Is your closet bursting at the seams? Here are some tips for repurposing unused space in your home to create a clutter-free and organized walk-in closet.
If you are like many people or couples, there are simply too many clothes, accessories, and shoes for your existing closet. Storage bleeds out into the bedroom or other areas of the home, and suddenly you feel as if your stuff is everywhere.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a large space to walk into, where you can see everything and grab what you’re looking for with ease? It may be time to consider converting some space into a closet so that you can function better and feel less stressed.
Here are a few tips and things to consider when making a walk-in closet out of unused space in your home:
1. Choosing the right space for your new closet
You’ll first want to choose a space that is in close proximity to the master bedroom. An unused bedroom or study is an easy choice for building your new closet space. If you have a box room adjacent to the master, you can knock through to attach the room to the master.
If you don’t have an unused room, another way to create the space is to build the room yourself by partitioning a large bedroom. Ideally, your space will be at least 8 x 5 feet.
Regardless of which room or space you choose, make sure to carefully consider whether or not to block access to the hallway as this may turn off potential buyers when you go to sell your home down the road.
2. Creating storage in your closet
Once you have the space, you need to plan out your storage. The size of the room and location of the door and any windows will all need to be considered.
You don’t want to overcrowd the room; you need to be able to open and close the door, have space to open drawers, and for you to be able to move and even get dressed. Some closets have a single run on one side, and some have space for a double run or even a U-shape. If you have a large enough room, you can add an island unit with drawers as long as there is space to walk around it. If the space is smaller, consider adding sliding doors and open storage. Adding open shelves to wall space, even if it is above the window or door frame, can add a great place to store handbags or storage bins.
What’s important is that you keep the space you have functional. It may help to make a list of the things you plan to store, such as:
- Long dresses or coats
- Rails for hanging shirts or pants
- Drawers or shelving for lower spaces
- Pull out racks for shoes
- Smaller, more shallow storage for things like jewelry
- Shelves for purses or hats
- Out of season clothing
- Sports gear
- Extra linens
- Suitcases
3. Consider the costs
If you are moving a door or adding a partition, you’ll need to consider what that is going to cost. If you need to do electrical work to move lighting and sockets, you’ll want to take that into consideration as well.
Plan your decor ahead of time also! You may want to change up the flooring and paint color to give the closet the aesthetic you’re looking for.
4. Add the extras
To truly make your space unique and functional, you can add extras such as a vanity for hair and makeup, a full-length mirror (either free-standing or over-the-door), and even a table or ironing board to quickly be able to press any items that need it.
Having a dedicated, functional closet space can eliminate stress and clutter from your life. It doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars or be larger than your bedroom either. Be creative and have fun with it!