How to Gain More Closet Space Without Renovating

We consulted with closet-design pros from across the country to learn the secrets to creating the ultimate storage unit, no power tools required.

Double Up

You need to dedicate only two-thirds of your closet to hanging rods. To maximize that space, mount two of them—one well above eye level for longer garments and one a little more than 3 feet off the ground for shorter (or foldable) ones. Position both at least 1 foot from the back wall.

Put Small Items in Their Place

Designate a container (a bowl or bin on a shelf, or a pouch that hangs on the inside of the door) to serve as a catchall for loose change, receipts, or other items that accumulate in your pockets.

Add Guiding Lights

Closets should be wired for lighting. If yours isn’t, use battery-powered stick-up LED pucks, such as Sylvania’s Dot-its along the top and under shelves so that you can find what you’re looking for.

About $12 for three; lowes.com

Divide and Conquer

Avoid jumbled piles of folded clothes by limiting shelf stacks to a height of 10 inches and partitioning them with thin bookends, like Highsmith’s steel versions.

About $9 each; highsmith.com

Raise It Up

Only things that can be easily lifted or rolled away, such as suitcases, should be stored directly on the floor; everything else should sit at least 1 inch off the ground to allow for regular vacuuming.

This article originally appeared on This Old House.

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