Creative Ways to Double Your Small Reach-in Closet Space

Having a small reach-in closet is one of the biggest closet complaints and organization challenges homeowners face. Clothes get recklessly crammed onto overflowing racks, shelves become catchalls for random clutter, and you can never seem to find what you need amongst the jumbled mess. A disorganized closet adds unnecessary daily stress and frustration while wasting valuable time as you hunt for missing items in the mornings. But by using every square inch wisely, you can restore order and maximize your reach-in closet's potential. I can share some creative space-saving solutions that I’ve used to effectively double my closet space and create an orderly, stress-free environment tailored to my storage needs.

• Declutter and organize the closet space
• Implement clever shelving systems
• Make the most of the door space
• Double up on hanging capacity
• Optimize the height for extra storage
• Incorporate specialized storage solutions
• Multifunctional furniture for space-saving
• Proper lighting for better visibility
• Regular closet audits and purging
  

Declutter and Organize the Closet Space

The first crucial step in gaining control over a small reach-in closet is decluttering. Be ruthless about paring down your wardrobe and possessions – anything you haven't worn in over a year, or that no longer fits properly, should be donated or discarded. Once you've created a blank slate, give the entire closet an intensive cleaning. Vacuum up any debris, wipe down all shelving, and have the closet smelling fresh for your reorganization efforts. Decluttering first allows you to get an honest look at what you're working with space-wise.

Implement Clever Shelving Systems

With the closet cleared out, take a critical look at your existing shelving situation with fresh eyes. In many reach-in closets, there is ample opportunity to add extra shelving by adjusting spacing or installing new shelves. Add an extra shelf above the main hanging rod or use the highest reaches of the closet for less-accessed seasonal items on a high shelf. Under-shelf baskets are also a secret weapon for organizing all those loose accessories like belts, clutches, and miscellaneous items neatly out of sight.

Make the Most of the Door Space

One of the most overlooked storage opportunities in a small reach-in closet is the back of the door itself. This skinny space can be outfitted with arrays of organizational helpers from basic over-the-door hooks to fancy-pants modular organizers complete with designated spots for shoes, clutches, jewelry, and more. If you're feeling handy, you can even DIY your own custom door-mounted solutions to fit your specific needs. Checking in With Chelsea gives readers a detailed plan for building a simple closet door caddy on their own.

Double Up on Hanging Capacity

In most reach-in closets, doubling up your hanging rods can instantly multiply the amount of clothing you can hang. Adjustable double-hanging rods make it easy to customize the spacing between the two levels to fit everything from shirts to dresses without overcrowding. But even a fixed double rod can increase your hanging space exponentially if the measurements work for your wardrobe.

Optimize the Height for Extra Storage

When space is limited, vertical storage solutions are the key to closet optimization. From hanging rod helpers like tiered hangers and cascading shapers to over-the-door organizers, vertical organizers maximize every inch up the wall. Consider installing a second hang-rod higher up to stash longer items or add high shelving along the top of your closet for off-season storage bins or bulky items.

Incorporate Specialized Storage Solutions

No matter how meticulous your closet system is, tiny accessories like jewelry, scarves, and shoes can cause chaos quickly. Fortunately, there are all sorts of organizers designed specifically for wrangling these small items efficiently. Drawer dividers, hanging jewelry organizers, and storage trays can turn unruly piles into tidy, easy-to-sift-through collections. You can even DIY organizers by repurposing shoeboxes, bowls, racks, and more.

Multifunctional Furniture for Space-Saving

In a small reach-in closet, furniture pieces that can pull double-duty are indispensable space-maximizers. A storage ottoman can house off-season clothes inside while providing a seat. A closet island can offer drawers and cubbies below for organizing folded garments with open-top storage. Shelving units and collapsible clothing racks can add extra hang space when needed as well.

Proper Lighting for Better Visibility

Good closet lighting is paramount for any organizational system, making it easy to see all of your belongings. Smart lighting upgrades like motion-sensor LED strips or battery-powered stick-up lights can illuminate even the deepest closet corners so you never miss that top you're looking for. Being able to properly see everything in your closet makes getting ready quicker and smoother.

Regular Closet Audits and Purging

Even with the most dialed-in organization scheme, closets can still become disheveled over time as your wardrobe and lifestyle needs evolve from season to season. That's why it's wise to periodically re-evaluate your storage strategies, purging any unneeded items from your closet and adjusting the layout if necessary. Staying on top of your closet organization can remove daily frustrations and ensure you can always find what you need right when you need it.

Conclusion

Many homes, especially older ones, are plagued by undersized reach-in closets that constantly test the limits of functionality. If your tiny reach-in closet feels more like a cluttered cave than an organized oasis, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. With a little ingenuity and a few smart strategies, even the smallest reach-in closets can be optimized to provide ample, well-organized storage space. By maximizing vertical storage, utilizing every nook and cranny, and editing your wardrobe, you can double your closet's capacity and bring serenity to your morning routine. 

Reimagine Your Reach-In Closet with This Customizable Solution

If you're overwhelmed by a small, cluttered reach-in closet, the expert designers at Dallas Closet Design can transform that space into an organized, accessible oasis. We specialize in creating fully customized reach-in closet systems tailored to your wardrobe, budget, and spatial needs. With a wide range of stylish finishes and accessories, your new reach-in closet system will beautifully maximize every inch for an elevated everyday experience. Call us today to schedule your free consultation!

Source: 

• https://checkinginwithchelsea.com/video/how-to-build-a-door-or-wall-mounted-storage-shelf/