A walk through the hardware store looking for storage solutions can be intimidating. The choices are endless. Which system will work best? Some folks actually believe that the only sensible way to get additional storage space is by knocking out a wall and adding on or by parking the car in the driveway and using the garage. These are alternatives that you may wish to consider, but such a decision should only be made after carefully analyzing your existing storage conditions.

If you have closets that are each fitted with a single shelf and pole – you own a “gold mine” in “unused storage space.” Although an improved system can be designed and installed by a professional, we think that closet storage enhancement is an “easy-to-do-do-it-yourself project.”

Whatever you do, don’t go to the store and purchase one of those “closest storage starter kits.” These are specifically made for poor planners. First do a little homework. Planning ahead can save big bucks.

The best way to enhance closet storage is to add a second shelf and pole. This particular configuration works really well if your wardrobe consists of: suits, sport coats, folded slacks, trousers and pants; shirts, shorter skirts and blouses. If you have longer hanging items like dresses and full length coats, you'll need to allocate space for these in your design as well. We have found that most folks require less long-hanging space and more short-hanging space. A place for shoes, sweaters and other folded goods is another category that you may want to consider in your "new" closet design.

Companies that specialize in the design and construction of custom closet organization systems exist nationwide in response to the need and the cost-effective alternative that it offers the homeowner. However, use caution here. Some of these companies charge unbearable prices for their services.

The process of doing it yourself really is quite simple:

• First, perform an inventory of your existing wardrobe to determine the most space-effective design for the new configuration.

o How much hanging space (in actual width) will you need for long clothing such as dresses, long skirts, overcoats, etc? Hang the clothing and measure the width.

o How much hanging space (in actual width) will you need for shorter clothing such as folded slacks, blouses, etc? Hang the clothing and measure the width.

o How much shelving will you need for folded items, shoes, miscellaneous storage, etc? Lay the items out in a single row and measure the width (stack items – that can be stacked -- no more than 15 inches high to simulate the space that would be taken when shelved).

• Next, make a scale drawing of the back wall of your closet on a piece of graph paper (wall-to-wall and floor to ceiling).

o Let each square equal a height and width of six inches.

o For a lager, more detailed drawing let each square represent three inches.

• When double shelving is planned the distance from the top of one of the clothes poles to top of the other clothes pole should be about 39- to 40-inches. The distance between the floor and the lowest clothes pole should be about the same – 39- to 40-inches. Adjust these measurements to your needs as desired.

• If the lower shelf and pole is shorter (at either or both ends) there will be room to hang long clothing from the top pole and/or room for a set of shelves.

There are a variety of materials that can be used to build a closet organization system. There are two common materials used to create closet systems:

• Plastic-laminate over particle board.

o Laminates provide a smooth, washable and easy-to-maintain surface but require skill in carpentry.

• Plastic coated heavy gauge steel wire “Ventilated Shelving” is another alternative.

o Ventilated shelving provides superb visibility and great ventilation and although some tools are needed for installation, cutting a piece of wire with a hack-saw is about as difficult as it gets.

• Track-mount systems. o This system is a “hybrid.” It can be used with either laminated planks and/or ventilated shelving.

o And because it is a track mounted system, existing stud placement is never an issue.

Either of these systems can be easily built by selecting the individual pieces such as: shelving, mounting brackets, fasteners, etc. These systems are designed to be used to easily fit your needs. Simply plan your wall on paper and cut the pieces to match the scaled down pencil lines in your sketch. Keep in mind that the sketched lines must be based on the initial clothing measurements made during the planning stage.

The cost of materials for a do-it-yourself project in the average closet will typically run between $130 and $170. Professionally installed closet organization systems will vary greatly based on the size of the space, the type of material and the accessories being used, but you can be assured the price will be many times more expensive than our DIY suggestion.

And that’s all there is to it! For more home improvement tips and information, visit our web site at www.onthehouse.com or call our listener hot line 24/7 at 1-800-737-2474 (ext 59).