Apartment closets are notoriously small, often with just a single rod and one shelf. But with strategic organization, you can dramatically increase capacity without renovating.
First: Assess and Declutter
Before buying any organizers:
- Empty the entire closet
- Measure dimensions (width, depth, height)
- Note existing fixtures (rod placement, shelf height)
- Declutter ruthlessly—only keep what you wear
Closet Decluttering Rules
- If it doesn't fit, let it go
- If you haven't worn it in a year, question keeping it
- Damaged items you'll "fix someday" rarely get fixed
- Duplicates should be reduced to the best one(s)
Maximizing the Rod
Double-Hang Configuration
Most closets waste vertical space below hanging clothes:
- Add a second rod: Double hanging capacity for shirts, jackets
- Hanging rod extender: Drops down from existing rod
- Position: Keep long items (dresses, coats) on one side; double-hang the rest
Slim Hangers
Switch from bulky plastic or wire hangers to slim velvet hangers:
- Save 30-50% more rod space
- Non-slip surface prevents clothes from falling
- Uniform appearance looks organized
Using the Shelf
Above the Rod
- Shelf dividers: Keep stacks from falling over
- Bins and baskets: Group similar items
- Additional shelving: Add a second shelf above if height allows
What Goes on High Shelves
- Seasonal items
- Luggage
- Special occasion clothes
- Extra bedding
- Items used infrequently
The Closet Floor
Shoe Storage
- Shoe rack: Stackable for more shoes
- Over-door shoe organizer: Frees floor space
- Clear shoe boxes: Stackable, visible
- Shoe shelf: Angled for easy viewing
Floor Bins
- Laundry basket
- Bins for accessories
- Hamper for dry cleaning
The Closet Door
The inside of the closet door is valuable real estate:
- Over-door organizer: For shoes, accessories, scarves
- Hooks: For bags, belts, robes
- Mirror: Frees wall space elsewhere
- Jewelry organizer: Keeps accessories visible
Inside the Closet Walls
The walls inside a closet are often unused:
- Hooks for bags, hats, belts
- Small shelves for accessories
- Pegboard section for flexibility
- Tie/belt rack
Organizing by Category
Hanging Clothes
Group and arrange logically:
- By category: Work shirts together, casual together
- By color: Within categories, arrange light to dark
- By frequency: Most-worn items at eye level and center
Folded Items
- Use shelf dividers to maintain stacks
- File fold items so all are visible
- Use bins for small items
Accessories
- Belts: Hooks or roll in drawer
- Ties: Rack or hooks
- Scarves: Hanger with rings or hooks
- Bags: Hooks or shelf dividers
The Reverse Hanger Trick
Turn all hangers backward at the start of a season. When you wear something, return it with the hanger facing forward. After 6 months, items still backward are candidates for removal—you clearly don't wear them.