5 Tips For Maximizing Space In Your Custom Closet
Small closets. Small spaces. Big ideas.
We all have them, those spaces in our homes that seem to defy organization no matter how many times we try. It happens without fail every time we open the door, clothes and shoes spill out onto the floor, hanging clothes get wrinkled, and we can never find what we're looking for. Sound familiar?
Of course, it does, because we've all been there. But big ideas often come in small packages, and the same is true when it comes to organization. With a little creativity and some elbow grease, even the smallest closet can be transformed into an efficient storage space.
#1 Clothing Folding Techniques
The way you fold your clothes can have a significant impact on how much space you end up using in your closet. Traditional methods like folding shirts and pants length-wise and stacking them on top of each other can take up a lot of room, especially if you have a large wardrobe.
Instead, try folding your clothes horizontally. This method, often called the KonMari method, was popularized by Japanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo. To fold clothes using this method, lay the garment flat on a surface and fold one side towards the center, then do the same with the other side. Once both sides are folded inwards, simply lift up the bottom of the garment and fold it over the top, creating a small, neat rectangle.
This method not only helps you to maximize closet space, but it also makes it easier to see all of your clothes at once so you can quickly find what you're looking for.
#2 Hang It Up! (Correctly)
Hanging clothes is another great way to maximize small closet space, but it's important to do it correctly. Clothes hangers come in a variety of materials, sizes, and shapes, so you should take the time to find the ones that work best for your clothing and your space.
● If you have a lot of heavy jackets or coats, you'll want to use sturdier hangers that can support the weight, like wooden hangers.
● If you're short on space, consider using slimline hangers, which are narrower than traditional hangers and take up less room in your closet. They also come in various materials, like plastic or metal, so you can choose the ones that best match your clothing.
Aside from the hangers themselves, it's also essential to
make sure you're hanging your clothes
correctly:
● Clothes should be hung so that the bottom of the garment is about six inches from the ground. This allows air to circulate around the clothing and prevents wrinkles.
● Be sure to leave enough space between each garment, so they don't get wrinkled.
● You should also group similar items together, like all your dresses in one area or all your pants in another. This will make it easier to find what you're looking for and keep your closet organized.
● Hang purses, scarves, and other accessories on hooks or over-the-door racks to free up space in your closet. You can also use these storage solutions for belts, ties, and jewelry.
● Hang clothes according to type. For example, keep all your dresses together or all your pants in one area.
● Hang your clothes so that the hooks are all facing the same direction. This will not only create a neater appearance, but it will also make it easier to see all of your clothes at once.
There's a lot to consider when hanging clothes, but
taking the time to do it correctly will save you a lot of headaches (and space)
in the long run.
#3 Arrange by Color
- Start by grouping all your light-colored clothes together, then do the same with your dark-colored garments. You can also create separate sections for each color family. For example, you might have a section for all your white and cream-colored clothes, a section for all your black and gray clothes, and so on.
- Once you've divided your clothes into groups, arrange them in order from lightest to darkest. This will create a gradient effect that looks aesthetically pleasing and makes it easy to find what you need.
- If you have a lot of clothes, you might want to consider hanging a second rod in your closet so you can double up on your space. This is especially helpful if you have long dresses or coats that take up a lot of room.
#4 Invest in Multi-Purpose Furniture
#5 Use the Back of the Door
● Install over-the-door hooks to hang purses, scarves,
belts, and hats.
●
Use clear shower
caddies to store jewelry, hair
accessories, and beauty products.
● Install an over-the-door shoe up a tension rod to hang clothes that don't need to be folded, like jeans or sweaters.