How to Design a Shared Closet Space

Living with another person can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to shared closet space. Be honest: Have you ever blamed your significant other for taking or losing something that you later found in your closet? Are you constantly pushing each others' items over to make more room for your own? For many couples, sharing a closet can be a struggle, but if you have a plan and the right tools, it's a piece of cake!

A well-thought-out closet design not only helps to keep your things organized and easily accessible but can lead to more peaceful sharing of that space as well. How do you make this happen?

• Work together from the start
• Declutter and sort first
• Decide what goes in and what stays out
• Make space for off-season items
• Evaluate each person’s needs
• Get creative with interior space
• Use storage boxes with labels
• Choose important closet upgrades
• Agree on the design
• Keep the closet clean

Keep reading to learn how you can successfully take on the challenge of designing a shared closet space, step by step. 

It’s easy for one of you to just let the other declutter, design, and organize the closet. There are fewer decisions to talk about and the entire process will most likely take less time. However, what if they throw something out or donate an item you wanted to keep? What if you don’t like the design they came up with and don’t think it works well for your items even if it works well for theirs? 

If you will be sharing the space, then you both need to be involved in the process from beginning to end so everyone is happy with the final results. The same can be said for organizing a closet for multiple kids to share.

Chances are that you won’t need everything currently in your closet. To take stock of what you need to organize, you’ll first need to declutter. This can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to going through clothes. The Pareto Principle suggests that most people only wear 20 percent of the clothes in their closets. Keep that in mind as you pull everything out to sort. Yes, everything!

Miguel from The Simple Paradise has a guide on how to effortlessly declutter your closet. One tip is to create categories as you're sorting: "keep, sell, give away, trash, and maybe." This will make it easier to decide what to do with each item of clothing.

If you have enough room in your closet to store off-season items, that may be your best bet. You’ll need to create suitable storage when designing your shared space. However, if your closet is smaller, it may be worth finding a place elsewhere to store seasonal clothes. When deciding on the perfect storage place, be sure to keep in mind the temperature and humidity level. It should be cool, dry, and dark. 

Once you can see how much needs to go back into the closet, you can better evaluate how much space each of you needs. Most closets don’t need to be split 50/50. One partner may have more items than the other due to a large shoe collection or having to wear a uniform to work. No matter the reason, each person should have the space they need. The experts at How Stuff Works suggest creating an imaginary line to separate each wardrobe.

You can get the most out of the space you have by being creative with storage. While there are dozens, if not hundreds, of ways you can utilize the closet space you have, here are some quick and effective ideas:

• Color-Coded, Slim Hangers: When arranging clothes, consider color-coding your hangers. You can also switch to slim, velvet ones to maximize hanging space.
• Shoe-Specific Storage: There are storage options for every type of shoe that helps to not only make the most of the space you have but also protect your valuables. Boxes, shelves, and storage ottomans are popular. 
• Designated Laundry Location: If you choose to store laundry in the closet, be sure there is a spot for it. You could use a hamper or a pull-out drawer, for example, as long as it's stored in a place other than the floor.
• Wall Hooks or Bins: These useful storage options allow you to create space for smaller items, such as jewelry. Look for decorative options to bring some life to a bare closet wall.
• Over-the-Door Organizers: The back of your closet door is ideal for storing jewelry or hanging belts. If both of you have plenty of these items, make a plan to divide the space equally.

When everything has a place, and that place is labeled, not only can you quickly find those things but so can your partner. You can send them to grab items for you or they can help with picking up the house, knowing that everything is put away correctly. No more worrying about items getting lost in the closet, never to be found again, when everything is labeled.

This Old House notes a hidden improvement many people don't consider, lighting. While your items may be well organized, it can still be difficult to find them if they are lost in the dark. They suggest fluorescent lighting as it doesn’t produce heat in a small space. Fluorescent lighting is versatile and you can find any style to fit your closet.

Once you’ve designed your shared closet space, it’s important to respect it. You each have the storage you’ve designed the way you need it to maximize your allotted area. Now, you both need to honor each others’ domain by staying on your side of the imaginary line. Give a hug, shake hands, sign a contract, but respect their space.

Having a clean closet is wonderful. Cleaning a closet is worse once it’s gotten out of hand so don’t wait. Make it a monthly or quarterly chore and set a reminder on your calendar to get it done. Just like the process of designing your shared closet, cleaning it should be done together as well. 

Sharing a closet doesn’t have to be a struggle. Try the steps above to get your closet redesigned and ready to share in no time at all. Just remember to work together!

• https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-decor/bedroom/how-to-design-a-his-and-her-closet.htm
• https://www.thesimpleparadise.com/decluttering-your-closet/
• https://www.thisoldhouse.com/closets/21015303/the-principles-of-smart-closet-design