Want a Bigger Closet? 7 Simple Hacks

Saad Iqbal | 🗓️Modified: February 23, 2025 | ⏳Time to read:7 min

7 Tips to Make Your Small Closet Feel Twice as Big

In life, we have to face many hard truths. One of those truths is that we can’t all have the closet of Kim Kardashian. Most of us are stuck with the same basic small bedroom closet. You know the one – it’s small, bifold doors are involved, there’s a couple of sad wooden rods, and definitely no crystal chandelier.

1. Purge Your Closet to Start Fresh

You knew this was coming. The first rule when organizing any space, especially when square footage is limited, is to get rid of the excess. Time to empty your closet and brutally edit the contents. Go through each item in your closet and ask yourself:

– Have you worn it in the past year?
– Does it fit?
– Would you buy it if you were out shopping today?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, it’s time to add it to the donation pile.

The Importance of a Clean Slate

Having a clutter-free closet is essential to making it feel bigger. With less stuff, you can see what you have, and you can start to visualize how to make the most of your space. It’s also a great opportunity to reflect on your fashion choices and make a plan for what you want to add to your wardrobe in the future.

2. Reconfigure Your Closet System

Just because your closet came with one hanging rod doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Relocate the current rod higher, and then add a second lower rod for skirts and pants. This small change makes a huge difference. Adding a small set of drawers can also be useful for coraling folded sweaters, workout clothes, and more.

Alternative Storage Solutions

If you have a lot of long dresses or coats, consider installing a double rod system to maximize your hanging space. You can also use stackable shelves for folded items or use a hanging organizer with pockets to store accessories.

3. Shelves, Shelves, Shelves!

Open shelving can change your world when it comes to small closets. Whether you use a closet kit, or build your own, remember to use all the vertical space available to you. The top shelf can be reserved for out-of-season clothes or other items that are not needed daily. Filling the shelves with baskets gives you even more storage options.

The Benefits of Vertical Storage

Using vertical space in your closet is essential for making the most of your space. By going up instead of out, you can store more items without making your closet feel cluttered. This also allows you to easily access items without having to climb over other things.

4. Open Up Those Doors

If you have sliding closet doors, or small bifold doors, you know how frustrating it can be to not have full access to your whole closet. One brilliant solution is to remove the closet divider and the doors completely, revealing a much bigger closet that would otherwise be hidden!

Alternative Door Options

If removing your doors isn’t feasible, consider alternative door options that can help create the illusion of a bigger space. For example, you can install sliding glass doors or a single door that can be easily pushed to one side.

5. Matching Baskets or Bins

If you use baskets or bins in your closet, opt for matching ones. This makes the whole closet look tidier, more cohesive, and yes – bigger! Color-coordinating your clothing can also help give the space a more organized feel, and makes it easy to locate your favorite yellow top.

The Power of Visual Unity

When everything in your closet matches, it creates a sense of visual unity that makes the space feel more streamlined. This can also help to reduce visual clutter, making your closet feel bigger and more organized.

6. Create a Jewelry Station

You may not be Kim Kardashian, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a little luxury in your closet. A nook or shelf reserved for a jewelry and a small decorative mirror can add a bit of glamour to an otherwise boring closet.

Personalizing Your Space

Creating a jewelry station or adding other decorative elements to your closet can help make it feel more like your own. This can also be a fun way to express your personal style and add a bit of personality to your space.

7. Get Everything Off the Floor

This is one of our favorite tricks that is so simple, but so effective. Keep everything off the closet floor – even your shoes. Everything should have a home on a shelf, or hanging on the rods. By clearing the floor space, your closet will automatically look cleaner and bigger.

Benefits of a Clear Floor

Having a clear floor in your closet can make it feel bigger and more spacious. It also makes it easier to move around and find what you need. Plus, it can help prevent clutter from building up on the floor, making it easier to maintain your space.

How to Implement This Tip

To keep everything off the floor, start by purging your closet and getting rid of any items you no longer need. Then, use shelves, hooks, and storage bins to keep everything organized and off the floor. Make sure to regularly tidy up your space to keep it feeling clutter-free and spacious.

By implementing these tips, you can make your small closet feel twice as big. Remember, it’s all about using space effectively and creating a sense of flow in your closet. With a bit of creativity and elbow grease, you can turn even the smallest closet into a space that feels luxurious and organized.What is the first step to organize a small closet? Purge your closet by removing items you haven’t worn in a year, those that don’t fit, and those you wouldn’t buy again.
How can reconfiguring your closet system help? Relocate and add rods, and install drawers or shelves to maximize hanging and storage space.
Why are shelves beneficial for small closets? Shelves, especially on the top, utilize vertical space for additional storage without making the closet look cluttered.
What are ways to open up small closet doors? Remove dividers and doors, or use sliding glass doors or single pushable doors to create the illusion of a bigger space.
How do matching baskets or bins help? They create a tidier, more cohesive look, reducing visual clutter and making the space feel larger.
What is the benefit of adding a jewelry station to a small closet? It adds a personal touch and glamour, making the space feel more like your own.
Why should everything be kept off the closet floor? A clear floor makes the closet look cleaner and bigger, improves mobility, and prevents clutter buildup.

Saad Iqbal is a professional civil engineering and freelance write. He's passionate about structures, construction management, and home improvement topics. He's been working as a Senior Engineer in a consultant firm for over 8 years. Besides he loves writing informative and in-depth content focused on construction and home-related topics. You can catch him at his linkedin page or reach out via our contact us page.

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