Small Closet Solution: Double Your Space for under $20
- Tara M Stewart
- Aug 17
- 4 min read
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The single hanging rod in a closet built in 1920. The doom of a tiny dorm space. The daily frustration of trying to squeeze a big wardrobe into a small apartment closet. Whether you rent and feel stuck because you can’t make permanent changes, or you own and know just how pricey a full custom closet makeover can be, the frustration just piles up (sometimes literally, on the closet floor).
However, you don’t need a major renovation or custom closet system to double your hanging space. For less than $20, (And yes, maybe a little decluttering first) you can transform your small closet with one simple tool: an adjustable hanging rod.
✨ First, a quick disclaimer: As with any project, we always recommend doing a declutter first. Take a good look at what’s actually hanging in that closet and ask yourself: Do I really wear all of this? No rod in the world can make those scratchy tops feel cozy, stitch up that hole you’ve been ignoring, or magically make the jeans that haven’t fit since pre-2020 suddenly fit again. Clear out the “nope” pile first, and then let the rod work its magic on the clothes you actually love.
The Problem with Small Closets
Most older homes, apartments, and dorm rooms were designed with just one hanging rod and a shelf. That setup works fine for long dresses or coats, but if you’re storing shirts, jackets, or pants, the vertical space underneath goes completely wasted. And when every inch matters, wasted space is a luxury you don’t have.
Real-Life Example: Making Room for Pants
This closet was bursting at the seams, every inch of hanging space was spoken for. What our client really needed was just a small, dedicated section to hang her pants without crowding out everything else.
It’s hard to see at first glance, but that lower rod isn’t built-in, it’s the same hanging rod we’ve shown throughout this post. By adding the rod we instantly gave her a second row of hanging storage. Now her pants have a home, her tops can breathe, and the whole closet feels more functional.
Real-Life Example: Sharing Space for Kids
When kids share a bedroom, one closet has to do double duty. Instead of cramming everything onto one rod, we used the hanging rod to instantly create a second tier of hanging space. Each child got their own “level” of the closet, making mornings less chaotic and clothes easier to find.
As shown in this project, the rod is also perfect for lowering clothing within reach for little ones. For more details, check out Create a Functional Kid’s Closet that Encourages Independence for Less Than $20.
Which Hanging Rod We Recommend
Our go-to is the SimpleHouseware Adjustable Closet Hanging Rod*. It’s affordable, sturdy, and works in just about any type of closet.
Here’s why we love it:
Adjustable Design: The vertical bar has notches that let you move the middle bar up or down in 1-inch increments, perfect for customizing based on what you’re hanging.
Flexible Width: The horizontal bar extends from 18.75" to 30.5", so it fits both narrow and wider closets.
Two Color Options: Choose white* or chrome* depending on your preference
Reliable Brand: We’ve used this brand in multiple client homes, and it consistently delivers.
How to Use It in Your Closet
Divide and Conquer: Use the top rod for longer items like jackets, blouses, or button-down shirts, and the bottom rod for shorter items like t-shirts, folded pants, or kids’ clothes.
Zone It Out: Create sections—tops above, bottoms below. Or dedicate one rod to everyday clothes and the other to seasonal or special-occasion items.
Flexibility Wins: The rod is removable, so you can adjust as your needs change. Hosting guests? Add one in the guest closet for extra space. Kids growing? Move it to another closet when their clothes get longer.
Why It Works
Maximizes Vertical Space: Instead of one row of clothes and a whole lot of wasted air, you now get two full rows of usable space.
Budget-Friendly: At under $20, it’s a tiny investment for a big payoff.
Zero Tools Required: No drills, no holes, no fuss.
Apartment-Approved: Because it’s temporary and removable, it’s perfect for renters and college kids who can’t modify their closets.
A Few Extra Tips
Upgrade Your Hangers: Slim hangers instantly help you squeeze more clothing onto each rod (and keep your closet looking uniform and tidy). Velvet or flocked hangers are a popular choice, but if you’re not a fan of the texture, don't worry, we’ve got you covered with two of our favorite plastic options.
Think Beyond Clothes: Use the extra rod for bags, scarves, or even hanging organizers with pockets.
Final Thoughts
Small closets don’t have to mean small storage. With one affordable add-on rod, you can instantly double your hanging space and make your closet feel more functional and less frustrating.
And remember, more rods don’t mean more excuses to keep the “someday” clothes. Let’s keep your closet full of the pieces you actually wear and love, not just an archive of bad shopping decisions. 😉
Want to see how easy it is to set up? Click HERE to watch a quick 15-second video where I put together this exact closet rod.
Looking for similar products in other sizes? I have linked my favorites in my Amazon Storefront HERE.*
If you loved this tip, check out my other post on Creating a Functional Kids’ Closet for Less Than $20. Same tool, different angle, and both guaranteed to make your life easier.
Want a closet makeover that goes beyond one simple fix?
If you’re in Kentucky, my team and I would love to help transform your space. Click here to schedule a free consultation.