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  Storage Solutions
    Closet (Reach In)
    Closet (Walk In)
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  Out Of The Normal
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REACH IN CLOSET - is the most common throughout a house. Traditionally, they have a rod running from one end to the other and a shelf above the rod. Walk in closets have three types of doors, BI-fold or bypass doors, or a standard swing style passage door.

Bi-folds and swing type allows you to have access to the entire closet when open. Bypass doors, which are just swing type closet doors on rollers attached to a track, only allow for access to ½ of the closet at a time. You may be able to convert your bypass doors to bi-folds if the closet opening is a standard width, such as 60" for example. Bi-fold doors also allow you to make better use of the center of the closet. Kids seem to be very good at destroying bypass doors roller tracks.

There are various options to create organized storage for your closet. One efficient and economical solution is wire shelving. Wire shelving can give you nearly the same storage benefits as built in storage units at a fraction of the cost.

Wire shelving can be installed two ways. The first way is on a track, using long vertical brackets that hook onto the track. The shelf brackets are then hooked into these vertical brackets at a specific height that you desire. The wire shelves are then inserted into shelf brackets. Unlike the brackets of yesterday, these are very solid and can hold a fair amount of weight. They're fully adjustable also. Closetmaid® makes a system known as ShelfTrack™ and is available at local home improvement centers.

Another way of installing wire shelving would be to permanently attach it to the wall using special anchors, end caps, and angle supports. This type of installation would work if there were no need to remove or adjust the shelving heights in the future.

Wire shelves come with built in hanging rods or you can use standard wire shelving and purchase the clothes rod attachment brackets for the shelves you wish to hang clothes off of.

The main difference between the two hanging styles is the ability to slide the clothes along the rod. Generally if the rod is part of the shelf, it is attached every foot or so. If you hang the rod to the shelf separately, the brackets are spaced further apart. This allows you to slide your clothes along the rod.

A completely different option to closet storage is modular units that resemble actual wood furniture. They're purchased flat and require assembly. Closet storage companies offer high-end solutions of custom modular closet storage systems. You can also purchase these modular units for a reasonable price at your local home improvement center. Even if you can't install them yourself, you can hire a local contractor to install them for you. Wood units come in various finishes such as walnut, cherry, and white melamine.

Depending on the storage design you do, you can remove the doors completely and have total access to the closet. Modular units can create a built-in effect in the finish of your choice.

Next Topic: Walk in Closet