There’s no doubt that a small closet storage space isn’t exactly ideal.
Small closets typically are more difficult to keep organized, especially if they’re not designed very well and lack important features. And messy closets always result in aggravation, stress, and time wasted looking for things.
A OnePoll survey found that 3 in 10 women believe an organized closet would make their mornings less stressful. The same survey also found that 47% of women struggle when it comes to picking a work outfit from their closet.
While indecision plays a role in how much time is wasted, closet disorganization undoubtedly plays a much larger role in your day getting off to a less-than-productive start.
That’s not to say larger closet spaces are easy to keep organized, mind you. You just have more leeway when it comes to making mistakes with the storage optimization of the space.
How do you maximize your small closet storage space?
Small closets can obviously be found everywhere, particularly in older homes and small condos. So what’s the secret to making the most of such a small space?
The solution to your small closet storage woes lies with smarter storage and organizations solutions that facilitate better space management. Being more choosy about what’s kept in your closet also helps.
A small closet storage space is, in fact, capable of being well-organized and very functional. And we’ll show you how to accomplish this with these nine smart strategies for getting more out of your small closet storage space.
1. Be more finicky about what’s kept in the closet
When you have a small closet storage space, it’s imperative to be more finicky and selective about what’s kept in your closet. You simply don’t have enough space in there to store clothing that’s barely worn. Or never worn.
One study found that American women have an average of $550 worth of unworn clothing in their closets.
Pare down your closet wardrobe so that everyday and weekly clothing favourites are prioritized. Clothing gets lost and buried in disorganized closets. If an item of clothing is easily visible in your closet, you’ll be far more likely to actually wear it.
And if you’re wearing it regularly (or at least semi-regularly), it’s worth the valuable small closet storage space it’s occupying.
The Classic closet organizer can make your small closet storage space easier to keep organized.
2. Add closet organizers
You’ll find it easier to keep a small closet space tidy (or any closet space, for that matter) by adding a closet organizer to it. Custom closet organizers are a better choice than the one-size-fits-all types you’ll find at a big box store.
They can be custom-designed to perfect fit within your small closet storage space. Every inch of precious space within your small closet will be considered when your custom closet organizer is designed. That maximizes its functionality.
A custom closet organizer’s variety of design options also gives you more freedom to complement your home’s décor. Our SmartLine and Classic organizers can transform your closet space.
3. Don’t keep seasonal clothing in your small closet storage space
Store seasonal clothing somewhere else besides your small closet storage space. When closet space is at a premium, keeping clothing that’s only worn for half the year (or less) just doesn’t make sense.
Turn to other bedroom storage solutions for keeping your out-of-season-clothing stored. Another option is to store some of it in suitcases to save you space.
4. Make use of every nook and cranny
The storage space in your closet’s upper reaches may not be efficiently utilized because it can be difficult to access. If that’s the case, use a good step stool (like the SlimStep ladder, available in our showroom). They make it easier to access hard-to-reach upper closet areas and also come in quite handy in other areas of the home.
When you’re dealing with small closets, it’s crucial that the storage space be maximized. If you have deep closet shelves with empty space at the back, add small baskets to hold knick knacks or less frequently used smaller articles of clothing. They’ll stay organized in the baskets, which can easily be pulled forward when needed.
When one of our design consultants is evaluating your closet space, they can suggest ways to better utilize underused areas within it.
Use a step stool to access hard-to-reach areas in your small closet space.
5. Use additional bedroom storage ideas
Try and get your closet wardrobe collection leaner by looking to additional bedroom storage solutions. That’ll alleviate some of the burden on your small closet space. Here’s a few suggestions:
- bed surrounds – your available bedroom storage space expands significantly with this clever integrated storage solution
- dressers – make sure your dresser drawers are filled (but still functional) with anything that can be moved from the closet
- wardrobes – complement your small closet storage space with a stylish custom wardrobe
- create-a-closet® – this unique storage idea lets you add a closet anywhere
6. Add more hanging rods
Add extra hanging rods in your small closet storage space, if space allows. This makes better use of your limited closet space and prevents the clothing hung on your single hanging rod from being crammed too closely together, which causes wrinkles.
A lower hanging rod for short hanging garments like pants, shirts, and skirts ensures that valuable closet hanging space isn’t wasted.
And you can even add a shorter perpendicular hanging rod to maximize your small closet storage space on a side wall. This just means the closet rod is hung from front-to-back in the closet, as opposed to the traditional side-to-side.
It’s best not to hang certain types of clothing (like sweaters), which should be folded instead. Folding your jeans (which are bulkier) and stacking them in drawers or open shelving can also save hanging space.
7. Use closet accessories
Using the right closet accessories will produce an immediately noticeable improvement in the functionality of your small closet storage space.
Many closet accessories don’t take up much space. That’s important, considering the limited amount of space you have to work with. We’d suggest any of the following closet accessories:
- hooks
- valet rods
- pullout tie racks
- sliding belt racks
The low profile nature of these space-saving helpers also means you have the flexibility to add them just about anywhere in your small closet storage space.
Other useful accessories that are ideal for small closet spaces include pullout pant racks, shoe racks, and a versatile four position hanger.
A low profile sliding belt rack is perfect for a small closet space.
8. Get your other closets in order
Make an effort to sort out as many small closet storage spaces in your home as as you can. If one closet is disorganized, there’s a tendency for a domino effect to occur with the level of organization and number of things in the rest of your closets.
And remember, closet organizers and accessories aren’t just meant for the bedroom. Linen closets, laundry room closets, front entryway closets, and home office closets can all benefit from a closet makeover.
9. Add a dressing room/large walk-in closet
Even though your home’s closets may be small, there’s another option that can expand your clothes storage space in a big way. A dressing room (also known as a large walk-in closet) can be created if you have a spare bedroom.
Your small closet storage woes will disappear when you have a spacious dressing room to house whatever can’t fit in your small closets. And besides opening up your clothes storage options on a grand scale, dressing rooms also add luxurious style to your home’s décor.
Our new Monogram collection of custom closet cabinetry is perfectly suited for dressing rooms and walk-in closets. You can fully customize your large closet space with the Monogram collection’s wide range of rich finishes and plethora of built-in accessories.
If you’re frustrated by your home’s small closets and you have a spare room, create a luxurious dressing room.
Learn more about small closet storage space solutions
The new Organized Interiors Idea Book is filled with lots of inspiring small closet storage space solutions.
Allow one of our closet design professionals to evaluate your small closet space. They’ll show you how our organization and storage solutions can improve how your small closets function and look.
Just schedule your free in-home design consultation.