When visualizing a typical closet, what do you see? In many homes, the bedroom closet consists of a long rod with a shelf above it, so it’s often no surprise that a good chunk of the closet is found on the closet floor, on the bedroom chair, or hanging from exercise equipment. which are rarely used. A closet rod and shelf just isn’t an efficient use of space so in many cases it isn’t the individual being disorganized, it’s simply a lack of efficient space and storage options within the closet.
A custom built wardrobe is not in everyone’s budget. But even without built-in shelves and drawers, you can still have an efficient and organized closet with the help of some inexpensive closet organizers, found at many local or online discount department stores.
Here are some tips on how you can maximize your closet space with inexpensive closet organizers:
- skirts and pants: Maximize your hanging space with a 3-tier skirt hanger or 5-tier slack hanger. You can also find double hanging rods that hang from your existing closet rod, creating another row of hanging space below – no tools required!
- Suits: For suits, you’ll want to keep the jacket and skirt or pants together to save time, so use a hanger with clips or a hanger with a built-in hook designed to attach another hanger for the skirt or pants.
- Shoes: There are a variety of shoe organization options, including multi-level standing shoe racks and rotating shoe organizers. An over-the-door shoe organizer is one of my favorite space-saving closet organizers because it uses up a usually underused area. Another great option is a hanging pocket shoe organizer that simply hangs from your closet rod.
- ·Tops: Sweaters and blouses should be folded and placed in a drawer, if possible. However, if you don’t have enough drawer space, consider a hanging sweater organizer. Like the pocket shoe organizer, the sweater hanger has multiple cubbies and hangs on the existing closet rod. Or use open-shelf baskets with “windows,” so you can see what’s inside. Line them up on the shelf above the bar.
- socks and underwear: Ideally, socks and underwear should be stored in a dresser or chest of drawers. If you don’t have either, bring a rolling cart with drawers and store under your shorter hanging clothes inside the closet. Other options include over-the-door hanger pockets or optional drawer hanger pockets that you can purchase separately.
- Accessories: Hanging or over the door pocket organizers are also great for organizing bags and small accessories. You can also find specialty scarf and belt hangers for around $10 each. Hats are best stored in a hat box or clear container. If you have space to hang items on the wall, install wall hooks to hang frequently used hats, jewelry, and handbags, etc.
Whenever possible, avoid storing non-clothing items in your closet, such as bedding and papers. Store your out-of-season clothes in special storage bins or bags that can fit under your bed, or store them in another area of your home. Include cedar mini-blocks to prevent moth damage. If you find the process of organizing your closet overwhelming, call a professional organizer. Many professional organizers will help you completely revamp your closet and customize it for your lifestyle. Or if you prefer to do the work yourself, a professional organizer can simply give you some tips to get you started. Professional organizers generally charge by the hour or by the project.
Having an organized closet will eliminate the “I have nothing to wear!” blues and you’ll find yourself spending less time looking in your closet and more time wearing the clothes you love!