Effective organization is essential for functional closet use.
No matter how small, a walk-in closet provides valuable storage space for clothes and shoes that might otherwise clutter a room. Effective storage and organization strategies are essential for creating the most functional and well-executed walk-in closet design. By combining strategies for using the space you have efficiently, as well as introducing additional means of in-closet organization, you can utilize your small walk-in closet to its fullest potential.
Shelves and Bins
Though the idea of building inside a small closet seems counter intuitive to space efficiency, a few simple shelves solve several clutter problems and free up space in the closet that is more efficiently utilized. Purchase several individual wall shelves; measure and cut them to size so that they fit snugly within the space between the back of the closet and the edge of the closet door trim. Line both closet side walls with several shelves spaced at least 12 inches apart to allow for maximum storage. Don't forget the space above the hanging rack; if there is enough room, lay one long shelf along the top for folded items. Along the back wall of the closet, consider stackable bins that pull out like drawers; purchasing stackable units allows you to custom-make a wall unit to fit inside your closet. Use the bins for small objects like socks, belts or ties that usually create clutter.
Door Storage
Walk-in closets with traditional closet doors are well-suited for hanging door storage pieces that help keep items organized; accordion-style or sliding doors are not as effective. Purchase a shoe rack designed to hook over a door; use a label maker to print several sticker labels for each small pocket on the rack. Use the pockets not only for shoes, but also for belts, small purses or dress socks. If you don't want an entire rack unit, simply purchase several individual hooks that screw or tape to the back of the door; keep winter jackets, bathrobes or heavy sweaters that typically take up a lot of space on the door instead of with the other clothes.
Organizational Strategies
Arrange the clothes in the closet in a way that suits your personal dressing needs. For example, hang any work clothes that require ironing rather than folding them. Keep T-shirts, jeans or pajamas folded and stacked on the side wall shelves. One option for organizing the closet rack is to arrange clothes by types; for example, all blouses are grouped together, followed by all trousers, skirts, dresses and jackets. Another option is to group items by style; organize all casual wear at one end of the rack, followed by work attire and formal or evening wear. Create a closet that helps coordinate outfits by organizing items by color; begin with white and black, and proceed down the rack according to the colors in the visible light spectrum.
