If you’re looking to move into the most desirable Portland neighborhoods, you may have to concede that owning Portland modern homes simply isn’t in your budget. Sometimes you have to make a determination whether location or square footage is more important.
As a result, you might end up a stone’s throw from your work, good schools, and local amenities like transportation, food, and entertainment, but find yourself sacrificing with very little space in which to house all your stuff. What can you do if you end up with a lot less closet space than you’re used to? Here are a few tips to maximize a small closet.
Compartmentalize
Portland condos may not have a lot of storage space, but you can certainly make the most of it by organizing. Something as simple as adding shelves and shoe boxes could help you separate and organize accessories like shoes, belts, purses, or ties, just for example.
However, you could also look into closet storage solutions. If a custom closet isn’t in your price range, you can cobble together your own by adding extender rods for more hangers, using shelf dividers, and heading to your local Target or Container Store for a wide variety of stacking baskets, bins, boxes, and extra shelving. You might also consider IKEA closet solutions to affordably compartmentalize your entire closet.
Use Handy Tools
There is no shortage of tools that can help you make the most of your small closet space. For example, you should hang slacks and skirts on multi-tier hangers to store them vertically instead of cramming them into a tight horizontal space. The same is true of bra ladders (which attach to a hanger). You can also choose from one of the many bins, separators, or organizing tools on the market to hang specialty ties or scarves from.
Reach New Heights
There’s probably some unused space in your closet you never considered, particularly over your head. If you’ve only got a single shelf above your hanger rod, think about adding more shelves with bins or dividers so you can use every inch of space. Don’t forget the hidden potential in closet doors, as well. You can add hooks or hanging organizers for shoes, ties, scarves and other accessories.
Ditch Unused Duds
Most Portland lofts are not designed with storage in mind. You might have to get creative with organization or add options like storage ottomans and under-bed storage solutions. You could also pare down your wardrobe. Do you really need a dozen different hoodies? When was the last time you wore some of the shoes in your vast collection?
For Portlanders, some items are a must due to weather conditions. If you simply can’t pare down, at least consider using space bags to minimize bulky winter clothing until you need it.