Dealing with a Shortage of Closets

Lots of homes lack the luxury of having enough closet space. Many efficiency and one bedroom apartment homes leave their dwellers to manage with a single bedroom closet, while older homes sometimes lack any closets at all! Even with one closet, the multitude of household items requiring storage can leave it difficult to access the clothes, shoes and accessories for which the bedroom closet is designed. Obtaining enough storage space for your possessions does not require upgrading to a new home. With some creativity, you can transform your closet challenged home into the perfect picture of clutter free organization. Let’s look at some ways you can create more storage in your home while keeping your closet accessible.

The first stage of any storage improvement endeavor is to clean out the closets and other storage areas currently in use. If it has been a while since you have performed a closet overhaul, you likely have some outdated, unnecessary items taking up valuable closet real estate. Once you have separated the items to keep from those to discard, sell or donate, you can get a realistic impression of how much you really need to store.

Think outside the closet. As much as possible, reserve closet space for its intended use, and create new areas of storage throughout your home for other items. If accessing shoes and clothes is a challenge in your closet, the closet is overloaded and its capacity should be downsized. Consider utilizing vertical space for storage, whether you do so using a bookshelf, armoire or wall mounted shelving situated around the upper perimeter of a room. One effective way of increasing your storage space is displaying sentimental items on a shelf or table rather than having them tucked away in storage.

Storage bins provide excellent storage solutions for a lack of closet space. Available in a plethora of shapes and sizes, you can find storage bins appropriately sized to fit within almost any space. Under the beds, atop cabinets, on shelves and behind furniture are a few underutilized spots that may give you the extra storage you need to enjoy a clutter free home. Do not underestimate the utility of coffee tables and ottomans which have built in storage. Such multi-function furniture can provide considerable storage space, and keep its contents out of sight yet readily accessible.

If the closet space in your home is inadequate to hold even your clothing, you may benefit from a stand alone, portable wardrobe rack designed for such purpose. A variety of styles are available, including covered wardrobe racks for an inconspicuous appearance and racks equipped with wheels for portability and accessibility.

There is no need to continue cramming closets with items when you are unable to access the ones you really need. Creative storage options such as shelving, bins and storage furniture can alleviate the inconvenience and clutter that all too often accompany a shortage of closets.

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About the Author: About the Author: Stephen Nickse is the founder of Closet Solutions, a leading provider of quality custom closets in Boston, strategically headquartered in the nation’s design capitol, Boston, Ma. For more information, please visit www.closet-solutions.com.