For those with cramped closets, it can be challenging to keep things organized. However, with some creative storage solutions, you can stretch limited square footage to neatly accommodate your entire wardrobe. The right organizational tools and hangers and clothes hangers are key to maximizing every inch while maintaining easy access.
Evaluate Hanger Options
Invest in quality slim hangers that maximize horizontal rod space. Wooden hangers with a slim profile are versatile for most garments. Velvet and textured plastic prevent slippery pieces from sliding off while condensing storage footprint. If low ceiling height is an issue, consider specialty hangers that lift clothes vertically or collapse compressing clothing tightly to walls.
Install Multi-Level Hanging Rods
While one rod may come standard, installing a second rod effectively doubles hanging capacity. Place the upper rod safely above head level to hang items less frequently accessed. For narrow reach-in closets, consider high-low combo rods allowing clothes to hang staggered between two levels. This takes advantage of all available airspace.
Add Shelving Strategically
While rods accommodate hanging items, shelves provide stacked storage real estate. Install shelving in underutilized vertical zones above and below the main closet rod. The often wasted space between the floor and lower rod can house shoes and bags. The area above the hanging rod accommodates accessory bins or infrequently used items like formalwear.
Use Wall Space Creatively
Look beyond floors and dividers by exploiting wall space bordering the closet perimeter. Over-the-door hanging racks and mirrored jewelry organizers utilize back of door real estate. Sturdy wall-mounted racks can be installed inside closet walls to store belts, ties, caps and folded accessories. Floating wall shelves above the rod hold hats and luggage.
Incorporate Freestanding Furnishings
Where permissible, compact freestanding furnishings expand storage functionality. Narrow cabinet towers work well situated perpendicular to closets, accessed from the room. These hold bags, shoes and folded garments. Similarly, a tall bookshelf placed nearby serves as extended storage with baskets organizing specialty items by category.
Divide Using Shelves & Rods
Built-in structural dividers establish separate zones devoted to clothing categories. Upper/lower rods separated horizontally by shelves clearly define hanging versus folded items. Install floor-to-ceiling cubbies with integrated lower rods to delineate his/her halves in a shared closet. Use side-by-side parallel divider rails to designate center zones for seasonal outerwear, gowns etc.
Categorize Creatively By Usage
Think outside the box when mapping closet space by usage frequency and outfit pairings. Place current season must-haves at eye level for grab-and-go convenience. Use specialty hangers to store regular combinations side-by-side. Condense lesser worn items toward the periphery or vertical extremes – either overhead or down low. This efficient system makes best use of prime zones for everyday essentials you access most.
With some clever reconfiguration and space-conscious hangers, even cramped closets can be whipped into usable shape. Apply these creative storage tricks to keep contents accessible all year round, maximizing every inch available!
