How to Maximize Closet Space
Unlock the key to a well-organized closet.
Smart storage solutions and shelving layouts can transform any closet and help you capitalize on the storage space you have. Here's how to get your closet in order and max out its storage capacity.
1. Clear Out Your Closet
First, give your closet a much-needed clear out. Remove everything except for pre-installed shelves or clothing racks. Sort items into piles as you go. To stay on the right track, create "keep", "donate", "discard", and "out-of-season" piles for clothing, shoes, and accessories.
2. Consider Storage Needs
Everything in your "keep" pile and "out-of-season" pile should be taken into consideration when deciding how to reorganize your closet. What you have will ultimately determine what types of storage you'll need to add to your closet! A good example is a sweater collection. You'll need sealable bins to store them out-of-season, and you'll need drawers or cubby-style closet shelving to store them in-season, since hangers can cause sweaters to stretch out. We actually have a guide, How to Store Sweaters: The Art of Proper Sweater Storage, if you’re looking for more info!
3. Measure Your Closet for Potential Organizers & Shelving
Once you have a better idea of what types of storage solutions you need for your items, you can get your closet's measurements. Measure the height, width, and depth of your closet space in order to narrow down the appropriate dimensions for storage shelves or closet systems.
4. Upgrade Existing Shelves & Cubbies to Be More Functional
If you already have closet shelving or a closet organizer system, there are a few savvy ways to make the most of them:
Clear storage bins help contain/secure clothing items and accessories (even socks!) on shelves.
Helper shelves and under-shelf baskets increase the vertical storage space of existing shelves.
Shelf dividers help keep clothing or shoes organized and contained on long overhead shelves.
Drawer organizers can be paired with cubby-style shelves to store/organize socks and small accessories.
Closet systems come in a range of sizes and design layouts to help you reenvision your closet space. They usually include built-in clothing racks, cubby-style shelves, overhead shelves, and even drawer storage options. What makes closet systems so helpful is that they make use of vertical wall space in your closet, ensuring every inch is utilized. Check out our guide on How to Choose the Right Closet System to learn more.
Tip!
Make sure to have a step stool/ladder on-hand for easy access to upper shelves.
Freestanding garment racks are great storage solutions for rental closets because they give you the structure you need to hang clothes without having to secure anything to the wall – even freestanding closet systems likely need to be mounted to the wall for safety. Opt for a garment rack with wheels so you can wheel out your outfit selections.
If the amount of clothes you need to hang up exceeds the length of your clothes rack, consider tiered hangers. These hangers are designed to hang/store multiple shirts, pants, or accessories vertically. What this does is shrink the space required to hang up several clothing items – freeing up space on your clothes rack!
Hanging organizers include cubby-style shelves or accessory organizers that attach to clothing racks or wall-mounted closet shelves. They ultimately help fill in vertical closet space by adding more storage opportunities. Hanging organizers work well if you're still considering a permanent closet system or if you want a quick and functional storage option.
Similar to hanging organizers, over-the-door organizers are specifically designed to hang from the inside or the outside of the closet door. These organizers can include hanging rods, shoe organizers, shelves, bins, jewelry storage, and more – freeing up shelves and cubbies inside your closet.
Another way to increase your closet space and make it more functional is by using storage furniture and under-bed storage to deal with overflow or out-of-season items.
Dressers can be used as nightstands or bedroom TV stands while also providing helpful drawer storage for sweaters, socks, underwear, ties, and even jewelry.
Under-bed storage bins are perfect for storing extra shoes or bulky winter clothes that would otherwise take up valuable closet space.
Storage ottomans and benches serve as accent seating, while hidden compartments allow for shoe and clothing storage.
