How can a Reach In closet be more efficient?

They are not as glamorous as a walk in closet, but most homes have them. Many homeowners believe there isn’t much that can be done, with a reach-in. However, that attitude changes when they see how their custom closet design increases the amount of room they will have for their things.

Our friends over at space envy wrote a piece on how to save a few hours a week with custom closet organizers.

We first look at how much long hanging clothing (dresses, robes and coats) the person has and make sure there is a hanging section for that. Then we add a shelf tower or 2 depending upon how wide the closet is and what else is going to be put away in there.

This will determine the amount of remaining space available for more hanging. Usually the wall of a reach in closet is approximately 8 feet so a couple of shelf towers should fit. They hold for shoes and boots, folded clothes, t-shirts, handbags.

The remaining short hanging clothes will then be consolidated onto double hanging bars. In a reach in closets this is where there is the greatest gain in useable space.

We keep in mind that women need lots of double hanging for blouses, pants, skirts as well as long hang. Additionally, a jewelry, a lingerie drawer or a laundry hamper may be able to fit into a shelf tower as well.

Men usually need lots of double hanging for shirts, suits and pants. Depending upon how he hangs his pants, either folded over the hanger or lengthwise, will determine the amount of long hang and double hang he’ll need. His shelf tower will be used for shoes, folded clothes, sweaters and workout clothes. If he’s tall, he can use the top shelf for his shoes as well.

Another accessory we recommend are hooks. They’re great for hanging robes or jackets. Belts racks, scarf racks and valet rods are items that add more space to the closet.