Use Double-Hang Closet Organizers
There are two main weapons when attacking the crowded closet to create a space saving closet. One of the weapons is the double-hang closet organizer. That is because it allows you to store twice as much in the same amount of space. Ordinary closets include one hanging rod with a single shelf above. But most garments do not need that much hanging room. Most shelf items are not that high either. Raise the rod and shelf to 79-inches off the floor.
This should give you plenty of room to install a second rod and shelf underneath the first one at about 40.5-inches from the floor. Each rod can still have a usable shelf above it for shoes, folded jeans, etc. This arrangement is referred to in the closet industry as “double-hang.” The great thing about it is that most clothing will fit in a double-hang closet section. This means you have just increased your storage in that part of your closet twice over. You only need to reserve a small section of your closet for longer garments.
The custom closet plan above saves a lot of closet space by using double-hang storage units for most of the clothes hanging needs. Only a single small section is left for long garments like bathrobes, long dresses, and trench coats.
Most people simply do not have a lot of long clothing. This, in turn, frees up an entire wall for shelves. There is even enough room left over for a set of closet drawers.
Organize with Shelves
Now that you have freed up some closet space by moving most of your hanging clothes to a double-hang rod system, it is time to add shelves. Shelves are the second major weapon when building a space saving closet.
Other Important Space-Saving Closet Rules to Consider
The Rule of the Corner:
Hanging units should go into the corners. Shelving, drawer units or half/half units should be used out of the corner. This allows easy access past the shallower unit when reaching into the corner.
The Rule of the Short Wall:
Consider using the shortest walls for hanging units. The shorter walls allow for a more accurate measurement. Accurate measurement is essential to effective closet design.
The Rule of Shelving:
If possible, keep shelving units to standard widths. Standard widths of 18-inches, 24-inches or 30-inches will allow for accessories and drawers to be added at the lowest possible cost.
Shelves with the same widths are interchangeable throughout the system. (Tip: Most closet drawers are included as part of a shelving section. Custom sizes always cost more and can run up the price of your closet quickly).
Add as many as you can fit. And don’t forget about those easy to -miss areas like above the door or window.
There are two standard depths for closet shelves. Make sure your shelves are either 12-inches or 14-inches deep. This will allow you the ability to add standard closet accessories to your shelves.
Organizing accessories like pull-out racks, built-in hampers, and wire-baskets can store more items in less space than other storage strategies 14-inch depth is preferred for closets because most jeans, sweaters, bath sheets, and beach towels will hang over the edge of a 12-inch shelf.
