CLOSET IDEAS FOR STORAGE

Cluttered closets can really start to weigh on you. With all the options available today, there is bound to be a closet design that will work for you. Whether you have a walk-in or a reach-in closet, you can use your imagination to create the closet of your dreams. Custom closets are all the rage. With a little creativity, you can create your own custom closet design that meets your needs.

Walk-in closets are really the easiest to tackle. You have the space that you need to utilize drawers, shelves, bars and racks. Take advantage of the space that you have by designing a usable closet that accommodates your specific needs.

Start with your most basic need. Would you like your dress clothes, work wardrobe, and casual clothes separated? Or would you rather have a his and hers set-up? You can actually combine these options and organize each side of the closet separately. You can use the back wall of a walk-in closet for shoes, shelves, cabinets, laundry or basic storage.

A reach-in closet is more challenging, but can actually offer as much space as a walk-in closet. You'll need to utilize the vertical space and the depth that you have available. Too many reach-in closets have shelves and bars positioned in the center of the closet. If you move them back, you can reveal a lot of space towards the front of the closet. Many people choose to install shelving or side bars in these areas. You can give yourself a lot of storage space in an area that you didn't even consider a possibility before.

Vertical space is also often ignored. Moving the top shelf up higher will allow you to add extra shelves or even extra bars underneath. You can divide bars of clothes with a shelf containing shallow drawers. They only take up inches of space, but give you tons of storage for smaller items like jewelry, socks, underwear, stockings, ties and belts.

Whichever type of closet you have, you can always add hooks, bins and baskets to help keep things organized. If you're still low on space, consider clothing hangers that have special purposes. Metal cascading hangers and belt and tie hangers can save you tons of room. You'll be surprised how much space you can make by simply rearranging shelves and updating your hangers!

About the Author: Jo Granville is on the staff of Only Hangers, a leading online resource for garment hangers.