A floor-to-ceiling closet with storage bins helps keep any room neater.
Making good use of an entire wall in a room for storage can help keep the room neat. Even a tiny room with a wall unit closet from floor to ceiling will have better storage. By including hanging space, shelves and drawers, you can create a system that works well over time. You can build the closet wall yourself, and hire some additional help for the finish work if needed. Does this Spark an idea?
Define a Basic Plan
Measure the room to define exact dimensions for a closet wall. Use graph paper to develop a detailed plan for interior storage from floor to ceiling. A plan can be sketched for a door system to fit well with the room's architecture. For example, draw a wall of standard interior doors that open outward. Use sliding doors at the ceiling level that are just 18 inches high above the standard doors as one option. Figure out a closet depth, such as 24 inches, that will allow ample room for storage over time.
Design Interior Space
Plan separate areas of the closet system. You need to allow three areas for hanging rods for clothing, for example. Create one rod for coats only, one for suits or dress clothes and another section for casual shirts. Certain areas can be used for shelving to hold bins of sports equipment or rows of shoes. Develop a detailed plan for storing toys, dishes, boxes of paperwork or camping gear before you begin to construct the closet.
Fine-Tune Electrical and Safety Issues
Figure out lighting, electrical and safety needs. Install tiny recessed lights in the ceiling area or track lighting outside the closet to shine inward. You need to determine if electrical outlets will be placed inside the closet too. Don't plan to store clothing or flammable materials to close to interior lighting, however. Take all safety issues into consideration during the planning phases. For example, don't store heavy equipment in the top of the closet to prevent accidents if something should fall. Plan the system layout around keeping certain items, such as cleaning supplies or medicines, away from small children.
Review Materials and Colors
Review closet systems and hardware options. Visit home improvement stores to see shelving options and hardware for holding cabinetry, hanging rods and shelving in place. You should buy the best materials you can afford, especially if you plan to live in the house for several years. Plan the color scheme of the wall system in neutral or uniform colors, so that baskets, bins and wall material look harmonious when all closet doors are wide open.
Create a Tracking System
Create a labeling system and reference system. Place labels on baskets and bins that tell what items are stored in them. After the closet is built and you begin storing items, create a master list of everything stored in the space and its exact location. Store the list in a drawer section of the closet or tape it to the interior of one of the doors.
Tags: baskets bins, closet wall, detailed plan, floor ceiling, from floor, from floor ceiling, hanging rods