t in use every day are relegated to the under-bed area, where they gather dust and are difficult to access when needed. Experts recommend re-examining that unused sliver of space with some smart storage containers and clever organization tips.
Be ruthless and sort through things that you no longer need, such as old high school sports jerseys or ill-fitting clothes. You can donate those and put truly sentimental pieces in a box under the bed (see our expert organization tips for ideas on how to store these items). If you are storing clothing or shoes in bins, use shelf dividers that form little cubbies for easy organization. And don’t forget to label the outside of the bins with an inventory of what’s inside, making it easy to find what you need when you want it.
Another space-saving tip is to repurpose an old dresser drawer as a storage unit for under-bed storage. This allows you to make good use of the entire area under your bed while also keeping everything organized and out of sight. If you’re going this route, look for long, low bins that are designed specifically for under-bed storage. This will ensure they fit properly and are easy to reach when you need to retrieve something.
The under-bed space is also ideal for storing memorabilia or old photos that aren’t accessed on a regular basis. Organize these items in acid-free bins that will help them preserve their quality over time. You can also tuck away wrapping paper, ribbons and bows as well as tape, scissors and cards in a clear plastic bin under your bed. This will keep these items out of the way until you need them, but still be easy to find when it’s time for a party or special event.
Create a Labeling System
One of the most important steps in maximizing closet space is creating a labeling system. This is the key to ensuring that the space remains organized long-term. Using labels will save you time, increase productivity, reduce stress and eliminate frustration, prevent clutter from building up, and create clarity in the space.
Once you have a labeling system in place, it will make it easier for everyone in the home to locate items and put them back after use. It will also make it less likely that new items will be brought into the space and end up in a pile of clutter.
There are many ways to implement a labelling system, including using a label maker or stickers for containers and bins, ties for drawers in a shared space, chalkboard labels for baskets in the pantry, or even pocket organizers that can be placed on the door for smaller accessories like scarves, belts and hats. Labels should be consistent across all spaces and should clearly communicate what the item is (e.g., flour vs. Bisquick) and where it is supposed to go (e.g., pantry, cabinet, drawer).
Once you have a labeling system in a space that works for you and your family, it is important to stick with it. Consistency and regular updates are key to maintaining your organization system and preventing it from falling out of alignment over time. If you are not sure how to create an effective labelling system for a specific space, reach out to an expert in your local area who can provide suggestions and tips that will work for your family. They will be able to assess the space and determine the best way to optimize the space with storage solutions that will make it easy for everyone in your home to locate items and put them away.
