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No matter how big or small our closet, we all eventually run out of space. At this point, some of us consider adding extra storage, buying a garment rack or even buying a whole new cupboard. But before you take that step – you might want to read on. I will show you how to truly maximize your current closet space, and create storage beyond the obvious areas. Trust me, there are always hidden corners and storage spots you can use better!
I speak from personal experience when it comes to this. A few years back we’d moved to a larger apartment with more bedrooms. The closet space, however, was woefully lacking. Since it’s a rental, I couldn’t make any permanent changes. That’s when I did some research, and realized I could create way more space in my closet with just a few changes.
There are areas in our closet that are underutilized, and with a few smart hacks – there is a way to maximize closet space. Below I’ll take you through these “hidden” closet storage spots – and show you ways to juice every inch of closet space.
Spot 1: Under Hung Clothes
In most cases there is some space left under our hanging clothes. It’s just sitting there. And mostly we dismiss it as space that can’t be used.
You’d be surprised to know how many ways you can use this little space. Here are a few:
Add Bins or Catch-alls
This is a simple solution that is extremely effective – especially if you don’t have too much space under your clothes – but have just enough.
Works great for storing everyday jewelry in stackable trays or to make a catch-all basket for accessories like belts, or even add a sunglass organizer.
I personally, have added a basket under my hung clothes to stash my belts.
I’ve actually done. a whole post on the top closet organizers, especially for small closets – if you’re interested in clever storage solutions that can maximize your closet space even further.
Add a Second Rod
If you have enough space below your clothes, you can consider adding another hanging rod at the bottom.
And voila – you have just doubled your hanging space.
To do this, you can either fix a rod to your wardrobe walls like Tarah from Grandma’s House DIY did.
Or, if you don’t want to drill holes, use this clever hook-on hanging rod instead.
Add a Dresser
Adding a dresser below your hung clothes can add to your storage in multiple different ways.
Most dressers come with drawers, and that opens up a range of possibilities.
You can add little bins and use that to store your make-up and skincare. Or you could add drawer dividers and store your undergarments, even t-shirts.
Not only can a dresser significantly increase storage, it can even elevate your room aesthetic.
There are all kinds and you can pick one that best fits your home decor style, like this chic boho one. Or this cute art-deco style dresser in white and rose gold.
If you want to keep it simple you could try this affordable, contemporary style dresser or even go industrial.
Spot 2: The Top Shelf (All the Way Up)
The top of the closet is often one area that mostly isn’t juiced completely when it comes to storage.
While you may be already storing stuff up top, it may not be well organized or stacked all the way.
Once you optimize your closet all the way up to the top, you’ll find a lot of space open up.
Now in many cases, this will not be an easy to reach area so it may be best to use it to store occasional use items like party shoes or off-season clothes.
Here are the few ways you maximize your closet space by really using the top shelf:
Add Stackable Crates
Stackable crates are a great way to use up the top part of your closet – all the way up to the ceiling.
You can store shoes, bags, accessories.
These clear ones can be stacked easy, making everything visible when you do need to reach for stuff.
Add Shelf Dividers
If you section up the top shelf, you’ll find you’ll be able store much more, without things toppling over and getting messy.
You can use these clear acrylic shelf dividers to aesthetically arrange your bags on the top shelf, or these metal wire ones if you want to stack off-season clothes like sweaters and jackets.
Add Suitcases for Off-season Clothes
Another great way to get the most out of the top shelf is to stash it with suitcases full of off-season clothes.
This actually gives a home to your suitcases as well as gives you added storage.
Zone 3: Behind the Front Stack
One of the greatest spots I unlocked in my closet, was the area behind what’s actually visible.
So, my current closet has quite a few shelves with a lot of depth. This was earlier an inconvenience, because clothes would often get lost in the back of beyond. But then, I found a hack to make the most of my shelf depth. I actually literally doubled my storage and now nothing ever gets lost.
I used these file-style organizer bins, two for each shelf, and placed them one in front of the other. The bin in front was where I stored my most-used, everyday stuff. Hiding behind it, the bin at the back stored my occasion wear stuff. Sparkly tanks and leather pants – you know the kind.
I did this for every shelf in my closet. And now when I occasionally need to reach the stuff at the back, I simply pull out one bin, then the other, place it on a surface – and comfortably find what I was looking for.
This will especially work great for you if you have a good amount of shelf depth.
If you want to learn the quick folding techniques to get the best out of this system of organization, I go into deeper details in my closet declutter post.
Zone 4: The Closet Door
One spot that we often don’t end up using in our closet is the door.
There are many ways to use your closet door to get in some extra storage.
You could add individual hooks or this over-the-door hook rack to hang multiple everyday-use stuff like jackets, scarves or umbrellas.
Or you could store your cosmetics in this multipurpose organizer or this cute, tassled boho organizer.
Zone 5: Hanging Rod
There’s more than one way to use a hanging rod in your closet.
And some of these hacks can significantly increase storage or make smart use of space. Here are a few ideas:
Hang a Shelf
Works great especially in closets that have a lack of shelves or have a lot of horizontal hanging space.
These sturdy hanging shelves smartly divide up the available space so you can stack and store much more.
Hang a Jewelry Organizer
This is an ingenious way to store your everyday jewelry and takes up a fraction of the amount of space it usually would.
What’s more, this hanging jewelry organizer is clear and keeps all your trinkets super visible and easy-to-reach.
Hang Bags
Bags, when hung, make them easy-to-grab and super-visible.
You can go for a hook style bag hanger or for added protection, choose this clear hanging bag organizer which features a separate sleeve for each bag.
Add Smart Hangers
Using multi-functional, space-saving hangers is a great hack to unlock more space in your closet.
There are various kinds available and each serve a slightly different purpose.
I have a whole post on the kind of smart hangers available and which should you choose, you can check it out here.
So there you have it. Hopefully, by the end of this post you’ve got a few ideas on how to maximize your closet space, or at least look for those hidden nooks and crannies in your closet that you can use better.
I’ve learnt that reorganizing is a constant process and even with our best efforts, sometimes, things do end up getting messy. With time though, I’ve figured out a way to stop mess at its source in my closet, or at least contain it to a great degree.
In case you’re interested learning how you can stop your closet from getting messy again and again and free up even more space, you may want to hop on to read this.
