messy closet overflow

Have you ever had the feeling that you don’t have enough closet space to hold all of your stuff? This feeling is more common than you think. A frequent misconception is that you need more space. However, even those who have a lot of closet space can still get the feeling of not having enough space. So before you go and write up a blueprint for a larger closet you should consider these tips and tricks for ways to maximize your current closet space.

1) Take an Inventory Count

In order to figure out the best ways to maximize closet space for your closet you should make note of everything you already have. I’m sure it’s been a while since you’ve gone thoroughly through your closet. It’s easy for items to get moved around and to forget exactly what you have. Once you have gone through, you can decide what to keep and what to give away. This also helps in the future to avoid double purchases and having two of the same thing in your closet because you forgot you already had something.

2) Use Vertical Space

It is easy to fill your closet space horizontally and in the spots that are most convenient to access. However, taking the time to use your vertical space is crucial. You have the option of using space above your hanging clothes for shoes or seasonal clothing you aren’t currently using. My best recommendation is to use the vertical space for items that you don’t use most frequently. This trick alone adds another layer to your closet you may not have been utilizing yet.

3) Use the Closet Door

You can use both the front and back of your closet door for additional storage space. However, I know there are people out there that use their door to hide the clutter of their closet from the rest of the room and would prefer to not have anything hanging on the outside as a reminder of the mess on the inside. And that’s completely up to you, but you should at least be using the inside door. You have several options when it comes to how you will utilize your closet door for extra storage. Attached are some of my favorite over the door storage items:

4) Use the Floor Space

Another commonly forgotten area of your closet is the floor space. You have lots of options when it comes to the floor space of your closet. An easy change is to use the floor space for your shoes. However, for those that may have the over-the-door shoe rack and still have floor space you can use it for miscellaneous items such as bags, luggage, etc.

5) Choose Hangers that Work for You

different types of hangers

There may be more room on your closet rod than you think. Several different types of hangers are better suited for hanging certain clothing items. Attached below are links to different hangers and a description of how they can be best utilized:

  • Thin Hangers – Best used for tops, whether it be worktops or everyday tops you would prefer to hang to avoid folding wrinkles.
  • Multiple Layered Hanger – These hangers are best for maximum closet rod space.
  • Clip Hangers – Best used for jeans, shorts, skirts, etc.

6) Use Additional Storage

Depending on how your closet is set up, you should consider adding additional storage units to fill any awkward gaps. For example, if you have hanging clothes and there is space underneath not being used, think about adding some shelves or drawers for more storage. This will not only make your closet look neater because your items will be stored away, but is also one of the best ways to maximize closet space. Attached are a few storage items that would work for all closets:

  • Storage Cubs – These are great for extra folded clothing or miscellaneous items like socks. Best used for storage above the hanging rod.
  • Closet Cube Storage Shelves – These are great because you can pick and choose how many storage cubes you would like and design the way they are stacked in your closet.
  • Storage drawers – This is great for underneath your clothes hanging up to best utilize that dead space.

7) Master the Fold

Purchasing the extra storage is great, but it’s even better when you know how to maximize space within the space. It can be as simple as folding your clothes a little differently. Attached is a short youtube video of me showing a way that I have been folding my clothing that has helped me not only with space but organization as well.

8) Think Outer Closet

During the process of reorganizing your closet you should consider whether or not items would be better stored outside of the closet. For example, if you choose to not use the over the door shoe rack you may be able to store your shoes under your bed. Another common item is towels, which are often stored in closets and they can be very bulky. Consider storing them in your bathroom to better utilize the space within your closet.

9) Preserve Your Space

After all that work you put in to reorganize and take count of everything you have can easily be counteracted if you aren’t successful in preserving your space. What that means is if you continue to purchase things and do not get rid of anything, you will feel like your back at square one overwhelmed with stuff and not enough space. I recommend continuing to take inventory of what you have and what you are purchasing and make sure you have room for it. If not, consider getting rid of some items you may feel aren’t as important in order to preserve your space and organization.

As you can see you have several options when it comes to reorganizing your closet. The most important thing to remember is to do what works best for you. These tips and tricks are some of the best ways to maximize closet space for all closet sizes. So what are you waiting for?