Part of the challenge of keeping a small apartment tidy is finding a place to keep all of your stuff. Utilizing every last inch of closet space will go a long way in helping you stay uncluttered and organized. Here are some tips — and inspiring pics — to help you make the most of your closet space…
As you can see in the photo before the jump, an organized closet can make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to reconfigure. Whether you work with existing shelving or DIY your own, personalize your closet to fit your stuff.
Think outside the box for your storage needs. Shoe organizers are a quick and easy place to stash any number of little items. Also, baskets, boxes and bins are your friends. It's so much easier to keep things in order when they have a place to live in the closet.
If you’re blessed with extra closet space, create a desk or craft area in one. This is a great way to have your office and crafting supplies readily available but still be able to keep it contained.
If you lack closet space completely, try building one in the room. Many shelving units — from Ikea's to Containter Store's popular Elfa brand — look good enough to become the feature of a room.
If open shelving isn't your thing, you could cover it up. Some shelving units can be purchased with a cover to zip over it but you could also DIY it.
MORE CLOSET TIPS ON APARTMENT THERAPY
• Best Closet Systems: Shopper's Guide
• Converting a Bi-Fold Door
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• Fresh Start: Small Closet Updates that Make a Big Difference
Images: 1-3. Jason Loper, 4. Whitney's Well Organized Home, 5. Leela Cyd Ross
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Is that cat litter box in the picture of "after"? Does that mean you need to keep the closet door opened at all time? I also place cat litter box in the coat closet, but it's sliding doors so I don't need to worry about having the door swung opened wide.
@pier723: yes, it is a litter box. but the kitty has her own door cut into the larger door. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/pets/where-to-locate-the-litter-box-119161
I'm inspired! That shoe organizer in the after photo looks great. Can you share the source?
that makes more sense. But, wouldn't the closet be all smelly because oflimited air circulation in it?
@spromp: lowes, of all places.
Can someone help me with some new ways to store tons of shoes in a New York apartment?? I am a shoe model, and I own so many shoes! I am moving in with my boyfriend this month, and I need some creative ways of organizing them.
Thanks!
If you a) use the right filters on the box (changing them regularly); b) scoop regularly (once or twice a day) and c) add some baking soda to the litter, odor shouldn't be an issue.
I would be interested in help organizing a closet for large bags of cat food & litter, a large bag of charcoal and my all of my cleaning supplies ( a vacuum, mop, broom ect..)
I just did the same thing to my closet... after removing NINE layers of wallpaper (the last two having at least 3 layers of paint on them). It was a pain in the butt and so worth it! So much more functional now http://geekdetails.com/blog/?p=5273
casie2006 - Ikea has an example on their website using rods to hang shoes... you could do this over doorways or around the top of the walls...
Making a closet this organized can be very expensive especially if using Elfa shelves but I guess it is worth it.
I love stuff like this. The only problem is that it makes me feel lazy for not getting it done myself.. =(
@ House Voyeur - I agree re Elfa shelves. But they do have significant markdowns at least once a year, usually in (I believe) January. Although I used Closetmaid from Lowes, I would have paid noticeably less had I waited (or not missed) the Elfa sale at the Container Store.
Yes, the Elfa sale is usually January and early February. Over the last four years, we've been able to outfit our closets and a couple of odd spaces and the difference in function and use is amazing. While Elfa is pricey, in my experience it just works better and for us, has been worth it. Better to buy something that works once, than keep on buying and discarding cheaper stuff that doesn't.
I absolutely love how the hanging stuff was moved UP and the shelves were used down low. Makes so much more sense that way! Now you've got me thinking about my hall closet...
I had the same idea about the over the door shoe organizer! I just moved from an approx. 900 sq ft apartment-- 2 walk in closets, utility closet, pantry, hall/linen closet, alot of bathroom cabinet space, and outside storage closet. I moved into an approx. 500 sq ft apartment that has one standard (2 bi fold doors) bedroom closet... and a storage closet outside next to my parking space... and thats it. I'm having to be very creative. Since I could no longer use the over the door shoe organizer (my bedroom door, when open, is in the way of the closet).. I put it out in the outside storage closet. I'm using it to hold small 'utility' stuff... extension cords, light bulbs, bungee cords. It keeps it organized & off the small shelving unit I put in there (along with a bike!)
Are those leather foldable boxes in the first pic? Oh man...WANT!
Casie - can you make some of your more fun and beautiful shoes part of your wall decoration in your bedroom? Multi-purpose!
Casie- I agree w a few other posters, make a shelf for them close to the ceiling, just one long strip adn put the best ones up there. Other than that Ikea has storage containers, they are made of fabric and are boxed shapped with a little window & vecro closure. Each fits about 2 pairs of my shoes (size 10!!) You can simply take pictures of the shoes and puplace a picture on the box, or make a little catalog to hang near the shoes, with corresponding numbers. No more rummaging.
..I didnt proofread sorry
One problem I've found with hanging clothes high is getting to them. The house I'm in now has two rungs, one low and one high. I can't reach the higher one so it's mostly unused space and an eyesore. Yes, I put my out of season clothes up there but truthfully it doesn't work.
So neat and tidy! I love it! I love the desk incorporated into the "closet"!
http://sweetandsassy-sherry.blogspot.com/
I detest over-the-door shoe organizers. Maybe it's just because my closets have always had hollow-core doors, but they always seem to thump loudly against the door every time you open or shut the closet, strain the hinges, and inevitably, get overstuffed with junk. If you put it on the back of a door, you can't open it all the way, and if you actually put shoes in them, they scuff the wall. Way oversold if you ask me.
Does anyone know anything about that sliding door system in the third photo? I've been wanting to build something similar but have not found an affordable option.
The "doors" in the third photo look to me like IKEA panel curtains.