how can I use this wasted space?

last month

As big as my home is, the storage isn’t very good. I have a hall linen closet with 16” at the top that is not accessible because of the wall.

Are there any suggestions to make better use of this space? I am hoping for organizers or other things to store as demolition is out of the question.

Thank you.
D

Featured Answer

apple_pie_order

last month

If you want to buy some storage bags, they could hold out of season quilts, sheets, or towels when slotted in sideways and then straightened up. On the other hand, leaving the 16" open would promote air circulation that can keeps things from smelling musty. Not every space needs to be occupied. Add a battery powered, motion activated light to the side (where you can reach to change the rechargeable batteries) for under $20.

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Comments (6)

Toronto Veterinarian
last month
I don't understand......why is it "not accessible"? Can you show us (photo, or even hand drawing) where it is in relation to your home, and why you can't access it?
D Pettigrew
Original Author
last month
First photo shows the top of the closet door and the 2nd shows the vertical space behind the wall that is hard to access ththa
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Toronto Veterinarian
last month
You mean the closet is 16" taller than the door to the closet?

If so, you're really limited to storing tall things in there, or perhaps a tall and lightweight storage container (bag or bin) - but that would still be awkward.
bpath
last month
I have the same linen closet. 24” wide, but the doorway opening is 17” because of the door jamb. Four shelves. I’ve tried using it in different ways, like with those plastic drawer stacks for first aid and personal care items, or for our linens. I considered taking out the shelves and replacing with elfa elements from The Container Store, such as shelves at various heights and drawers, but … I’ve done a lot of elfa and decided in this narrow space it would not be worth it.

So, the first question is, what do you need to store? Is this closet in the bathroom, or in a hall? I see both bed and bath linens in the pictures.

Honestly, whatever else is stored in the closet, the top shelf is usable only for items you never use. Like the afghans great-grandma knitted for the kids. They live up there in protective bags until you move.

In another closet, about the same size, that was our pantry, I replaced the original shelves with I think it was 16” for the first shelf, then a 12”, and 8” for the top two, so I could actually get things out from between the shelf and the top of the doorjamb. A narrow basket rack on one side wall, and one on the door, held a lot of small things.
Momof5x
11 days ago
Some people use it for storing emergency hurrican supplies for when electricity goes out.