How To Create More Closet Storage, According To A Professional Organizer

Unless you happen to be one of the rare individuals blessed with a massive walk-in closet that has more space than you even know what to do with, chances are you're constantly looking for ways to increase the storage space. Even a reasonably sized walk-in closet might not quite cut it for some people who have a lot of pieces they want accessible at all times. Not to mention, in many cases you might be sharing your closet with another person, such as your partner or spouse. 

As Homes explains, spacious and organized closets could very well boost your home's value. And, there's a benefit to refreshing your closet even if it's just for yourself — as a survey by the National Association of Realtors Research Group found, 59% of respondents were happier in their spaces and 72% expressed a desire to be home more, simply because they had an upgraded closet.

Even if you're not planning on a huge renovation, there are plenty of tips and tricks that will help you best utilize the space you have and organize even a small closet. In an exclusive interview with House Digest, Kirsten Fisher, certified professional organizer, and founder of Imagine Home Organization, shared her best tips for creating an abundance of storage in your closet and beyond.

When you envision the space available in your closet, chances are your mind first considers horizontal storage. However, to make full use of the space, you need to think in both directions. "Often, we see the one rod and shelf in the closet but we don't consider making use of the space above and below it," explains Fisher. Sure, you may want to hang certain items like dresses or work attire, but there are particular categories of clothing that would do very well nestled in those vertical areas.

For example, as Fisher outlines, "space below is perfect for shoe shelving, drawer units, or another rod for hanging." That's right — you can immediately double your hanging space by simply installing an extra rod, which could be a great option for individuals who don't have many longer pieces. "Space above is great for stacking sweater bins (open fronts are the best for getting clothing or bags out easily), stacking memorabilia boxes, or tall totes and handbags," Fisher continues.

The point is, there may be certain elements of your closet's storage that you don't want to change, such as the existing shelves and clothing rods. However, you can easily increase your storage quite a bit simply by thinking vertically. Plus, minor adjustments like adding an extra rod, a few storage boxes, or a drawer unit or two are both easy and relatively inexpensive.

One of the best ways to increase the storage space in your closet is to take advantage of all the spaces you may have been overlooking, assuming nothing could be done to them. Take a moment to think outside the box and assess every surface of that closet to see where you can add in a little something extra, as per Fisher's recommendations.

For example, once you've expanded your mind to think vertically, spin around and take a look at your closet door. It's more than just a door — it's a flat surface that offers a ton of potential for extra storage, depending on what exactly you need. "Using fantastic door storage like the Elfa door rack provides you with access to things you grab often like your favorite shoes, clutches, cleaning supplies, pantry supplies, and more," advises Fisher. "I put them on every door of the house and they are game-changing."

As per her advice, you don't want to waste door space on items you rarely ever use. Instead, make your life a little easier by positioning your often reached-for pieces right where you need them. And, installing this extra storage solution couldn't be easier. Many, such as the Elfa over-the-door line of products that Fisher loves, can simply be hooked over the top of your door — no tools needed.

Another way to seriously increase the amount of storage space you're working with is to think a bit more broadly about what might constitute your closet. Don't think of the space behind that door as the only possible storage option in a room. Chances are, even if your closet is relatively small and cramped, there are other areas in the room that are a bit more spacious and full of potential.

"It doesn't have to be a permanent space to create the storage that would come from a closet," clarifies Fisher. "Add a pantry cabinet in that odd spot in your kitchen, use a wardrobe in your spare bedroom for seasonal clothes, or add a bench at the end of your bed for linens to create new space in your linen closet." One of the benefits of this tip is that you can select pieces that blend seamlessly with your home's aesthetic, adding some visual interest as well as storage space. And, there's a good chance you might even be able to repurpose furniture you already have, making this another budget-friendly tip.

As Fisher indicates, these outside-the-closet storage solutions may not be the place you want to keep the items you reach for on a daily basis. However, it can be the perfect solution for the pieces you only need once a week or even less frequently — they're close enough to be conveniently accessible, but aren't taking up precious space in your closet.

We know, we know — you fear that the moment you put that collection of old sweaters or those special-occasion dresses somewhere else, you'll immediately need them. However, the reality is, there are definitely items in your closet that you may not want to throw away, but that you don't need readily accessible every single day. That's why Fisher advises that you should be strategic about what you're storing in your closet — and what might go elsewhere. There are items that could go in another piece of furniture in the same room, as she recommends. However, there are also certain items that could easily go a little further away.

"Think about the things you don't use as often and put them in another location," Fisher explains. "Can the back stock of water move from the pantry to the laundry, basement, or garage? Can the clothing you are saving because it is sentimental or not exactly the right size be moved to a bin and placed on a top shelf?"

It may seem like it'll be a huge hassle to go to an entirely different room when you need that specific item, but let's face it — you won't need it that often. It'll be far more convenient to traipse down to the basement to grab something once every couple of months when you require it than to deal with the clutter and chaos of an overstuffed closet every single day.

No matter how many clever organization hacks you use, the fact is that there remains a finite amount of storage space in your home. Yes, you can learn how to better utilize the space you have. If every single room in your home is overflowing with unnecessary items, though, you're just never going to get the streamlined, organized spaces you dream of because, well, there's just no room. The secret weapon is to eliminate clutter whenever possible.

"You would be surprised how much space you have in your home when you eliminate the things you don't really need. Often we think we are saving money by keeping just-in-case items, but really we are wasting time, energy, and money when we can't find what we need and have to buy replacements anyway," explains Fisher.

While everyone is different in terms of the items they value, there are certain spaces that are a little easier to declutter. For example, you may find it difficult to part ways with clothing. However, there's probably a storage closet or two in your home that has a bunch of useless items you rarely use. Eliminating some of those unnecessary items could yield added space for shoe storage or an extra linen closet. Get rid of the stuff you don't value so you can better organize and find space for the things that are actually important to you.