The calculator and tips below will help you determine how much hanging space you need for the amount of clothing you want to store.
Number of suits (man’s or woman’s, allow 2½" for each)Number of dresses (allow 2")Number of skirts and slacks folded over hangers (allow 1½")Number of men’s shirts and woman’s blouses (allow 1 ¼")Horizontal space needed for suits (42" tall)Horizontal space needed for dresses (60" tall)Horizontal space needed for skirts, slacks, shirts, and blouses (36" tall)
Please note: For your convenience, this calculation has been rounded up slightly. Important reminder: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this calculation. But before purchasing materials for any project, please check the amounts with your suppliers or contractors.
Closet Organizing Tips
Make a drawing of your existing closet, with exact dimensions, and take it to a home center, where you will probably find several companies offering different ways to get your clothing (and closet) in order.Choose shelves made of laminated wood or coated wire, or mix and match. If you have a standard 6-foot-wide closet, you can save money by buying a kit that includes shelves, hanging rods (usually incorporated into the shelves), and perhaps a shoe rack. Or, design your own system with a salesperson’s help. Many home centers will cut the shelves for you.If you have a small dresser that fits into the closet, you may choose to build around it.To maximize closet efficiency, organize your clothing by size, and install shelves to accommodate your wardrobe. Allow 42 inches of vertical space for suits; 60 inches for dresses, and 36 inches for skirts, shirts, blouses, and slacks that are folded over hangers. Of course, allow extra space for future purchases.
