Space-Saving Accessories for Reach-In Closets

Adjustable Shelving

I recommend using adjustable shelves in most closet systems, and they’re especially effective in small closets. These will allow you to customize the layout of the space according to your storage needs, which change over time. 

While a larger closet might have plenty of room for storing all of your clothes, you will probably need to have a seasonal rotation in a small closet. By taking advantage of adjustable shelving, you’ll be able to accommodate thicker folded sweaters and tall boots in the winter by spacing the shelves further apart and higher up from the floor. During the summer months, you might move them closer together to store sleeveless tops and shorts.

Storage Baskets and Bins

Having a place to store socks, underwear, scarves, and hair accessories is essential. While drawers are an excellent option, you might not have enough space for the number of drawers you need. This is where storage baskets and bins come in handy. 

You won’t have small items cluttering up surfaces, such as shelves, and you won’t need to find a place to store them outside of the closet. Simply put similar items together (socks with socks, hair accessories with hair accessories, and so on) in each bin, and place them on a shelf. Labels make it easier to find what you’re looking for if you aren’t using clear bins or wire baskets.

Pull-out Accessories

I offer a range of pull-out accessories that stay tucked back when they’re not in use. This allows you to take advantage of having the accessories without them taking up space you don’t have.

One example is a valet rod. This is a rod you can pull out to hold the next day’s outfit, your dry cleaning, or a dress for a special occasion coming up. When you’re not using it, though, it will telescope back into itself and won’t take up that precious real estate in the closet.

Another example is a pull-out mirror. A last-minute outfit check is necessary before leaving your bedroom, but having a full-length mirror on a closet wall just isn’t an option with a small reach-in closet. With a pull-out, you’ll be able to slide the mirror out to check your appearance, then push it back into place, where it won’t be taking up much space at all.

Double-Hung Clothing Rods

Hanging one clothing rod underneath another effectively doubles your hanging space, which is an excellent strategy in a small closet system. This works best if you have separates that don’t hang too low, such as blouses, jackets, and pants hung folded over a hanger at the knees. What I recommend is moving one hanging rod up a bit from where it currently is in a standard closet, then installing the second one about three feet under the first.

If you have longer items, like dresses, suits, or pants hung by their cuffs, that’s no problem: My designers can actually create a closet system with double-hung rods on one half and a single rod on the other half. This would accommodate your longer items while still doubling the space you have to hang separates.

Wall Racks

Wall racks are a great option for using the short walls on either side of your reach-in closet. You can also have one installed on the back of a swing-out closet door. These provide space for items, like ties, belts, and scarves. Because the items are stored on the wall, they won’t take up space in the middle of the closet, on the floor, or on the hanging rods. 

Some people even like to hang a wall rack on the wall outside of their closet to display attractive items, like scarves and purses. This is another way to maximize space and add a touch of your personal style to your bedroom without cramping the closet.

Architectural Digest has additional tips on maximizing the space in closets of all sizes.

Conclusion

I know from firsthand experience that organizing a reach-in closet can be a challenge in some cases. With so many closet organizers and accessories available, however, the struggle can be a thing of the past. Contact me or a member of my team to schedule a free consultation, and we can show you how we can change the way you think about your small closet.

Source

• https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/how-to-organize-your-closet