How to Maximize Closet Space

Spring has arrived, rewarding us with brighter days and warmer nights. With the current weary atmosphere of the world at the moment — protests, state mandatory lockdowns, supply shortages, and higher rates of unemployment — it is in everyone’s best interest to stay active in order to keep your state-of-mind healthy.

I for one am not necessarily buying new clothes for the spring season. Inventory is at a stand still which calls for a right time to declutter your clothes and organize your closet. If you don’t wear them in quarantine, you’re definitely not going to wear them outside post-pandemic.

A great way to keep your mind occupied is to have a deep cleaning and organizing session in your home. The place in my apartment that I’ve spent time decluttering is my closet. If you are interested in revamping your closet, here are a few tips I’ve found helpful.

Declutter and Donate

The first and most tedious step is to get rid of items you no longer wear. You can “Marie Kondo it,” which basically means to remove all clothes from your closet and dresser, hold every piece of clothing, and decide their fate. Should they stay or should they go? That shirt with the tag still on it — will it ever see the light of day? Those smelly gym shoes that you’ve had forever may not make it to next season. Whatever it is that no longer “sparks joy,” it’s time to let it go. You can sell your clothes or donate them to any place accepting donations.

Alright, now that you can see all the clothes that need to fit in your closet in an organized manner. It’s time to execute a game plan for your organization technique. If you’re like me and suffering from New York’s “small closet syndrome,” there is not a lot of space to work with, but we always make it work somehow.

Here are some things I’ve found helpful when it comes to closet organization.

Closet Rod

All closets should have a rod that goes across the width of your closet. If you do not have one, you can buy an inexpensive adjustable rod.

Hanging Closet Organizer

Even though this appears like this item will take up more space, it creates additional drawers. You can benefit from one of these if you do not have a dresser. I would recommend this if you do not have space in your room for a dresser. To make the most out of the space, I roll my clothes instead of folding them, as folding your clothes leaves them bulkier than folding.

Closet Rack Organizers

Categorizing your clothes on hangers makes finding items easier. For example, skirts go together, tops go together, and so on. I bought closet organizers — like the ones you see on racks in retail stores — to help with separating my clothes. I bought them from Amazon for a very inexpensive price.

Three Drawer Organizers

Ever since my days living in the college dorms, I have used three drawer compartments to hold my intimates and smaller clothing items.

Place Shoes in Entryway or Under Bed

If you have a lofted bed or bed risers, your shoes will fit nicely underneath. Depending on how many shoes you have, it doesn’t make much sense to cram them all in the closet. with your clean clothes, confined in a tight space with no airways. Are you picking up what I’m putting down? Now, placing your shoes under your bed might not be ideal for you, either. Another option is to get a shoe rack and place it in the common area of your home.

Extra Shelving

If you have a lot of space above your shelf, I’ve found this organization technique to be very helpful. I take a laundry basket, place bulkier clothes into it — such as sweaters, cardigans, and hoodies. Instead of buying a new shelving unit,

I hope these organization tips help ease your mind or increase your productivity during quarantine. Stay safe, call your loved ones, and wash your hands! :)