Say Buh-Bye To Closet Envy

Design: Austin Bean Design Studio

The bane of many a renter's existence is a small closet. Not enough storage means more of a mess out in the open—and oftentimes a crammed-in mess behind closet doors, too. While we can't make your closet larger, we do have a few tips that will help create order from a chaotic, tiny closet. Take a peek at our helpful hints that will banish closet envy forever ... or at least make your closet neater! 

Categorize

First, take everything out of your closet and group your clothes into categories. Divide by:

• Seasons
• Type (t-shirts, skirts, sweaters)
• Colour Not only will this visually illustrate where you can pare down your closet, but it will help you organize them later in the process.

Purge or Store

Remove any clothes that are out of season. Clothes you won't be using for months don't need a place of prominence in your closet, and can be stored elsewhere. While you're at it, remove any clothes that do not fit or are only used on special occasions (think: ball gowns and tiaras). If you've got the space, consider storing your rarely used or out of season clothing and accessories somewhere outside of your closet. The hardest part is being honest with yourself about what you need and what you don't. If you genuinely haven't worn an item and don't foresee wearing it in the future, donate it—tax write off anyone?

Organize

Now that you've separated your clothes, it's time to place them back into your closet. Keep like items grouped together and determine what type of clothing you have the most of. Make your closet work for you by employing storage that is tailored to your needs:   

• Over-the-Door Shoe Storage: The power of doors seem to have no bounds. Rather than contain the mess, use your doors to organize it. Shoe racks are a slimline solution that will clear valuable floor space for other more important objects—like more clothes!  

• Storage Bins, Baskets, and Shelf Dividers: It may seem counterintuitive, but using these items to institute a system of organization actually creates more space. By utilizing areas  that may have been previously inaccessible you can get the most out of your closet.

• Freestanding Closets: For those that have some serious closet deficits, or for fashionistas in-the-know, a freestanding closet is the perfect storage alternative or add-on. These closets are having a moment right now, and for good reason. Not only do these space savers provide you with much needed extra storage, but allow you to showcase your favourite pieces. Putting together an outfit in the morning has never been easier.

• Closet Doubler: That's right, it doubles the hanging space in your closet. No screws, drills, or time required. This can be a life-saver, but is generally best for those that do not have many long items like dresses or coats. 

• Specialty Hangers: Though matching wooden hangers look amazingly chic, they take up tons of space. Likewise, those plastic dollar store hangers do the job, but in a small space just don't cut the mustard. Consider using extra thin hangers to double the amount of clothes you can hang in your closet. Scarves, ties, jewellery, and hosiery can also be stored with hangers built specifically to organize accessories.