Let’s talk closet maximization. Think of it as space planning for a tiny but important room. If you’re lucky enough to have a palatial closet, or if your closet’s in good shape but you want to take it to the next level, read on to learn some new tips. 

TIP # 1: IF YOU NEED MORE HANGING SPACE...

• Cramming clothes onto already full closet rods isn’t fun. It’s hard to find what you want and you wind up with wrinkles galore. One remedy is to add a portable garment rack. They’re affordable, easy to put together and they add invaluable extra hanging space to your closet.

You can also use simple tricks to make the most out of the hanging space and keep your items organized. Here are some of my favorites:

• Tie it all together:
  Use a men’s necktie hanger for multiple tank-tops or camis. You’ll be able to fit about ten items per hanger. This also works for belts, scarves, and of course, men’s ties.

• Be resourceful:
  Use the pop-top ring off of soda cans and loop one over your hanger handle and ta-dah, you can hang two things on one hanger.

• Season your closet:
  Store off-season clothing in large bags under a bed, or in an attic or other storage area. You can buy vacuum-sealed bags that allow you to store more items in less space.

• Hang similar items together:
  Sort whatever way makes the most sense for your life. For example: Work clothes in one area and casual in another. Often, similar items will fit alongside each other better, wrinkle less, and allow you to find things more quickly.

TIP # 2: IF YOU NEED MORE DRAWER STORAGE... 

• Add a small dresser to your closet:
  Check thrift shops for a great deal that won’t break the bank, and remember to measure your space before you make a purchase to make sure it will fit.

• Go the cheap route:
  Purchase inexpensive plastic drawer systems, tubs, baskets or storage cubes. You’ll find a variety of sizes. colors and options for most any budget.

• Build makeshift drawers:
  If you have shelving space available, cute storage cubes can be used in place of drawers to hold socks, panties, bras, and similar smaller items, especially hard-to-fold items.

TIP # 3: IF YOU NEED MEGA SHOE STORAGE...

• Sort it out:
  irst and foremost…sort. If you live in an area where you have winter and summer shoes, store whatever you aren’t using in another area of your home. Big plastic bins will do nicely for this and will keep your shoes clean and safe while tucked away in the attic, basement or under the bed in the guest room until next season. It’s a good idea to tuck in an air freshener or odor absorber so you won’t be unpleasantly greeted when you retrieve your footwear next season.

• Compartmentalize:
  Hang a shoe holder inside your closet door. This is dead space, so use it wisely. It’s easy to find affordable holders at any discount store.

• Invest in bins:
  Use plastic bins under your bed. You can add cardboard dividers if you want to keep your shoes in pairs or sort other items. Again, make wise use of typical dead spaces.

• Get creative:
  Use wine crates (already divided) to hold flip-flops, sandals, and other flats. (My hubby would say 20 crates should be sufficient for my sandals—but they’re all so cute!) Stack these on top of each other—you’ll be surprised how much they hold.

• Rack em' up:
  Mount towel racks on the wall, spaced appropriately one above the other, as a great way to store high-heeled shoes.

TIP # 4: IF YOU NEED MORE ACCESSORY STORAGE...

• Make your own accessory organizer:
  Read my DIY Project: Make Your Own Accessory Organizer blog and have fun making your own using peg-board and a few simple supplies. This will keep all your pretty things in one place and make finding just the right thing a snap.

• Use every available square inch:
  Look for any extra wall space to hang hooks to hold hats, belts, purses or other items, which will open valuable space on your shelves.

• Be creative:
  Attach plastic shower curtain rings on the bottom of a hanger to hang multiple scarves.

As you can see, there are many easy, affordable ways to maximize your closet and make your life a little less cluttered and a little more organized. If you have solutions of your own, I invite you to share them. We’d love to hear from you!

Now, what will you do next to love where you live?