Follow this brilliant formula to double your closet space immediately.
Finding out how to organize your closet can be almost as difficult as (finally) making a commitment to the task. Regardless of the size of your closet, there never seems to be room for every jacket, shirt, and pair of high heels you've collected over the years. This may indicate that it is time for a full-on closet purge, but it may also mean that you are not using all the space you have available.
Four Key Areas Every Organized Closet Should Have: A smart closet covers four key areas: hanging clothes, folded clothes, shoes and accessories. There is no uniform way to organize your space, but to determine the configuration that best suits your needs, be realistic about the size of your home and follow these guidelines.
Consider the Closet Doors
Fully-opening or folding hinged doors provide full access, while dual-hung sliding doors prevent access to the center. If every inch counts, you should consider replacing sliding doors with hinged doors or doors that open completely on a rail.
Add an Additional Clothes Rail
If the ceiling height of your closet is at least 7½ feet, there will be room for two rails (one hanging three or four feet above the other), which can maximize space. A clothes rail should be at least 42 inches above the ground so that the clothes do not drag. Position the rail at least one foot away from the back wall if possible. There should be at least 3 inches beyond the ends of your hangers.
The lower rail can hold skirts and pants; a pole at eye-level can hold dresses and tops. If you can, leave room between the clothes to breathe: If possible, at least 1/4 inch with fabrics barely grazing one another. Again, the seasonality and frequency of use can be a major factor in the delegation of space: It may be necessary to store that taffeta dress in a large clothes bag somewhere else.
Pro Tip: Make sure you measure your space accurately (to the nearest sixteenth of an inch) before buying bars, racks, or other material.
Make the Most of your Shelves
Make room for shelves in your closet, which are indispensable for storing sweaters and delicate fabrics (or garments that will deform on a hanger), accessories (bags, purses), storage boxes, and shoes. The shelves should be open and no deeper than 14 inches, so you never have to dig through a pile to find what you are looking for. When it comes to material, wooden shelves are sturdy and elegant, while metal and plastic-coated wires are durable, but can potentially "rib" clothing. The acids in wooden shelves, especially cedar, can damage fabrics, so line them with shelf paper. Don't have the budget for expensive shelving? Consider adding a few affordable hanging shelves instead.
Don’t Forget the Drawers
Whether mounted to the closet wall or part of a chest in the closet, the drawers help you organize small items such as underwear and accessories. If the drawer installation is too expensive or too complicated, substitute with baskets placed on shelves.