Top 10 Things to Consider When You Build a Closet

No home has enough storage space.  When you get everything stored, you go out and get more stuff.  There is always a need for more storage and one way to achieve this is to build a closet.  Whether you will build it from scratch or convert an existing space into a closet, you need to take a few things into consideration.

1. Size - Bigger is usually better when it comes to closets but you have to consider what other space you will have to sacrifice to achieve a large closet.


2. Purpose - You have to consider what you will be using the closet for.  Will it be a walk-in closet for your clothes and shoes, a storage area for out of season clothing that you are not currently wearing, or even a kitchen pantry?


3. Take inventory on your existing storage space - List all of the items that you will be moving into the new closet and visualize where they will go.  It is easy to underestimate the amount of stuff you are trying to store.


4. Storage options - No matter what size your closet is there are a lot of storage options on the market.  You may want to research your storage options online or at a retailer that specializes in storage containers.  Look for unique methods that while may be unconventional, but will work for the items that you are storing.


5. Organization - Once you select your storage options, you must consider how you will organize them.  Put things that you will use on a regular basis within easy reach, while other irregular items can go in higher spaces.


6. Budget - Closet organization systems can run from a few dollars to several thousands of dollars.  When you are building your closet you need to keep in mind what your budget is.


7. Measure the items that you are storing in your closet - In the case of a clothes closet, the length you need for formal gowns is very different from the length that you need for short cocktail dresses.  Look at your wardrobe to ensure that you are going to be able to meet the needs of all your garments.


8. Carefully choose your lighting - Nothing is worse than spending a lot of money to design a closet that has poor lighting.


9. Consider the extras that will give you a custom look, feel and design - Find a designer closet that you love in magazines or on the Internet and ask yourself why do you love it.  Once you figure out the wow factor, duplicate it.


10. Consider creating a dual purpose space - By adding lighting, a bench and mirrors you can create a dressing room out of your closet that you will enjoy.