5 Tips on How To Maximize Your Closet Space

Of course, even if you have worked hard to get the luxurious full-room-closet of your dreams, the best way to maximize that space is to minimize your belongings. Closets play a critical storage role in any home, but the items stored there do have a “shelf life”, so to speak. At the very least, a closet clean out is going to help keep the space organized and efficient. Start decluttering by first getting rid of any clothing with holes or stains. Then, turn your attention to pieces that are too big/small on you now and pieces you simply don’t wear anymore.

It’s a great idea to have a bin readily available in your closet designated for items you want to donate and/or items you want to sell. As you find things you no longer fit into or want, add them immediately to the appropriate bin and free up space within the closet. At the end of each month, take these items to your desired donation center and/or consignment store. You can also free up space by promptly removing any old shoe boxes, broken or bent hangers, and/or other excess items that have somehow made their way into a space they don’t belong.

One tip that will work in any sized closet is to make the most of the floor itself! Instead of simply piling shoes on the floor (or on upper shelves which are valuable closet realty) try using storage boxes that will sit on the floor. Something like these clear stackable bins are a great option for shoes because you can “customize” the shape and size of the storage to best fit the floor space within your closet. You can also make the most out of your closet floor by arranging the clothes so that you have your lower hanging items on the bottom. This way, you can store items beneath them. One final suggestion of what works well on a closet floor is a laundry bin. Find a bin that is both a functional size and good fit to sit in an easily accessible place near your closet door.

Utilize the floor space, but also…maximize the space at the top of your closet as well! If you have nothing but air above your closet rods, install shelves. For those shelves, get sturdy bins for non-hanging items. Depending on the items, you may want to consider the type of bin you’ll use. If you believe you’ll often haphazardly throw things such as belts, small clutches, etc. into them, aesthetic baskets with labels may be better than clear storage. However, if you’re storing a variety of nice bags/handbags that you’ll need frequent and easy access to, something like these stacking clear acrylic organizers are a great option. Other things that work well in bins on shelves include workout clothing and swimwear. If you like the idea of being able to see what you’ve stored where, but simultaneously don’t necessarily want to “display” those items, consider bins with windows. An option like this gives you the best of both worlds. (Before buying anything, don’t forget to measure your vertical space/the height you have between shelves so you get the right sized product to fit your space.)

If you have empty and awkward wall space leftover, add hooks! Hooks are a great place to hang smaller miscellaneous items such as hats, bags, scarves, belts, etc. Command hooks make a perfect option if you want to plan for easy changes in the future, and, they create less damage to the walls!

One of the easiest and best ways to maximize your closet’s hanging space is to change out your hangers. Today they make countless styles of hangers and opting for the slim, space-saving ones will make a big difference. (We personally love these velvet hangers because they’re not only slim, but the material prevents items from slipping off the hangers, they come in ten different color options, and they have a 360° swivel hook!) You may also want to add hanging organizers if you’re in need of more shelves or drawers within your closet. These come in a variety of sizes and styles so it’s become easier to “customize” the hanging space you have in any shape/size closet. To keep your valuable hanging space efficient and most organized, move out-of-season items to the top rods (or back corner) of your closet.

The final tip to maximize your closet space is to simply make use of every area. Find additional storage solutions that will work within the closet. One often under-utilized space is the back of the closet door. You could add a hanging organizer for shoes, (rolled up) scarves/belts, (rolled up) tank tops/tee shirts, etc., or, an over-the-door jewelry cabinet to the door. The back of the door also makes a good place for command hooks if you don’t have leftover wall space.

Utilize the space under your closet shelves or underneath the bed by using sturdy/flat storage boxes to store blankets and seasonal wear (sweaters, summer only items such as swimwear, etc.). Another perfect place for additional storage in the home is other closets. Hall closets or closets within guest rooms or home offices make a good option for out-of-season items and other belongings you don’t necessarily need taking up space in your closet every day. Using dresser or drawer organizers within closets to store folded clothing, intimates, socks, pajamas, etc. also help keep like items together and make finding items easier in the morning.

Closets are one of our favorite spaces to work with because we not only know how instrumental they are to home storage, but we’ve seen some of the biggest and best transformations when working with clients on their closets. As I said, it’s where we all begin most of our mornings! Having a space that is efficient, neat, and easy to navigate can improve the mindset you’ll carry forward into the rest of your day. Hopefully these five tips can get you started. We’d love to hear what tips you’d add to this list or help in any way we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@sortedout.com any time – we can wait to get started!

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Tonia