Can California Closets Transform Your Small Closet Space?

When it comes to closet space, there simply never seems to be enough. Whether you have a large walk-in the size of a bedroom or a small reach-in closet, things always seem to become untidy and crowded, even when you regularly clean and reorganize. If you are looking for tips to avoid this seemingly constant issue, then you have probably discovered the importance of organization. Having designated drawers, hangers, and bins of the right sizes and shapes can make a huge difference in your ability to keep things orderly. 

One way to upgrade your organization is by using a California closet, which is a style of modular storage system that is designed and custom-made to fit your exact needs. California closets can consist of drawers, shelving, cabinets, rods, and more, created to fit perfectly into your existing space so you can effectively use every inch of space in your closet, regardless of the size.

If you're trying to determine how to choose the right closet system for your home, no matter the budget, you've probably seen aesthetically pleasing photos of California closet systems with their luxurious and seamless designs. But, as appealing as they may look online, customized systems can vary in price and quality. Before you make the investment, it is important to learn just how much of a difference these closet systems can make, potential drawbacks, different ways to get one for your home, and whether or not this is an overall good option for you.

While shelving and closet drawers may not sound revolutionary, a custom closet can make a big difference in your home. Whether you hire someone to design it for you or try to do it yourself, the process of measuring your space and taking an inventory of your items will let you know exactly what you need to store and where, so you can plan it to suit your precise needs. Knowing where each item lives can even help you save time when getting ready and putting items away. Plus, you can effectively make use of every inch of space in your closet, unlike if you used bins or random shelving. The open but tidy design also lets you better see all of your items, so you are less likely to lose your favorite shirt in the back of your closet for months.

Along with helping you find things, a California closet can even help prevent your clothing from being damaged by improper storage. With enough options for hanging and drawers based on the clothing you have, you can avoid cramming items into your closet and snagging or crumpling them. Finally, custom closets can increase your home's value, which can help you justify the cost of installation. Efficient storage space is important for many buyers, and a well-crafted closet is a good selling point. The right finishes will make the space feel stylish and luxurious, while increasing the practicality.

As great as it sounds, there are some drawbacks you should know before planning out your customized closet. The first potential deterrent is the cost. You are probably wondering how much you can expect to pay for a modular closet system, and the answer depends on the finishes you want, the size of your closet, and whether you are paying a professional or tackling the project as a DIY. Typically, the price will range between $28 and $40 per square foot. As you add features like lighting, drawer organizers, and soft-close hardware, the price will increase.

Along with the cost, another drawback of a customized closet is the way it changes your space. All of the added shelves and walls make the closet ideal for your wardrobe but way more difficult to store an odd bin of clothes or keepsakes. A highly customized system is great in theory, but it makes it tricky if you ever want to switch up how you use the space. Even a change to your personal fashion may make your once-ideal closet seem complicated and like a poor fit. You can always make modifications, but that will cost money, time, and effort. It is also worth mentioning that having more surfaces mean more dusting and cleaning are needed maintain your closet. If you are not sure if you need a California closet yet, check out some ideas to organize a small closet.