At Habitat Apartments, we know that whether you live in a one, two, or three-bedroom apartment, it’s important to make the most of the space you have. Even the biggest apartments inevitably end up full, and while you might not be able to minimize the footprint of rooms with large furniture, keeping a tidy closet can help utilize available space to the fullest. We’ve compiled a list of our best tips to make that 3-by-5 closet seem like the walk-in of your dreams.
Command Strips
If you don’t know about Command Strips, it’s time to visit the manufacture’s website and order a few. They work by affixing an adhesive strip to the wall or ceiling, and a hook or similar device is then attached to the opposite side of the adhesive strip. The design is such that when you’re ready to remove them, a simple pull on the adhesive tab located below the hook will remove them from the wall, leaving no residue and your paint intact. In a small closet, they’re best used in place of hangers. Stick several behind the closet rod to free up hanger space, letting lesser worn shirts or pants sit behind your main clothing selection. They also work great for hanging belts or scarves. Affix one or two to the right or left of your closet rod, and never lose a belt again.
Buy a Swinging Pant Rack
These racks allow you to hang multiple pairs of pants on one hanger, saving valuable closet real estate. The racks work like a normal hanger, but with additional bars on the bottom to hang extra clothing.. What results is the ability to hang 3,4,5 or even more pairs of pants in the same amount of space one pair normally occupies. If you really want to get organized, consider buying two racks: one for casual wear, and the other for formal.
Utilize Fabric Cubes
Popular in college dorms, these cubes are perfect for holding socks, undergarments, or seldom-worn clothing. They can be used on the floor of a closet, or inserted into a rack that either hangs from the closet rod or stands alone. The cubes provide a substitute for those lacking a proper dresser, without causing unwanted clutter in the closet.
Vacuum Seal Bags
Vacuum seal bags can do wonders for storing clothes that are out of season. Typically sold at any department store, the bags come with a small pump that removes the air from them, taking up as little space as possible. Fill them with shorts, swimwear, and tank tops in winter, and long johns, wool socks, and sweatshirts in the summer. It’s as easy as putting them in the back of the closet until the next season rolls around, and since they’re flattened, their footprint is minimal.
Use a Shoe Rack
This one’s a classic, and for good reason. Shoes take up a considerable amount of space, and if you want to have any selection on a day-to-day basis, you can’t have them buried in mounds of other clothes on the closet floor. If your closet opens with a conventional door, the shoe rack can be mounted on the door’s inside face, saving room by forgoing the type that hangs from closet rods. If your closet comes equipped with folding doors, adding a shelf might actually be your best option. Installing a shelf above your closet rod can serve as space for not only folded clothing, but for shoes, as well. The shelf will keep the shoes off of the floor and out of the way.
We know space in an apartment can be tight, even those with a townhome-style layout. By applying some of our tips, you should at the very least be able to free up closet space, putting you on the path to a more organized rental home. If you’re looking for a more spacious apartment in Boulder, or perhaps just one with different amenities, consider giving us a call. We’d love to show you around our complex.