Measure your current use of the space. Group all your hanging items by length. Some half-height items are different lengths so group those as well. (You may want the half-height bars with different hanging lengths.) Measure how many linear inches you have of each category. Also measure how high you can comfortably reach to put hangers on a bar. Then take a look at your diagram to see where you can fit in shelves, drawers, etc. If you use storage bins, measure those so tou can figure out shelf spacing. Good luck with your project.

thank you. the problem is everything is in storage, save for a capsule wardrobe!

Well that does make it harder!

You could call in a couple of closet design people/companies, but they, too, will want to know what clothing you have in order to meet your needs. You may have to get your clothes out of storage or move into this house before you can work out a plan for your closet. You have dresses, slacks, jackets, coats, skirts, blouses, sweaters, shoes, and handbags to plan for. How many? How long? Seasonal or all year? In the mean time, buy or borrow one of those long dressmakers’ hanging bars on wheels so you can show all your hanging things for a good designer to work with.

I am currently designing my closet that will be 36" deep and 8' wide. I will be putting hanging at both ends... taking advantage of the depth of the closet... so one side, I will have a 36" bar of hanging with 2 shelves above... (for long hanging and also room for my laundry basket below). On the other side, I will be doing 2 rows of 36" hanging... plus shelving above. In the middle, I will be putting in open stoarge 18" deep and 36" wide. I think the key will be to do a wider double door so I can access both sides easily. I have just designed it and we will be starting the project next week. We have 9' high ceilings... so i will take advantage of the height over the hanging on both sides for baskets and bins to store out of season clothing and extra bedding. I will also be able to get a ladder in there to reach that upper storage. Just that extra foot of depth will give me so much more square footage (by being able to take advantage of storage above) than if I had only done a 2' deep closet. Good luck on your adventure!

Hi Catharine! HAve you completed your closet as yet? If so would you mind posting a pic please? I am doing the same closet and need design help. TIA

hi Catharine! did you complete this project? would you mind posting a picture of what it looks like completed please?

Hi! My husband got carried away with prepping for this closet... and next thing I knew, he had completely removed the wall between our bedroom and closet... and thus, my closet dimensions changed. Now, we have a walk in closet that is 4 x 9. So... this exact project did not come to fruition.