Living with a small closet can be a real bummer - especially when home design magazines and blogs tout the architecture of large, roomy, walk-in closet spaces. Don’t fret. A small closet space does not automatically mean you have to stuff and stack your possessions into oblivion. You have options!
Here are eleven ideas to help you make the most of the space you have.
- Let go of things. Sell, donate, recycle, or discard items that no longer serve you. If it doesn’t enhance your lifestyle, it may not be a possession worth keeping. For motivation on this, check out the writings of Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus at www.theminimalists.com.
- Rotate seasonal clothing. Store the off-season season pieces in your attic or under your bed. Under-the-bed storage totes are available from retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond.
- Build up and Add shelves up high and shoe racks down low.
- Use the walls. Side walls can hold shelving and hooks for storage. Consult with a contractor or handyperson regarding recessed shelving. If this is an option, recessed storage can add cubic feet of storage space inside the walls.
- Add a clothing rod. High ceilings could allow for two clothing rods that run the length of your space (one above and one below). A wide but short closet is a good candidate for over-the-door units, like this closet valet from Amazon.com
- Maximize your lighting. Lighting is an essential element of design and can make the space look larger as well as make it easier to find items. Properly placed fixtures will add to your home’s value if you ever decide to sell.
- If the whole room is small and you want to take back the clearance space from the door swing: Install a sliding door. A barn door or pocket door moves into the wall instead of the room. Plus, trendy doors enhance the overall design appeal of your home.
- Hide clothing and other closet items somewhere in the house. Do you have built-in shelving or drawers in the hallway? Maybe a China hutch or kitchen cabinet that sits unused? These can be great spaces for hiding shoes and sweaters.
- Rent storage space. The storage rental industry is booming. In July of 2021, Realtor Magazine reported that this sector is growing fast. According to the article Making Space for Self-Storage, shuttered department stores are being converted into rentable consumer storage space.
- Use an online design service. Websites like easyclosets.com offer everything from DIY tutorials to professional consultation. If you start with a budget, an online pro can give you great direction and even recommend contractors for bigger jobs.
Hire an in-person professional organizer. He or she will see things that most of us overlook. Professional organizers find a “home” for your items and utilize the space you have to the best of its potential. If you’re thinking about hiring out this service, ask friends and family for a referral. Also, look for someone certified by the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO).