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Closet Space is Finite, but Ideas Are Not!

Written by woodworker on April 19th, 2009

If you are constantly looking for your belongings in an overstuffed closet, chances are that you are not utilizing all of the closet space available. Many people have more closet space than they realize. Extra space can go unused or can become a magnet for clutter. If opening your closet doors or even approaching your closet to find an outfit to wear is something that you dread, it might be time to give your closet a makeover.

Start by finding clothes that no longer fit or are not “in style” anymore. Old clothing can be donated to charity or handed down to other friends or family members. Giving clothes away is a great gesture. You can feel good about helping others while working on taming your wild closet.

Sorting old clothes may not have much effect on the mess on the floor, but the available space in the closet should increase. Closet clutter happens, in most cases, because the space within the closet is not being used to its fullest potential. A messy closet makes it harder to find what you want. This can be quite stressful. Also, piling up clothes is not often the best, or the most space conscious, ways to utilize your closet space. You can reduce stress and organize your wardrobe with a few inexpensive ideas for maximizing closet space.

Here are some easy and affordable tips you can use for making the most out of your closet space:

The Clothing Rod

· A plastic cover designed to slip over or snap onto closet rods can help clothes on hangers glide more smoothly as you move them across the rod. These closet rod covers are typically plastic or made from another material. Rods such as these can be easily maintained by wiping the cover with a cloth to keep dust off the rod, and your clothes.

· Belt trees that generally take up not much more space than that of one and a half, or two regular hangers, are terrific for hanging your belts for easy access to them.

· Ladder-type hangers allow you to hang several pairs of jeans on one hanger, using space in your closet you may have ignored, and creating even more space for hanging additional clothing.

· Cloth and plastic caddies with a Velcro or snap for attaching to the rod can store socks, t-shirts, shorts, bras, panties, shoes, and more.

· Hanging wardrobes for travelling are not just for when you go away. Use these special hangers in your closet to keep your finer clothes protected from dust and dirt. Place a scented dryer sheet inside to help clothes stay smelling fresh. Replace the dryer sheet every 3 to 4 months.

Above the Clothing Rod

· Install shelves above the clothing rod in your closet to utilize the available space there. Today there are many designs in closet shelving to help you customize this hard to reach space to fit your needs.

· Small and stackable storage containers fit nicely on closet shelves and you can use them for storing a wide assortment of clothing and accessories.

· Hooks on the underside of closet shelves are useful for hanging short, lightweight items.

· Adding one or more portable LED lights under a shelf will provide you with extra lighting where you need it.

Closet Walls

· Hooks are great for hanging purses, beach bags and hats, scarves, robes, and other accessories.

· Sidewall shelves utilize space above and below the clothing rod that otherwise would be a missed opportunity for organizing your belongings.

· Shoe racks attached to a sidewall in your closet are nice if they do not take up too much space on your closet rod. You can use shoe racks for more than just storing footwear.

Floor

· Angled risers anchored against the back wall of your closet can hold shoes, boots, and even handbags.

· Boxes made of plastic or durable cardboard and placed on your closet floor are colorful and decorative accents, which also function as storage for a variety of items in your closet. Choosing styles of differing heights and lengths provides you with multiple storage options.

With these suggestions for maximizing the usage of the space in your closet, you can create a closet that keeps everything neat and readily accessible when you need it. Dressing for work or a night out with family and friends will no longer be the exercise in frustration and disgust it was when the “clutter-monster” ruled your closet.

If you have an overstuffed or unorganized closet, you might be wondering where to start. Looking for closet organizers, shelving, jeans and pants hangers, and other specially designed hangers is a great first step. Take a look at some caddies, trees, and other closet aids online. With these helpful products and a commitment to cleaning and throwing away old clothing, you will be on the right track to getting the most out of your closet space.

Jennifer Bailey is a freelance writer who writes about home organization and space saving, often focusing on specific products such as the wonder hanger

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