Wish you had a bigger closet?
In this post, I show you how to increase your closet capacity without knocking down any walls.
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The need for more closet space
I often hear from clients that they don’t have enough closet space.
It’s not how much space you have, however, that determines how many articles of clothing you can fit; it’s how you use the space.
The following space-saving strategies will help you make use of every inch of your closet.
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1. Hang items vertically
You can reclaim dead space in your closet, by hanging shorter items of clothing vertically instead of horizontally. This approach is good for small or narrow closets.
Try putting skirts and shorts on a tiered hanger like this one that will give you back at least 50% of your rod space.
If a giant hanger seems daunting, these hangers cascade in sets of three, and this hanger comes in singles.
For off-season items, I recommend this hanger that not only saves space but also protects against dust.
Hooks are another way to use vertical space. These hooks are designed to hang below any wire shelf, to fill up the space behind your clothes.
I like using them to tuck hats, belts, and other accessories out of the way.
2. Extend your closet rods
If you have a wide closet, you can double or even triple your hang space by installing a closet rod extender.
Closet rod extenders (sometimes called hang rods or doublers) are rods that create different levels of hang space, by hanging below your existing rod.
This extender adds one level, which is best for women’s clothing. I like that it’s adjustable, so you can accomodate longer items like maxi skirts.
This extender adds two levels, which is great for kids clothes. I’ve also used this product to hang crop tops, shorts, and leggings.
Tip: to optimize men’s or plus size clothes, use a single-rod extender with pants on top and shirts below.
3. Use your walls and doors
It may sound strange but your walls, doors, and even ceiling are full of space-saving opportunities.
Try using a tension rod like this one to create hang space in small alcoves and other awkward spaces.
You can create hang space against a blank wall or even in the middle of a room with this system, which expands from the floor to ceiling.
For over-the-door products, my pick is this rack, because it expands to fit different door widths and the grooved sides keep hangers from sliding.
If you don’t have enough clearance for a rod, try adding a retractable rod that you can fold down when not in use.
This single valet takes up even less space and is great for planning your outfits for the week.
If you need a more portable solution, I suggest a rolling rack that you can quickly push out of sight.
Tips for keeping your clothing organized
Increasing your closet capacity is only great if you can maintain it. Here are a few tips for keeping your closet functional:
- Hang clothes in the same direction, facing you
- Categorize by sleeve length, not color
- Purge often
Remember, organizational systems evolve over time. Continue to look at your closet with a critical eye as you get dressed each morning.
Did you find my organizing ideas helpful?
Let me know in the comments below!