Top 10 Organizing Tips for Closets

Take a step toward being more organized with these ideas for closets.

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Ideas to Organize

Closets -- whether you love them or hate them probably depends on how organized they are. If your closet is a disaster area, then it's high time to consider installing a closet system.

From simple to grand (and with price tags to match), there are closet systems to meet every budget. And even if you can't pop for a high-end outfit, you'll be happy to know that many inexpensive versions offer some of the same features and benefits.

See below for some of our favorite tips for finding more storage space for clothes and shoes.

More: Get Organized

More: Storage Strategies

Closet kits from a home center
are easy to install.

1. Clean Up...Clear Out

Plan a closet makeover by measuring your current closet to determine hanging requirements and storage needs. Next, you'll need to clear everything out of the closet so the new system can be installed. This is a good time to go through items that may no longer be used and donate them to charity.

Slide Show: Real-Life Closet Makeovers

Double rods (as shown on the
left) add capacity to any
closet.

2. Double Your Space

Double closet rods -- one over the other -- are the best way to squeeze more storage space out of a closet. Be sure to measure the clothes you'll be hanging there and allow another 6 inches of clearance above and below each rod. Blouses, shirts, skirts, jackets, and kids' clothes will all fit on double rods.

More: Ideas for Organization

Shelves and cubbies allow
you to keep items separate
and in neatly folded stacks.

3. Create Closet Cubbies

Organize your own, or a child's closet, with a combination of double hanging rods, drawers, and shelves. Drawers corral small items like socks while cubbies hold folded items. Upper shelves can store out-of-season shoes and clothing in clear bins with lids.

More: Two Boys, One Closet

More: Containing Kid Clutter

A ceiling track makes this
closet disappear when guests
use the room.

4. Do a "Temporary" Closet

Can't afford the space or money to build a closet? Here's one great solution using drapery panels and easy-to-install hanging rods and wire basket storage systems.

More: Get Organized

Don't overlook any space
that can serve to create
more storage.

5. Fill Narrow Spaces

Look for any slices of space (in a closet or in your room), and use it to create more storage. This built-in closet next to a fireplace was too narrow for hanging clothes, but is perfect for purses, tote bags, or even shoes.

Slide Show: Real-Life Closet Makeovers

Continued on page 2: More Tips

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crisem12 wrote:

"Design Your Own Closet" is a great BHG feature, but it doesn't include any options for designing a closet that has hip walls under the eaves of an attic room. There must be many people who have this dilemma when trying to make the best use of storage space in an attic room.

5/9/2008 6:53 AM CDT

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cretia04 wrote:

We're adding a walk in closet to our bedroom. We already have the room built...added on to the bedroom...now we're trying to figure out how we want the inside to look like. Any suggestions? The closet is HUGE

10/29/2007 4:18 PM CDT

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rollbob@comcast.net wrote:

great closets but i can't do it or have money for it.
but didn't see wheelchair closet for me and other vet's in chairs.

7/8/2007 11:58 AM CDT

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dieselmom2003@yahoo.com wrote:

theses ideal's are great , I have to be careful on what I do , Iam only an apt. renter ! but love ideals to help make more room , Thanks

6/28/2007 6:59 PM CDT

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libiosonia@aol.com wrote:

I loved this article. I have a lot of closet space that is not properly used. I'm going to work on it today.