Part of the reason you chose a reach-in closet was to contend with your limited space. That’s a common challenge homeowners have in these small spaces. The compactness makes organizing difficult, which means it usually doesn’t take long before your closet is overrun with clutter.
Fortunately, you have options! How can you neaten your small closet? Try these strategies for a tidier reach-in closet:
- Assess the closet’s current setup
- Utilize vertical space
- Optimize the hanging space
- Use shelving and bins for folded items
- Maximize closet doors and other hidden areas
- Declutter and donate
- Implement multifunctional storage
These strategies will get you well on the road to a neater small closet space, which will drastically improve accessibility and storage.
Assess the Closet’s Current Setup
First, take stock of what you’re currently using your small closet space for. Evaluating your closet configuration will help you identify shelf placement, floor space, available hanging space, and whether you’re not using or underusing viable storage areas (like vertical storage!).
As you evaluate your space, ask yourself some questions. Are you wasting space below or above your stairs? Do you need all the items in your closet? Perhaps you can relocate or donate some?
Utilize Vertical Space
Let’s get back to talking about vertical space, as it’s such a game changer in reach-in closets and other small storage spaces. Most closets don’t use vertical space to the fullest. A few creative solutions can maximize the area, including adding hooks and shelves.
Adjustable shelves are especially great for accommodating all sorts of items. Tiered hanging rods or hanging organizers will optimize your vertical space by providing room for accessories or clothes.
Lifehacker recommends vertical over horizontal storage for displaying items. Over-the-door organizers, shoe racks, and hanging baskets showcase your items, so they’re always accessible.
Optimize the Hanging Space
Besides your affinity for vertical storage, begin implementing hanging space throughout your reach-in closet. Hanging poles and rods are a smart way to store items, like clothing and accessories.
However, it’s all about how you group your items. For instance, you might organize your clothing by type, from dresses to shirts and pants, to create more space and keep your closet neat.
Here’s another tip we recommend: use a second, lower rod for hanging shorter items, like jackets or pants, using the top rod for longer items. You’ll use space more efficiently. We’re also fond of pull-down or adjustable rods that you can move according to what you’re storing.
Another great option in this same vein is double hanging systems. You can automatically multiply your hanging space, a godsend in a smaller closet.
Use Shelving and Bins for Folded Items
Not everything in your closet has to go up on the walls. If you have smaller, folded items, it’s time to make use of your storage bins or shelves. You can store folded towels, jeans, and sweaters here. We suggest using open shelving, as it will aid in both accessibility and visibility.
Stacking baskets and bins are always best in a small closet space. You can store more items without making your area feel cluttered. We advise you to label your containers, so you don’t forget what you’re storing in each bin.
Optimizing shelving means selecting the appropriate depth and height based on the size of the items you plan to store. This will keep your items accessible and provide an optimal fit in your closet.
Maximize Closet Doors and Other Hidden Areas
Another part of the closet that often gets no love is the doors. Many homeowners overlook this space as a valuable storage area. Where every square foot counts, the doors are but one area you can utilize. Try over-the-door hooks and racks for holding shoes, hats, scarves, and accessories. We like over-the-door storage because it’s excellent for keeping items that don’t require shelving.
On the inside of your closet door, adorn the space with a hanging organizer for keeping small items, like cleaning supplies, jewelry, and shoes. But don’t stop there. Explore other hidden areas you can use, such as the space around your reach-in closet.
Declutter and Donate
Decluttering is an essential part of maximizing closet space no matter how big (or small) your closet is. You should create a system you can rely on for determining what stays and what goes. For instance, we like the “one in, one out” rule. This suggests that for every item you purchase that goes in your closet, one item has to come out and not return. You can either discard or donate it.
Here are some pointers for helping you decide what you should donate or discard:
- If the item is in poor condition, throw it away instead of donating it.
- If the item is in good condition but you don’t use it or wear it, consider donating it.
- If it’s a seasonal item, store it somewhere else besides your closet.
- If the item doesn’t fit, donate it.
Implement Multifunctional Storage
Multifunctional storage is your friend when organizing the room that contains your small closet. Under-bed storage, ottomans with hidden storage, and furniture that doubles as storage space can make any tiny area look tidy and feel that much bigger.
Use containers, baskets, and storage bins for shoes you don’t wear frequently, seasonal clothing, and spare linens. Incorporate hangers into your storage, as they’re excellent at saving space, especially slimline velvet hangers. You’ll increase the amount of room on your rods for keeping more clothes.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Although reach-in closets and small storage spaces are often overlooked and underutilized, they’re highly functional if you know how to use them and the surrounding space. Consider implementing one or more of the strategies discussed here if you’re overwhelmed with your lack of space and want a more functional, organized closet. Improve your storage solutions today!
