Using a built-in wardrobe effectively is all about smart organization to maximize storage and accessibility within its fixed structure.
A built-in or fitted wardrobe is designed to perfectly fit your space, offering a seamless look and potentially more storage than freestanding units. The key to using one well is to strategically organize your belongings according to their type and how often you use them.
Understanding Your Built-In Wardrobe Space
Built-in wardrobes typically offer a mix of storage options, which can include:
- Hanging rails: For dresses, shirts, trousers, jackets, etc.
- Shelves: For folded clothes, bags, and accessories.
- Drawers: For smaller items like underwear, socks, and accessories.
The specific configuration depends on the design, but the principles of use remain similar.
Optimizing Hanging Space
Hanging clothes prevent wrinkles and keep items visible. To make the most of your hanging area and the space beneath it:
- Strategic Placement: It's a good idea to place your short hanging pieces of cloth at one end of your fitted wardrobe and your longer hanging clothes at the other.
- Creating Under-Space: This strategic placement of shorter items will open up lots of space underneath them. This area can be used for additional storage solutions.
Leveraging Other Storage Options
The space freed up under shorter hanging items, and other areas of the wardrobe, can be used efficiently:
- Under Hanging Clothes: Where space opens up, you can have a chest of drawers, shoe rack or few small shelves for shoes. This utilizes vertical space that would otherwise be empty.
- Shelves: Use shelves for items that can be folded neatly, such as jumpers, jeans, t-shirts, or for storing bags and hats. Grouping similar items together makes them easy to find.
- Drawers: Drawers are perfect for organizing smaller items like socks, underwear, ties, belts, and jewelry. Drawer dividers can help keep these items tidy.
Tips for Efficient Wardrobe Use
Implementing simple practices can significantly improve how you use your built-in wardrobe:
- Declutter Regularly: Remove items you no longer wear or need to prevent the wardrobe from becoming overcrowded.
- Use Appropriate Hangers: Slimline hangers can save space on the rail. Use sturdy hangers for heavier items like coats.
- Organize by Type or Color: Grouping items (e.g., all shirts together, then trousers) or organizing by color can make choosing outfits quicker and easier.
- Utilize Accessories: Storage boxes, shelf dividers, and over-the-door hangers (if applicable) can help compartmentalize space and keep small items organized.
- Store Out-of-Season Items: If space is limited, store out-of-season clothing in vacuum-sealed bags or alternative storage locations to free up prime wardrobe space.
By thinking strategically about placement and using the different storage elements provided, you can ensure your built-in wardrobe functions efficiently and keeps your clothes and accessories well-organized and easily accessible.
