Unlock Hidden Space: Maximizing Limited Custom Closet Space

Declutter the Space

You might be dealing with the issue of having too many items in your small space. While you can actually fit a lot inside of a reach-in closet, having belongings you no longer need or want doesn’t make sense. The best thing to do in this case is declutter.

You can do this in one of several ways. The first, which is the fastest is to pull everything out of your closet, and separate the items you no longer want or wear. Pack them into a box, and drop it off at your nearest thrift store. The job gets done quickly, and you have more space in your closet.

Another way is to turn all of your hangers backwards. When you wear something, turn the hanger the correct way. At the end of a six-month period (set a reminder on your phone) – look and see what’s hanging on the backwards hangers. Unless those are special occasion items, such as something you’d wear to a wedding, you can assume you no longer need them, since you haven’t worn them in six months, and you can donate them.

Trulia has more details on both of these methods as well as a few others for cleaning out your custom closet.

Use Adjustable Shelving

Using adjustable shelving in your small closet creates a more versatile space that you can change as you need to. While shelving in a closet system is designed for your unique needs, chances are good that your needs will change over time. You might settle on a different type of wardrobe, you might get a different job necessitating different clothing, or you might decide to start a more expansive shoe or purse collection in the future.

You can then reconfigure your shelves as your wardrobe evolves. When you pair this with periodic decluttering, you’ll likely find you have plenty of room for the items that are important to you at any given time.

Take Advantage of Vertical Space

Vertical space is often underused in closets, particularly in small closets. You can install hooks, pegs, or hangers on the back of your closet door or on the walls of the closet. Use these for hanging belts, ties, scarves, and bags. 

When you have your closet rods installed, your closet designer might suggest putting one rod a few feet under the other. This allows you to hang some separates up high and others down low – doubling your hanging space. This is also more visually appealing than one bar across the top of your closet.

Add Pull-Out Closet Components

When you have a custom closet system, not everything has to be out on full display at all times. Using pull-out or fold-down closet components saves space and still allows you to use your closet to its full potential.

For example, a pull-out mirror stays safely stowed away until you need to pull it out to look at your reflection after getting dressed. This means it’s not taking up wall space that you might prefer to use for the aforementioned hooks or racks.

Drawers are another pull-out component that many people forget about when creating their closet systems. You don’t have to limit yourself to storing only hangable clothes in the closet; drawers let you keep your t-shirts, undergarments, sweaters, and jeans in the space, too.

Rotate Clothing Seasonally

If your closet is small and you have a large wardrobe, you might need to rotate your clothes seasonally. Keep only cold-weather clothing in the space during the winter, and only warm-weather clothing during the summer. 

Of course, this means you’ll need to find a space to put the out-of-season clothes. Under-the-bed bins are a popular option. Slide your sweaters, jackets, and boots into these large bins, and keep them under your bed during the summer months, then switch them out for your t-shirts and tank tops during the winter. The Spruce has even more tips for storing clothes seasonally.

Conclusion

Making the most of your small closet can take some figuring out, but it can be done. Decluttering what you don’t need, using adjustable shelving, and rotating clothes with the season are some of the ways you can find hidden space within your closet system.

Source

• https://www.trulia.com/blog/the-reverse-hanger-trick-and-9-more-decluttering-hacks/ 
• https://www.thespruce.com/storing-seasonal-clothing-1900114