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Literal tiny closet: any great budget org ideas?

Vix

Veteran

Hi YLFers --

After years and years fixing so many of the big things in my old house, I swear it's the tiny closets that might do me in!

Attached is my main closet*, snapped with winter wear. [ETA added wider BR shots for context]. I use a dresser for the usual socks&underwear/pjs/lounge/workout stuff, but I'm a hanger (even of most sweaters). So I really need to maximize the space.

Unfortunately, all the "small closet tips" I'm finding tend to be for larger closets or for folks who apparently don't wear a lot of dresses and skirts.

I may be the last to discover the old "hang a bar off your bar" trick, but $13 later it's implemented. The stacked bins make some of the lower bar unusable, but I just put them there and it's been a huge functional improvement -- they're for alterations / casual pants (top) and laundry (lower).

I undid a prior switch to lovely wood hangers and went to almost all slimline petite/jr-sized ones, which also fit the shoulders of my clothes better.

I wrangled some ancient classy milk-box wire cubes up on the top shelf and did gain a better way to store out-of-season bags and extra pillows along with a few in-season things.

I know I could paint and find more attractive storage cubes, but is there anything else functional you love in your past/current closet I could consider?

ps I live with someone extremely opposed to hanging lots of stuff on the backs of doors so can't do some mega-storage thing there.

*Disclaimer: I have under the eaves storage for my summery stuff + a portion of another, even tinier closet for super-formal wear and in-season shoes.

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General

35 replies

Latest reply was from sarah

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Maybe a free standing wardrobe? Under the bed bins? (Seriously -- I use those for out of season stuff.)

My current place has insanely generous storage and it is amazing. Not a walk-in but a whole wall of closet for me and DH. But back at home our situation is more tight. I also have the slim line hangers. And we use those special trouser/ skirt hangers that allow you to hang five or six pair at once. E.g. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B079N.....pd_rd_w=9z

And https://www.amazon.com/DOIOWN-....._16353531_

SarahD8

Veteran

What feels NOT functional to you about your current setup?

I second Suz’s rec for freestanding wardrobes (I’m still in absolute love w our new ikea pax system) but it’s hard to make specific suggestions without knowing what your pain points are.

taylor

Veteran

Is there anyway you could double rod this closet ? Or at least a portion of it anyway .
That would give you double the hang space . I used to do that in all my tiny closets years ago .
ETA. I guess that’s what hang a bar off a bar means. I have never heard that term before .

Joy

Veteran

Maria Kondo folding and lining up things vertically. I use a lot of cheap plastic shoe boxes instead of a dresser to store underwear, etc, With Kondos folding it makes things easy to find.
There used to be hangers that were easy to layer. They allowed me to hand more in less space. Now they are wearing out and I can't find new ones. That means it is time for a ruthless closet edit. I rejoice when socks or anything else wears out. I was hoping for wardrobe reduction by attrition but it is not working out that way. I find that the worn out items are usually essential to make outfits. Right now I need a new black/ white polka-dot blouse with long sleeves but am tempted not to replace it.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Suz and SarahD8 --

Thanks much for weighing in!

Suz, I know you must be enjoying that extra storage; sounds amazing.
I'd forgotten about the vertical-hang skirt/pants hangers (duh!) so thanks for that. More efficient than my current "one set of clips for 2-3 items." You'll be glad to know underbed storage is happening.

Unfortunately there's no spot for a freestanding wardrobe (smaller room, sloped ceilings) in the BR.

Sarah, great Q.

The current recently-improved setup is functional enough, I guess -- but somehow I feel like I should be able to squeeze in more shallow storage for bags or shoes or hats or something. Just tired of having stuff spread across the house so looking to have this jigsaw-puzzle closet.

Vix

Veteran

xposted with you, Joy, thanks! --

I do a modified Kondo in my drawers (more of a roller than a folder for some things, but have lots of compartments now) and think maybe I could get some use out of shallow boxes going up the closet sides.

I guess it's good you can't find those hangers in a way. I agree it does force one to think about how much is enough...I'm finding the same and have let go of things I had in "hidden" unseen storage, too.

rachylou

Veteran

How deep is your closet? This is a kooky idea, but have you ever seen those slim rolling pantry shelves? There are nicer ones than this, but just to show you what I mean...

In my last apartment, my first ‘big city’ apartment, I had one closet like yours... for the whole place! I made like a New Yorker... went to all ebooks and streaming, and put all my clothes on bookshelves (much shallower than a wardrobe), so I could also fit my queen size bed in the bedroom, lol. You can put doors on bookshelves, make things look more streamlined...

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kkards

Veteran

i haven't used these myself, but am intrigued by them...

As Seen on TV Soft Steel Wonder Hanger Max

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Greyscale

Veteran

I don’t have a closet in my bedroom so I use free-standing racks. You could put one tucked under the sloped ceiling if there’s space and use it to store your most aesthetically pleasing clothes (since they’ll be on display). Especially good for bulky things like coats. Only problem is that dust settles on the clothes more than in a closet.

Vix

Veteran

@Taylor -- glitchy eyes last night, so sorry! Thank you and yes, the double bar is really helpful.

I swear I haven't been living under a rock but I'd only ever seen them as fixed (vs hanging *off* the upper bar) and/or running front to back. And I've had tiny closets my whole life, geez. I have the latter type in the other tiny closet and don't find it helpful for *seeing* stuff....

Rachylou -- not too kooky at all and yes, I know what you're talking about (on my list for any future kitchen renos). Closet is a bit over 2' (27") deep so it would be tight. I only want it on the bottom to preserve the hanging stuff and I've just seen flimsy DIY 12" deep ones. But hmmmm -- a TOEKICK DRAWERS might work if 3" deep is enough for even some shoes. Or maybe single low base (kitchen) drawer? I will go back to kitchen designs, there might be something. Our life here is custom / hacks, sigh and I'm trying to avoid another cap-P Project.

Kkards -- OMG WHY did those Wonder Hangers not turn up in any of the articles/blogs I read?! Even a couple of those would be great and less bulky than the type with clips. And they'd be even better for some of our other tiny closets. Did I mention we share a few with heating ductwork, ha? I will get on it and report back to the Forum!

Greyscale -- I love FS racks and have a vintage industrial one in our guest BR (which I use to hang a week's worth of outfits on, etc). The problem is they were getting hung back up there vs "my" closet...and then like you say they're not protected from dust. If I gave up my shallow dresser I could squeeze in a low one (?) and maybe get a cover for it. Will explore the trade-offs if Kkards' magic hanger suggestion doesn't work, thanks!

jill58

Veteran

We too have tiny closets. Our house was built in 1933 and hangers have to be hung on the diagonal for the doors to close. This leads me to believe that people had fewer clothes and narrow shoulders. In any case, we have a couple of armoires to supplement storage space but I'm always looking for new ideas, particularly for shoes, boots and bags.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I was going to suggest free standing racks too.

em

Yep. I know exactly how to tackle your problem, but it will involve some renovations.

What you need to do is to make the doorway go completely to the ceiling. Now, you could panel the whole wall to disguise it, or cleverly keep the doorframe where it is to look like a trompe l'oeil. Like the picture here: https://flushwalldoors.com/wp-.....s-Door.png; then, just add the doorframe where you want it. The top of the door remains "invisible."

Next, install these rods. You should be able to get at least 3 all the way up. Voila: you've just tripled your closet space. http://www.rev-a-shelf.com/p-5.....loset.aspx

em

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/377176537527103330/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/660058889115726188/

rachylou

Veteran

Aside: my neighborhood was built 100-120 years ago. My hobby is to go to open houses when homes go up for sale and snoop.... closets are teensy. Many with just four hooks in a 2x2 space. No, I don’t think folks had a lot of clothes... linen closets are larger than clothes closets in these houses.

Also: when we walk at night, Lilypup and I, *we* notice everyone is sitting in the dark. Single overhead lights, lol!

Also: curiously, everyone has a garage. I can’t imagine anyone had a car. When did cars come into style? The tram went right by. Maybe they weren’t for cars? They’re too small for a modern car mostly. Maybe people kept buggies in them and went to a livery for horse? I can’t imagine how that worked.

Anonymous

Tiny closet owner staging an intervention
I do not recommend hanging a bar from your existing bar, it will add a lot of weight-stress when you put clothes on it. And the multi hangers make for a lot of visual clutter, and aggravation when taking off and putting on garments. Been there done that. Dont waste money. Do it right the first time.
I recommend adding a second rod below the first. If youve ever changed a shower curtain rod, same thing.

Measure the closet first if course, but any hardware store will have a rod and the attachments. If the size isnt right, they can cut it at the store. Get a power screwdriver if you don't have one-it will be your bff!
The installation will take you 15 min max, and cost under $20.

shiny

Veteran

My last closet was tiny, but yours looks even tinier! It does, however, look taller, so there is that. You could very easily remove the top shelf, hang the top bar a lot higher, and add in a second bar which may leave you room on the floor for a shoe rack.

Another trick I used was I had a couple of those kitchen carts with wire mesh baskets-- the kind of cart you use to store potatoes and onions etc. The carts were on wheels. That meant I could easily roll the carts out to access stuff, neaten the piles, clean underneath. Worked great for sweater storage in particular as the wire mesh enabled air circulation.

I also used those shoe pocket holders on the back of my doors (my closet had two doors not just one). I get your partner doesn't want to hang anything on them, but they do make use of invaluable space.

Do you have any long unbroken expanses of wall in your bedroom? If yes consider installing an Ikea wardrobe. In our new place we installed a custom reach in across the length of one wall and that's hubby's closet. I got the walk in for myself. If you have space for a rack, you probably have space for an Ikea wardrobe.

Jill58 -- we had a couple of those super shallow closets in our last house (built 1905). I think what people did back then was use pegs, not hangers.

jill58

Veteran

Shiny, that makes sense re: pegs.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Regarding hanging things on the doors--there are some that also hook on the bottom of the door, so they don't flap every time the door is opened or closed. Perhaps that would be more acceptable to your partner.

I've used these, and the pants hangers that are a square with several rods that swing out, to hold one pair of pants each. If you have your skirts and dresses on these, you won't be able to hang a lower rod, but you might not need to. I like them because you can organize your wardrobe with them--one for ls, one for short, or by color or whatever works. https://www.theholdingcompany......ngers.html

Runcarla

Veteran

Our last (older) house had tiny closets. DH and I shared a closet that looked about the size of yours. I don't know how wide your closet is behind the door, but we ran our poles down the SIDES - DH got the right side, and I got the left. We had shelves over the rails and down the middle of the back, but removed the ones down the back and installed a tie and belt hanger for DH. I got a greater combined rail length with 2 rails down the side than with one across the back.

SarahD8

Veteran

Vix, sounds like if you want to fit more things in the closet proper and I definitely get the appeal of not having to go to scattered places to collect things.

If you are going to focus on hanging rods, you could maybe use hanging organizers (some even have drawer inserts) to corral smaller items.

Or, you could tuck a small drawer unit or two underneath the hanging clothing. Check out ikea’s Alex drawers — technically office furniture but I think Katerina uses one for her scarves, and they hold a ton.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

There is this option:
http://designsixtynine.co.uk/2.....rawer-diy/

taylor

Veteran

Vix , what Suntiger suggested was my original thought.

As I mentioned, I had never heard of a bar off a bar . It sounds useful but perhaps not as sturdy as a true double bar ?

Tiny closets are tricky . If you get this sorted I would love to see the photos . You have gotten some great ideas here .
I could always use closet storage solutions too !

Vix

Veteran

Wow, so many more great ideas (and warnings)!

Rachy, yep -- house is 100+ y.o. and was a more modest one so we lack the fab built-ins so many old house owners get. We've actually put in things to look original. No doubt the next owner will rip them all out.

[I'm dying over the sitting in the dark crack. I HAVE LAMPS haha. Lots of 'em. House had remnants of gas-lit ceiling ones.]

Please forgive me for not answering everyone specifically...I appreciate all the time spent!

Though a special shout-out to the Tiny Closet Alumna and Jill58 (Jill, BTDT til this week with the diagonal hangers...see if the petite 14.5" ones work for anyone in your house). Shiny, I see your closet reno results in my dreams.

Runcarla, your closet-sharing...man, applause from me! We don't have much hidden space on either side of the door frame -- 11" -- so clothes would def hang into the closet opening.

I feel sure other Tiny Closet people are lurking so I'm confident these ideas and links will be explored by many!

As of this week we have a Hallway Tiny Coat and Vacuum Closet down to the lath and plaster (duct work shifted) and another one with new sculptural duct work that needs...something?

So not doing too much with mine, but between the 3 in need, feel sure I need to implement some of the great products and ideas.

Taylor, here's the maker of the "bar off a bar" I just put in -- Whitmor (Double Closet Rod). https://whitmor.com/clothes-storage (scroll the page). I take the point about extra stress on the higher rod but with my new featherlight slimline hanger and lighter clothes I think it'll be ok. I also like the fact that it's not fixed.

I will proceed cautiously with any Wonder Hanger additions, though!

Also -- below is my converted attic BR (closet to left of door). You're seeing most of the floor space.

I'm getting smarter about pre-motrin-ing when I paint it and gnash my teeth over the closet sometimes, but its triple windows and sloped ceilings make it feel like sleeping in a tree house and I do love it!

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taylor

Veteran

Oh , wow Vix, BEAUTIFUL!

Thanks for that link! Actually this system looks pretty effective. I wish had known about this for my children’s rooms all those years ago !

DonnaF

Veteran

I swear by the metal skirt and pants hangers below because they are strong and you can stack them up to the number you want. I stack my skirts two or three deep on the lower of a double rung and five deep with jeans/pants on a high rung. Got mine at BB&B; not sure if they are the same brand below, but Amazon has tons. I also have metal stackable dress hangers that also have skirt clips but I couldn't find them on Amazon; I don't think I've seen them recently at BB&B. The velvet ones stack, but are fairly fragile so good for blouses and shirts but not heavy dresses. The plastic ones are better for that.

These hangers enable me to avoid being a minimalist which is probably a bad thing. . .My house is about 90 years old.

Tosnail Add-On Hangers Stackable Hangers Metal Pants Skirt Hangers with 2-Adjustable Clips - 12 Pack

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MIZGI Premium Cascading Velvet Hangers (Pack of 50) Heavyduty - Non Slip Hangers with Cascading Hooks Gray- Copper/Rose Gold Hooks,Space Saving Clothes Hangers (Gray)

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Attachable Hangers 6-Count HOMZ

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Jaime

(website)

Veteran

No advice to give (just taken) but your bedroom is beautiful!

Jane

Veteran

Exactly as Shevia says.

My wardrobe is 1m / 40 inches wide and I just try and keep it contained. I do have a cupboards high and love above the hanging part and a dressing table with storage for undies and gear. I have 60 or so pink hangers, 9 skirt hangers and that’s fine for me. So I’ve no tips, but I’ve liked reading everyone else’s.

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Cardiff girl

Veteran

I echo Shevia,your room is just beautiful like something out of a magazine.lm really impressed by all you small wardrobe people.l thought I had a tiny wardrobe but it’s not quite the smallest so I should be grateful for what I ve got.My Main problem is the bulk of winter coats,puffers take up such a lot of space!I hope that you manage to sort a solution that suits you.

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