With every new pair of shoes and extra sweater or belt, your bedroom closet seems to shrink. How do you maximize your storage space? Invest in the latest closet organizing systems and accessories, and you’ll have a place for everything. Start by taking everything out of your closet so you can determine the kind of storage you really need, says Shane Shupe, senior channel manager for Rubbermaid Home Products. As you do, make four piles: keep, sell or give away, toss, and store elsewhere. For those items that go back into the closet, group them by type so all shoes, sweaters, etc. are together. Do you need more hanging space? More shelves and baskets for folded items or shoes?

CHOOSE YOUR SYSTEM. Look for a modular closet storage system that fits your closet space. Telescoping rods and adjustable shelves work in closets of different sizes. Also available are cabinet-style systems constructed from melamine- or woodveneer panels or chrome- or vinyl-coated wire components. You can design your own storage area or have a professional create a custom-designed system.

DOUBLE YOUR FUN. Most closets are designed with a single hanging rod. Double that storage with another rod for twice the hanging space for pants, skirts and shirts or blouses. Allow about 36 inches between the two rods and leave some space for longer items such as dresses.

ADD SHELVES. A single overhead shelf is another common feature in most closets. By adding more shelves, you use space all the way to the ceiling. Choose shelves that are no more than 16 inches deep so items are visible and don’t get lost in the back of the closet.

ACCESSORIZE. Storage system accessories, like shoe shelves, wooden drawer towers and sliding baskets, can be added to suit your needs. Use sliding baskets that mount on tracks and are open so you can see what’s inside. They’re perfect for handbags, hats and other accessories, plus foldable items like T-shirts, sweaters and socks. Look for other accessories such as tie and belt organizers.

MOVE INTO THE CLOSET. When you introduce more storage space into your closet, you can rethink your bedroom furniture. Storing items such as belts and socks in the closet may eliminate the need for a dresser and give you more floor space.

GEAR UP FOR GROWTH. Closet kits are ideal for kids’ rooms since they’re easy to adjust. Start by hanging clothes at an appropriate level then raise shelves and rods to mirror your children’s growth.

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