Closet storage and laundry essentials

Light and dust on stored fabric

Dust settles on the shoulders of coats left hanging on a rail. A clear vinyl garment cover stops dust from settling on fabric while letting a person see which coat is underneath. But clear vinyl lets sunlight through, and sun fades dark wool over several months. Keep covered clothes behind a solid door to stop the light. Make sure coats are dry before putting covers over them, because a vinyl cover traps dampness inside.

Square shapes stack better than shoes

Shoes have irregular shapes and tumble over when stacked on a closet shelf. A zippered vinyl shoe storage case solves that shape problem by turning several pairs into one flat rectangle that stacks neatly. Clean shoes before sliding them inside. Put out of season boots at the back of the shelf rather than the top. Items stored up high get forgotten, while rows at the back stay visible when you reach past them.

Trading browsing room for closet space

Hanger holders let several garments hang from one hook on the rod. This opens up inches of rod space, but the trade is that clothes hang pressed tightly together and are harder to flip through. Use them for coats that stay put until winter. Over the door closet rods add hanging space where no closet exists, and an old metal pants stretcher holds wet trousers flat so the sharp crease dries into place.