8 Tips to Double Your Closet Space

A modern single girl is constantly updating her wardrobe, so things in her closet can get out of control pretty quickly. These simple tips will allow you the room you need to keep your closet filled with the most up-to-date styles without overflowing!

1. First thing's first: Go through your coats, clothes, and shoes to weed out things you don't wear anymore. You know the drill: If you haven't worn it in more than a year, or if it doesn't fit you anymore, it goes. Separate the items into boxes to give away to charity, recycle, or toss.

2. Use all the space available to you. Install a second closet rod like this simple metal one from the Container Store (opens in new tab). If you don't want to go permanent (after all, so many of us live in apartments that we don't own), use a tension rod. Install the second rod halfway between the floor of your closet and the existing closet rod. Hang skirts and pants there. Longer items (dresses, cardigans) stay on top.

3. If they aren't there already, install shelves above your existing closet rod. This is the perfect place to keep shoes (use plastic shoe boxes — they stack neatly and keep shoes nicer, longer). Try these clear storage boxes from Organize-It (opens in new tab).

4. Use the space on the back of your closet door. You can get an over-the-door rack (opens in new tab) on which to hang belts and bags; an over-the-door shoe cubby (opens in new tab) to organize shoes; install hooks (opens in new tab) for robes and jackets; or put up a full-length mirror (opens in new tab) for a head-to-toe check before you leave the house.

5. If your closet is big enough, stash a small plastic or wooden set of drawers (opens in new tab) in there. In the drawers, keep accessories, socks, or other miscellany like gift wrap and bows, or sewing needles and thread.

6. Use multiple-tiered hangers (opens in new tab) to hang twice as much in the same space.

7. Something you may not consider a space-hogger are regular, everyday hangers. But if you think about it, those plastic hangers are usually twice the width they need to be. Use slim-width hangers (opens in new tab) and watch your closet space magically expand.

8. Stash seasonal items in under-the-bed rolling bins (opens in new tab). That way they are protected while not in use, and when you peek into your closet, you can actually see what's in there.