Reach-in closets are typically difficult to keep organized, especially if they lack important features and thoughtful design. Larger closet spaces aren’t necessarily easier to maintain, but they offer more flexibility in organizing and optimizing storage. Reach-in closets, however, require a more strategic approach to maximize every inch of available space.
Why is this important? A disorganized closet often leads to frustration, stress, and wasted time searching for items. No one want to deal with that on a daily basis. The key to solving reach-in closet woes is to implement smart storage and organization solutions that improve space management.
Let’s take a look at a few smart strategies for maximizing your closet space.
1. Assess Your Storage Needs and Plan
Before you start organizing, take a moment to assess your storage needs and habits. Make a list of everything you need to store in your reach-in closet.
Note how often you use each item and prioritize them accordingly. Sketch a layout or use an online tool to plan your space. Additionally, identify gaps where extra shelves, rods, or bins might be needed.
2. Decluttering Effectively
Decluttering is fundamental to optimizing your closet space. By removing unnecessary items, you create room for the essentials.
Start by sorting items and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. Be honest about what you use regularly and what you can let go of.
Once sorted, group similar items into categories: clothes, shoes, and accessories. Doing this can help you see what you have and how much space each category needs.
3. Maximize Vertical Space
What reach-in closet designs lack in depth, they make up for in height. Using adjustable shelves allows you to stack folded clothes, shoes, purses, hats, and bins for small items all in one place. Position shelves at varying heights to accommodate items of different sizes, such as tall boots or stacks of folded clothes.
You can also incorporate stackable bins or cubbies at the base of the closet or on lower shelves. Use them to store smaller items like scarves and socks.
Also, the back of your closet is prime storage real estate. Install hooks or pegs to hang items like bags, hats, and accessories. This keeps them neatly organized and easy to access.
4. Remember the Corners
If your closet has underutilized corners that haven’t been optimized for storage, we recommend corner shelving. These shelves are available in metal, wire, or wood finishes, allowing you to match them with your existing closet aesthetic.
The size of the corner shelves will determine what can be stored on them, but ideally, each shelf can hold two pairs of shoes (one on each side of the corner), making it an ideal solution for a shoe storage wall.
5. Optimize Hanging Space
With the number of reasonably priced slimline hangers on the market, there’s no reason to hold on to old, bulky ones. Thick hangers, including plastic tubular versions, take up unnecessary space and hinder your ability to optimize hanging storage.
You’ll be amazed at how much additional room you’ll create on the rod by switching to slimline hangers, even without decluttering.
Once you switch out your hangers, arrange your hanging clothes strategically by type. Group shirts, pants, dresses, and jackets separately. To streamline your routine, consider organizing by color within these categories to make selecting outfits quicker and more straightforward.
You can also add more hanging rods to make the most of your vertical space. If your closet has sufficient height, install a second rod below the existing one for double-hanging shorter items like shirts and pants.
6. Maximize Drawer Storage to Eliminate Clutter and Restore Order
Drawers in a reach-in closet are your secret weapon for organizing and storing items that might otherwise become clutter. They can neatly hide things you don’t want on display, keep small items from getting misplaced, and securely store valuable jewelry, tech items, or money.
Deeper drawers are perfect for holding stacks of folded items like sweaters, pajamas, T-shirts, and workout gear. They keep bulkier items organized and easily accessible. Shallow drawers are ideal for smaller items like lingerie, ties, belts, scarves, and other accessories.
7. Keep Essentials On Hand
If your closet doubles as a dressing area, you can create a small vanity with a mirror for a convenient grooming situation.
Use a jewelry tree or box to store everyday wearables. If you prefer to keep valuables concealed, choose drawer organizers to keep your pieces neat and tangle-free.
Additionally, you can hang purses on hooks or hangers, and store small clutches in shoe cubbies. Seasonal items such as scarves, gloves, and hats can be placed in lidded bins to keep them organized and protected when not in use.
8. Utilize the Doors and Floor
Don’t let the closet floor go to waste! Use this space to store bulky items that don’t fit well on shelves or rods. Place luggage, storage bins, or large bags neatly on the floor to keep them out of the way yet easily accessible.
You can also transform the back of your closet door into valuable storage by installing over-the-door closet organizers. Choose one with pockets, hooks, or racks that suit your needs. Hang it over the door and instantly gain easy access to frequently used items without taking up precious shelf or rod space.
9. Enhance Lighting and Visibility
Proper lighting and visibility can transform a reach-in closet from a dark, cramped space into an organized and inviting area. You can place energy-efficient LED strips along the edges of shelves or around the closet frames to ensure even lighting.
Another great choice is a ceiling fixture that offers ample light. Choose a fixture with a sleek design that complements your closet’s aesthetics.
Clear storage containers are also a game-changer for closet organization. They allow you to see the contents at a glance without opening each box. Use them for storing items like shoes, accessories, or seasonal clothing.
Finally, adding a mirror or reflective surface can enhance both the light and the perception of space in your closet. A full-length mirror on the closet door can reflect light to make the space feel larger and brighter.
10. Customize as Much as You Can
Your wardrobe should largely dictate how your closet is set up. If you own a lot of formal wear, or dresses, or prefer to hang your pants long, prioritize more hanging space. If you lean towards casual wear with many t-shirts, sweaters, and jeans, opt for more drawers and open shelf space. The advantage of a custom reach-in closet design is its ability to be tailored precisely to your storage needs.
11. Evaluate the Benefits of Having Doors Versus Open Closet Space
There’s a lot of online discourse on whether reach-in closets with doors are better than those without doors. While there are benefits to both options, the ultimate choice comes down to your personal preferences.
Benefits of Doors:
- Keep the contents of your closet hidden.
- Protect your items from dirt, dust, and sunlight.
- Offer a level of privacy and keep your personal belongings out of sight.
Drawbacks of Doors:
- Need more space to open.
- Require regular maintenance, especially if they have hinges.
Benefits of Open Closet Space:
- Provide immediate access to clothing and accessories.
- Offer improved visibility and lets you see all your belongings at a glance.
- Allow for better circulation, which can help keep your clothes fresh and prevent mustiness.
- Make small rooms feel larger and less confined.
Drawbacks of Open Closet Space:
- Increased exposure to dust and dirt.
- Can appear cluttered if not meticulously organized.
12. Maintenance and Regular Upkeep
Closet organization isn’t a set-and-forget strategy. You must periodically review and adjust your closet organizing system. Here’s how.
- Set a Schedule: Plan to review your closet every few months, either seasonally or whenever you see some clutter.
- Assess What Works: Evaluate which organization methods are working and which aren’t. If certain areas are constantly messy, switch to a different approach or storage solution.
- Make Adjustments: Don’t hesitate to rearrange shelves, bins, or hanging rods to better suit your needs.
- Seasonal Storage: Store off-season clothes and accessories in bins or vacuum-sealed bags. Label these containers and place them on higher shelves or under the bed to free up space for current-season items.
- Dusting and Vacuuming: Regularly dust shelves and rods to prevent buildup. Vacuum the closet floor and corners to remove dust and dirt.
- Inspecting for Damage: Check for signs of wear and tear. Tighten any loose screws, fix sagging shelves, and repair or replace damaged hangers and bins.
- Air Fresheners: Consider using air fresheners or sachets to keep your closet smelling fresh.
The Bottom Line
When you take the time to organize and optimize your reach-in closet space, you’ll discover more room than you ever thought possible. Try implementing some of these tips, and see just how much space you can save.
At Holland’s Custom Cabinets, we create bespoke made-to-measure closet areas for all your essentials. Our expert designs and high-quality craftsmanship can transform your closet into a functional and organized space, tailored to your needs. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
