Asked on Dec 07, 2015

The smallest of small closets

Lala
by Lala
I need help! To make the best use out of this small closet.
  20 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Dec 07, 2015
    If you have the Big Box stores Home depot or Lowes they sell closet organizers in every size.
  • Snapoutofit Snapoutofit on Dec 07, 2015
    Raise the pole, move the shelf closer to the bottom of the closet. get some containers that are see through.
  • Lauren365 Lauren365 on Dec 07, 2015
    add adjustable shelves above the existing shelf. Put stuff you don't need that often on the upper shelves, and the items you use regularly on the lower shelves. While you're at it, throw a coat of white semi-gloss on all surfaces so it's not as dark in there. Also, organize your clothes! Place like things together, get rid of all extra hangers, pack away or get rid of anything you haven't worn in a year or more. this looks like a fun little project!
  • Ashley Mann Ashley Mann on Dec 07, 2015
    Maybe try some double hangers that allow shirts to be hung vertically from one hanger...something like this: http://smile.amazon.com/Wonder-Clothes-Hangers-Clothing-Organizer-set/dp/B00H9V5FAS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449546520&sr=8-2&keywords=double+hangers
  • Valerie Valerie on Dec 08, 2015
    I would raise the level of the shelf slightly, and then add an extra hanging rail. I have done that in my own closet, and it immediately doubles the amount of hanging space.
  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Dec 08, 2015
    I would caulk or tape all of the seams in your closet to keep out moths and dust, taking out the poles, shelves, or anything else moveable first. Prime and paint everything white or even a decorative color. Decide about moving shelves or poles and reinstall them. Don't put any clothes, blankets, etc. back in yet. You know the drill--get rid of everything you are not going to wear or use because of size, style, or preference. If there is dust on the hanger, you probably haven't worn the item in a long time. I'm using the backwards hanger idea for the rest of the clothes. Put the hangers with clothes back in backwards. When you wear and launder item, they are hung normally. After six months, if you haven't worn something, out it goes. For the items on the shelf, get rid of or find another place for everything you can. Then use the six month rule for the items left on the shelf, too. Shoes--same rule. An over-the-door shoe rack might help with shoes and other things. good luck!
  • Connie Connie on Dec 08, 2015
    Look at closet organizations systems online so you can get some ideas for what you need. You can them simulate the same things for much cheaper than what they want you to pay.
  • Becca Becca on Dec 08, 2015
    I would start by taking everything out to sort. Donate all that you don't want. Then I would remove the wooden shelf and paint the entire closet white. Replace the wooden shelf with a white coated wire shelf. You could put it up higher, or put up 2 and use the top one for things you seldom use. there are some that have a suspended hanging rod available. You could raise the height of the shelf and install a second hanging rod and double the hanging space. If you use another shelf with a hanging rod it can be used for shoes, handbags, etc. Good luck, send pictures of the renovation, I'd love to see it!
  • Barbara Barbara on Dec 08, 2015
    I purchased a 'Whitmore closet system' from Amazon for our hall closet. No screwing or tampering with surfaces it is a tension adjust system that is supported by the existing rod in your closet and is quite adaptable for width/height. I'd purchase the vacuum seal bags for linens and try to them stack neatly on the top shelf above the existing rod *Big Lots used to have them on the cheap but I don't know if they still do).. I agree with Jewell, I'd caulk and tape and paint after getting everything out and let it dry for a day while sorting out what you want to keep. I wouldn't waste my money on sweater boxes and shoe boxes, they consume space. I'd also purchase an eight shelf 'sweater' hanging (velcro around existing pole- also Big Lots for about $8.00) unit for small items. You haven't given dimensions of your closet so I'd get the Whitmore one in there first to see how much additional space you have. A hanging shoe pocket bag on the inside of the closet door can capture much 'little stuff' (extension cords, phone chargers, etc) not just shoes!
  • Nita Reddy Nita Reddy on Dec 08, 2015
    Not sure if this has been mentioned yet--my closets are even tinier than that (just 36" across!) and I've taken the doors off to start. It just makes it easier to get to the small space in there. You can add a curtain or barn door style door if you want to hide your stuff. I also installed an 8" depth shelf near the ceiling of the closet for seasonal/rarely needed things; you can still get to it, but it's out of the way. There are a lot of "tiny closet" pinterest boards, search for something that works for you. I like this page, too http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/small-closet-organizing-ideas-207307
  • Emily Emily on Dec 08, 2015
    The wall over the closet door is blocking a lot of usable storage space. If at all possible either remove that section of wall, have a door cut in it or otherwise make it accessible. Or you could remove the shelf and run another pole at the top and hang short things there. Paint the inside of your closet white or a light color, that will make everything easier to see. Use wooden hangers that match. Store out of season clothes elsewhere (under the bed, attic, cellar etc.) If possible store more things in bureaus (if you have the room)
  • Teresa C Teresa C on Dec 08, 2015
    In order to start, get some small molding and place in the corners then paint white. I agree with raising the shelf. However I would get wire shelving and use a smaller width for top shelf. Make sure it has a rack pole attached. Space Bag the clothes on the top shelf that you aren't using for the season. Look it as a decorative challenge.
  • LD LD on Dec 08, 2015
    First remove all the components from inside the closet, and remove the build doors as well. Replace buckles with French doors, so you have greater access to the inside of the closet and you can then use the inside of the doors for accessory items. If you don't have the "Container Store" near you can have a closet design created on-line. The Elfa system is sturdier than the systems sold elsewhere. I have personally used this shelf system in my condo, so I can get the best storage.
  • Craft*dog Craft*dog on Dec 08, 2015
    My suggestion, as I cannot change wardrobe structure (rented accommodation). The first thing I did was to take the pole down and invested in one that needed no screws and I could move up. Then I invested in some brilliant hangers, they are flocked and hold an outfit on one hanger or you can hang one hanger below the other hanger. So perhaps current season on top and non current on the bottom. Also tiered shoe rack xx
  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Dec 08, 2015
    I too have a small closet. I completely removed the bi-fold doors, took the pole out, patched, primed and painted the interior a semi gloss white. Then I installed TWO poles, and a top shelf. The top shelf for blouses and tops, the bottom for folded capris/slacks. On the floor: shoes. You can always hang your dresses & other long items in another closet. Where there's a will, there's a way. I also like Linda's suggestions about French doors and utilizing the inside of the doors. Have fun.
  • Carol Carol on Dec 08, 2015
    Do you need more hanging space or do you need more shelf space? If you need hanging space, remove the rod that is in there. Measure how long the clothes are, then reinstall the rod lower, so that the clothes are a couple of inches above the floor. Then measure again and put another rod above. Now you have doubled your hanging space. Just above the top rod, install a shelf but make it deep enough to come all the way to the front of the closet. Now you have doubled that shelf space. This is a good space for your shoes. Above that, depending on how much height is left, put in one or two more shelves but of normal depth, not all the way to the front. Personally, I do not care for the wire shelving because you cannot easily slide things (side to side or forward/back) that are on the wire, small things can fall through as well as dust and dirt. A solid shelf acts as somewhat of a barrier to help keep the clothes below from collecting dust. A clothes pole helps hangers to stay straighter, whereas th e wire system allows hangers to 'sway' more. Boots can go on the floor on each side. If your need is for more shelf space, then place only one pole, either higher or lower, and shelves above and below. :)
  • Maf2940243 Maf2940243 on Dec 09, 2015
    Add a second shelf half way between the ceiling and original shelf. You can buy a second rod that hangs from the one that's already there so you will have more space to hang clothes. Keep dresses to one side.
  • JOHNNY JOHNNY on Dec 11, 2015
    If the header is not load bearing, remove framing to ceiling or 96 inches, using wire shelving at home depot or other stores, place 2 shelve cloth hanging rack's, 1 @ 42 inches, next @ 84 inches thee are supported by rear wall channels w/ adjustable spaces fpr arms that hold the rack's, for door to have full access use barn type sliding door mounted to the front wall
  • Liliana Wells Liliana Wells on Dec 19, 2015
    The first thing that comes to mind is to have two rods: the top one for blouses and the bottom for slacks. The shoes can go on the floor or you can purchase a shoe rack. Also, if you have another door in the room, use over-the-door shoe rack. The stuff that you have on the top shelf can go in a tote that slides under the bed. If the bed is too low, that are blocks that you can put under the legs to raise the bed, so you can slide containers under it and maybe put blankets or seldom use items. Good luck.