Remove everything from your closet, including the poles and shelves. Starting with a blank slate will allow you the freedom to design a custom system with no inhibitions. Take advantage of having everything out of your closet by sorting through your clothes and accessories to rid yourself of the things you no longer use.
Measure the closet. Include the width, height and depth to allow you to utilize every inch of the closet. Using every possible inch is especially important in a small closet.
Make a list of what you need in the closet. Determine how much space you need for hanging clothes, how much storage space is ideal and how much shelving or drawer space you need. List the details in order of importance.
Draw a scaled sketch of the closet. Note any details, such as electrical outlets, lights, mirrors or fold-out ironing boards.
Go window shopping online or in a housewares store. Note the items you like that will fit your needs and the specific measurements.
Sketch the items you most want to include in your closet sketch to see how everything will fit together. Multiple poles installed at different heights will allow you to hang more, as you can fit up to three poles in a nine-foot closet. Shelves can hold bulky folded clothes, shoes and bins, while drawers or wire baskets can hold other folded items.
Purchase and install the items you've selected. Some poles even come on freestanding bases so you don't have to make permanent changes to a rented unit.
Utilize the floor to store shoes, stackable drawer units or other items you use fairly frequently. The top shelf should be reserved for out-of-season clothes and items you hardly use. Hooks can be installed on the back walls to hold belts, scarves, purses or ties. The back of the closet door can hold a shoe rack, full-sized mirror or canvas organizer for jewelry and accessories.