Don't be limited by your current closet rods.
A closet needs to be a hard-working space that maximizes storage and access. Often existing closets have a single rod and shelf, which just isn't efficient. It's important to see all of the space that you have and to ignore the existing shelf-and-rod to redesign your closet to better meet your needs. This takes a little preparation time, but the time will be well spent to reconfigure your closet. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove everything from your existing closet. Unscrew your brackets that are holding your rod and shelf. Fill any holes in the wall with wood fill and a 1-inch putty knife. If your closet walls are dirty, consider painting them while the space is open.
2. Measure the closet with a tape measure. Transfer the dimensions to 1/4-inch graph paper. Label the height of your ceiling and the exact width of your door opening. On the side of your paper, list the type of clothing you hang. If you wear a lot of dresses, then you will need more long hanging space. If you wear shirts, then you should plan for more double-rod space. Include your shoe storage needs in your list.
3. Lay tracing paper over your graph paper and draw. For most walk-in type closets, an L- or U-shaped design will often create the most efficiency. Store your less used items (evening gowns) at the furthest point in the closet or on the short turn of an L design. Place your most used clothing closest to the door. Consider more double rods and higher closet shelves if you wear a lot of shirts, skirts, coats and pants.
4. Draw several designs and elevations (front views of closet organization) until you have found the most efficient design for your closet and belongings. Take your drawing to a home store and select all of the closet organizer pieces you need to build your closet.
5. Install a wall-mounted, hanger bar system. Position your hanger bar at the top of your closet walls, touching the ceiling. Screw the bars directly into the stud. Screw vertical shelf standards into the wall using wall anchors and screws. Standards are usually mounted on either side of shelf sections.
6. Install cabinets and shelves by sliding the rear hooks directly into the shelf standards. Cut your shelving to fit with bolt cutters. Cap the cut ends with small rubber caps. Install shelf brackets into the standards and slide the shelves into the hooks.
7. Install rod brackets onto your shelves and clip the rods into the brackets. Shoe shelving is simply standard shelf material turned upside down and angled during installation.
Tags: your closet, closet walls, directly into, graph paper, shelf standards, space that, wear shirts
