To buy: ClosetMaid Selectives 25-inch starter kit, $99 to $108; and 48-inch top shelf, $15: homedepot.com. Box Box paper-covered boxes (top, middle, and bottom shelves) in small, $56 for seven: dwr.com.; and in large, $56 for five: dwr.com. Bamboo storage boxes, $30 each, greatusefulstuff.com.
Use Proper Hangers
Proper clothing care calls for appropriate hangers: satin padding for more delicate items and sturdy wood hangers for tailored jackets.
Mount a Pegboard
Pegboard mounted inside a closet door creates an inexpensive mini-dressing station.
Stack Shoe Boxes
Slim plastic shoe boxes stack compactly, while hanging canvas shelves offer an inexpensive alternative to built-ins.
Store Accessories in Clear Plastic Drawers
Clear plastic drawers make perfect storage quarters for neatly rolled scarves, underwear, and belts.
Capitalize on Every Inch
Even tight closets can be kept in check with helpers like bins and hanging shelves.
Hang a Shoe Shelf
A shorter version of the traditional hanging shoe shelf is perfect for double-hung closet rods.
Keep Clothes From Stretching
Canvas shelves, like this set with drawers, hold sweaters, T-shirts, and other clothing items that might stretch on a hanger.
Gain Extra Space
Gain extra space in small closets by using slim hangers and stackable bins with pull-out drawers.
Turn to Shelf Dividers
Shelf dividers prevent leaning towers of cashmere and keep unruly items in their place.
Categorize Clothing
Group clothing by category―dress pants, jeans, casual shirts, work tops―to make putting together outfits easier.
Think Creatively With Storage
An armoire provides extra storage space in the bedroom; use baskets to collect odds and ends.
Keep a Ladder Inside the Closet
For little legs, stow a collapsible step ladder just inside a closet door, and place high-wear items―like baseball caps―in easy-to-access spots.
Work the Walls
Up-to-the-ceiling cabinets, offering maximized storage space, are reached with a library-type ladder.
Take Advantage of Doors
An over-the-door rack makes the most of the unused space behind a closet door.
Hang Boots Above the Ground
A neat way to store clunky rain boots off a closet floor: a metal shoe rack that affixes to the wall.
Streamline a Coat Closet
A simple strategy (store less-used items up top and popular outerwear in a grab-and-go locale) and well-chosen hardware (like back-of-the-door hooks) streamline a coat closet.
Organize Cleaning Supplies
An organized broom closet allows you to quickly find the cleaning supplies you need―saving you precious time on a Saturday.
Bring Order to an Overpacked Space
Shaped like oversized magazine boxes, canvas bins bring order to an overpacked closet.
Conceal Secret Storage
Use an upright plastic bin―tucked into a closet corner―to harbor your umbrellas.
Make the Vacuum Accessible
Position your vacuum cleaner so it’s easy to get to, hanging the hose on a hook to free up floor space.
