Utilizing Rods the Right Way

Hanging storage is an essential part of a successful closet system. Utilizing rods the right way allows you to display and store clothes, belts, ties or handbags. There was a time most closets incorporated a single rod, but having a closet with multiple adjustable rods mounted at different heights is now the way to go.

You may need an area or two of hanging space for short items like shirts, folded dress pants and suit jackets and a hanging space for longer items like coats, dresses and robes. Shorter sections tend to stay neater.

Hanging rods were originally made from wood, but wood rods can bow over time and clothes tend to stick to them after extended use. These days, most rods are made of metal and come in a variety of attractive finishes, like aluminum, polished brass, chrome, brushed nickel, stainless steel or a painted finish (usually white).

If installing a closet system yourself, make sure to follow the rod installation instructions carefully and use the tools suggested. Your rods should be completely secure, so they can support the weight of what you need to hang. And don't forget about choosing the right hangers.

"I encourage clients to use uniform hangers throughout their closet," says professional organizer Chris McKenry, owner of Get It Together LA! "You don't want to mix wire, wood and padded hangers, because all of your clothes end up hanging at different levels and can become hidden." Using uniform hangers will help keep everything in sight.

All About Racks

Racks offer easy-access storage and keep items off the floor. You can use a tiered rack in a mud room closet that allows air circulation around damp flip flops or sneakers, or a glide-out pant rack in your bedroom closet to keep pants organized and clearly visible. A rack on the wall of your laundry room closet keeps your ironing board out of the way when not in use.

Here are some best uses for racks in a closet:

• A sliding belt rack can also be used to store your favorite bikinis.
• A wall-mounted coat rack with multiple hooks keeps outerwear organized and accessible.
• Hanging racks on the back of a hinged door can be used to store scarves and hats in a bedroom closet or brooms and mops in a utility closet.
• A pull out pant rack is a great addition in a closet or freestanding wardrobe.
• A plate rack can be a helpful organizer in a pantry closet.