With a bit or organization, your cramped coat closet can hold more than just outerwear.
Storage space is a premium commodity in most homes, yet the potential of coat closets is often overlooked. This versatile area can be used not only for coats, but for other storage purposes as well. If you place a coat rack by the door or install a series of pegs on the wall, you can even move the coats out of the closet altogether. With careful consideration and an array of organizational tools, you can transform an area of wasted space into a valuable storage unit. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Gather the items that need to be stored in your coat closet, including items that may already be there. Empty the closet of its contents entirely and either find a new home for the items, or add them to the pile of things that will be kept in the new storage space.
2. Measure the height, width and depth of the closet and make a scale drawing. Include any permanent fixtures that you will be keeping, such as shelves or racks. To maximize this space, consider removing all existing hardware from the closet.
3. Sort the items that will be stored in the closet by category and decide what type of organizational piece will be needed for each group of items. Shelves work well for everything from books to canned goods. Towels, washcloths and rags can be neatly stored in baskets. Keep small jars and bottles on a lazy Susan for easy access. Keep pictures, mementos and newspaper clippings in photo boxes.
4. Sketch out the storage solutions that you will be installing in the closet. A set of shelves or wire drawers on the floor or hanging shelves suspended from the clothing rack are versatile and will provide extra space for items you may want to add to the closet later. Plan for labeled boxes, bins, baskets and magazine holders on the shelves to keep items neatly tucked away.
5. Utilize the often-ignored areas of the closet such as the back of the door. Tool hooks on the door can be used for a broom or umbrellas. A pegboard with smaller hooks will hold a feather duster, cleaning brushes, dustpans and other small items.
6. Make use of all of the available floor space. Coat closets often hold a range of outerwear with nothing stored beneath. Shelving will maximize the space in this area. Only leave floor space empty if it is a designated spot for an item that sits on the floor, such as a vacuum cleaner.
7. Store the items you use most often at hand or eye level. Keep lesser used items on high shelves. If you have children, store their bins and boxes near the floor where they are easily reached. Label everything so you never need to waste time hunting through the storage closet.
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