The dictionary definition of home storage space should be, "the one thing there is never enough of." Yet, maximizing existing closet space is among the least expensive of home improvement projects. Clothes closets in most homes are equipped with a single shelf and pole. The shelf rests on three support strips (one across the back and one at each end). A hardwood pole usually is mounted on wood or plastic end-brackets. And when a closet is longer than 4 feet, a center brace is used to add strength to the pole. If you have a single shelf and pole in your closet, you may want to consider adding a second tier. Doing so can increase clothing storage space by as much as 100 percent. In a 5-foot closet this can be accomplished in less than three hours and for under $20.

It is important to completely remove and save the existing shelf parts. You will need to reuse them. A shelf and pole system is easy to remove without damage because the individual parts are usually not glued in place. And the original assembly was usually accomplished with reasonably small nails. In many instances it can take longer to remove the clothing from the closet than it takes to remove the shelf assembly from the walls.

The order of removal is important. First, remove the clothes pole and then remove the center support bracket (if one exists). Next, use a block of wood and a hammer at the underside of the shelf tapping upward to remove it. The block, placed between the shelf and the hammer, reduces the chance of splitting the shelf. Finally, remove the three support strips (you won't need to remove the pole brackets from the side supports). By the way, this part of the project requires a hammer and a flat pry bar. Remember: prying between the support strips and the wallboard can damage the wallboard. So, make sure to pry at locations on the wall where studs exist, usually at corners, and where nail holes show in the support strip.

Caution: Don't drive the nails back through the parts that you have removed. Doing so may damage the finished surface. Use a pair of pliers to pull the nails through the bottom side of the shelf and the back side of the support strips.

Use the removed parts to make a shopping list. The new parts that you will need should match exactly those that have been removed.

Because two rows of clothing will hang where one row previously hung, the shelf you removed will have to be reinstalled at a point higher than before.

Placement of the three shelf support strips for the lower shelf and pole is the next step. Although you may wish to use different measurements, here's what we recommend. The top of the lower set of shelf supports should be installed approximately 39 inches above the floor. Next, you will need to tackle the three upper shelf supports. They should be installed at approximately 78 inches above the floor. Use two 8-penny finish nails to connect the support strips to each and every available wall stud (pre-drilling might be required as old, dried studs can become very hard).

Next, install the shelf atop the upper set of support strips (use one 6 penny finish nail every 16 inches or so), then the poles (and center support bracket if required).

There is a disadvantage to a full two-pole closet system. Long clothing has to be kept elsewhere. If this isn't possible a vertical divider can be used so that part of the closet will accept long clothing.