How To Maximize Limited Space In A Deep and Narrow Closet
This post contains affiliate links and was written in partnership with The Container Store
Project #1 in the new apartment is completed, and it looks beautiful! I've said this 1,000 times, but the lack of storage in my apartment is concerning for a maximalist such as myself, and I’m feeling those constraints most in my bedroom closet.
This closet is only 30" wide x 32" deep x 84" tall. But as it usually goes with pre-war buildings, these measurements aren't the same at every point. For example, the back of the closet is only 28" wide. It might not seem like a lot, but those two inches mean a lot to me…
But I'm determined to make this work, and my year-long partnership with The Container Store means I have access to the best products to improve this closet, and today I'm sharing everything I did to maximize the space in this tiny rental closet.
BEFORE
AFTER
5 Ways To Increase Storage In A Small Closet
Start With A Clean Slate
I swear I purged my closet before I moved, but when I started this makeover, I found so many gently or never worn clothes that needed to go. Thankfully, ThredUp and The Container Store partnered to help folks clear out their closets, and I'm taking full advantage.
I packed my items in the pre-labeled bag and shipped them off at FedEx (USPS will take them too), and when my items sell, I'll get a credit to use at The Container Store - how cool is that?
Tap here to get your label and earn money for your next organization project.
Measure Everything
You need to measure everything - the space and your clothes! This ensures you install the closet rod at the right height so all your dresses and coats don't drag causing damage. For example, my longest piece is 60" so the bar needed to be at least 62” high so it wouldn’t touch the ground. Luckily, that was the exact height a previous tenet installed support beams, so no extra work was needed here. I used a Dremel to cut through the metal closet bar - it was super easy!
If raising your closet bar isn't an option, consider putting your delicate items in clear garment bags to ensure they remain unharmed while in storage.
Smaller Is Better… Sometimes
Every inch matters when you’re working in a small space and that’s why I have to call out the real MVP of this closet makeover - the Petite/Teen Hangers from The Container Store. I honestly never given much thought to the size of hangers, but there's nothing like difficult circumstances to influence your decisions.
Initially, I was going to keep the standard non-slip velvet hangers, but those are 17 1/2" at their widest point and wouldn’t allow me to use the double closet rods. I looked into 12" kids' hangers, but those were too small for my jackets and cardigans, so I settle on these 14 7/8” petite hangers, which allow me to use them one in front of the other without snagging each other. Amazing!
Going for smaller hangers insured my clothes could hang neatly without hitting items behind it and hanging my pants in this fancy way is super cute! A real closet highlight.
Mount It On The Door
I’ve always been a fan of over-the-door racks and the Elfa system is truly the best on the market. It has so many different attachments, which makes it perfect for any room in your apartment. you can use them in any room.
My setup includes a 77-3/4” standard (perfect for 7’ doors), three large mesh baskets, three medium mesh baskets, and these over-the-door end brackets. The Container Store sells screws and anchors for wall mounting or extra security, but I didn’t find them necessary. It’s very sturdy.
Look Up For Extra Space
Maximizing vertical space is always a good idea. I repurposed the wood from my studio apartment kitchen and go the wood cut down at my local Ace Hardware. Then I painted them white and rested them on the existing support beams.
This allowed me to add linen-lined white oak boxes which hold my summer sweaters and bathing suits. Looking at it now, I’ll probably add another basket in the middle.
The total cost of this project was just under $500. All of The Container Store products were kindly gifted to me, but I saved a bit of money by repurposing wood from another project, borrowing my friends Dremel and using the existing support beams.
Let me know in the comments what you think!
xoxo,
Imani
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