How to Maximize Your Closet Storage Space
If you feel cursed by small or inefficient closets, you’re not alone. A lot of older homes were built with inadequate and/or small closets, as were many dorms, apartments and mobile homes. Don’t despair, however, because there are many things you can do to make the best of your tiny closets. The most obvious solution to your storage problems is reducing your belongings, which you should probably do periodically (read our other blog post on closet organizing). You’ll be glad to know that there are also some easy ways to maximize your existing closet space and, even better, they won’t cost you an arm or a leg.
Accessories like hanging shelves are lifesavers for closets that have a reasonable amount of lateral space (long closet rod). Other useful products are hooks and other hangers for adding storage in unused wall space and in corners. Also many rod hangers are now customized to accommodate multiple garments or accessories. Above all, think vertically and find creative ways to use all of that unused space at the top, side and floors of your closet. Read our vertical storage post on the Organize-It Blog for even more ideas about vertical storage.
Closet Accessories
Hanging shelves are great for storing clothes, shoes, linens and other items – right from your existing closet rods. They come in a range of styles and some even have cedar inserts to ward off insects.
A variety of hanging accessories are great for hanging jewelry, ties, scarves and other accessories from your closet rod, or a dedicated hook on an open wall space. Hooks are a fabulous and inexpensive way to hang belts, hats and other accessories in unused places inside of your closet.
Tie and belt valets are great because they have sliding mechanisms that you can pull out for easy access and then fold back in after choosing your accessory. These are only a few of the closet accessories you can buy as inexpensive storage solutions for your closet.
Use Vertical Space
Evaluate your closet and note the unused space above your closet rod and on the floor and sidewalls. Can you add storage beneath your closet using freedomRail O-Boxes or some other solution? Will shoe racks fit either beneath your clothing or above it on a shelf? Does your closet have a shelf? If not, you may want to add one (see below). Is there room for more shelves below the closet rod or on the floor? Carefully assess the space and determine if you can better use the vertical space.
Shelves
Shelves are a versatile way to add storage to your closet and shelf dividers make them even more efficient. Upper shelves are great for stacking sweaters, linens, shoe boxes, storage baskets or smaller shelving units for other storage. freedomRail shelves are easy to install and come in a variety of finishes, but you can also add custom shelves to existing closet systems to make storage below a rod, above the doorway or in other unused space. A variety of brackets are available for a custom look and shelving can be custom cut to your specifications.
Stacking Boxes
Stacking boxes are lifesavers for using vertical space in your closet and consolidating socks, accessories, photos, and any other odds-and-ends you want to store. Also, a variety of boxes designed just for shoes and boots are available – and they not only provide neat-looking storage but also keep dust off your shoes – so when it’s time to dress up, they’re in ready-to-wear condition.
We’re sure you’ll find lots of ways to maximize closet space in our online store, and feel free to be creative and repurpose things around the house, or store-bought items. It’s your closet and you should feel free to approach your storage issues with a creative spirit.
Photos courtesy of Organized Living.
