How to Survive a Shared Wardrobe

Sharing a closet with your partner or roommate can seem a bit daunting, especially when you're already living in cosy quarters. But with the right planning and storage solutions, you can actually make a co-wardrobe work.

Here are some tips worth storing away:

Make Space
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Clear Some Space. Clean out the clothing you both no longer wear, then donate it. If you do this regularly, you'll have more wardrobe space to work with, while helping others in need.

Let Sharing be Your Guide. Before filling your closet, determine the type of space you'll each need, based on what you own. For example, whoever owns more dresses or long coats may require more vertical hanging space. Or, the one with more ties or belts may need lower space, for pull-out racks or a trouser trolley. Once that's settled, design accordingly.

Zone Out. Dividing your wardrobe into two separate zones is a great way to keep your clothing from mixing, while allowing you both to sort items your own way – by colour or sleeve-length, for example. Whichever systems you choose, organising by like items is always your best route.

Use the Space Wisely
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Store Seasonals Elsewhere. Create more space in the co-wardrobe by storing all your winter woollies elsewhere. Storage tubs are ideal for stowing seasonal items under the bed. A wood blanket box at the end of the bed – which doubles as a bench – also works wonders for storing temporary threads, or just about anything that doesn't fit in your closet. Out of sight, out of mess, after all.

Shelve and Store. When it comes to keeping your clothes organised and separate from one another's, adding your own shelving and drawers is the way to go. Wayfair's 6-cube storage organiser or even wire storage shelving maximises space while keeping frequently worn, folded duds in sight. For a clean look, also consider individual sets of drawers, like a 3-drawer combo. Or, if you have enough shoes to open a shop, try Wayfair's 1-drawer organiser with built-in shoe cubbies.

Divide and Conquer. Sharing that top shelf with your mate? Nothing keeps your jumpers from mixing like vertical dividers. Plus, you'll never have to refold a messy pile again.

Don't Forget Door Space. Every inch of your wardrobe is usable, and the door is no exception. By using an over-the-door rack to hang those long coats and dresses, you'll make more space for other items, on the inside. But if both of you need the vertical hanging space, you can always get a stylish, free-standing clothing or coat rack, to place outside the closet. Nothing complements long garments like Wayfair's LapuLapu Clothing Rack. FREE Shipping on Most Items ​

Thing Outside the Closet

Remember, if your shared wardrobe is really too small for the both of you, you can always think outside the closet.

Get Another Wardrobe. If one closet just isn't enough, why not get an additional? Wayfair has a number of freestanding wardrobes to choose from, in a variety of styles and colours. Check out the Mission Utility Robe with cubby shelving, vertical hanging space and drawers, all in one unit. Too easy.

Use the Spare Room. Take your barely used guest room or study and transform it into the walk-in closet you've always dreamed of. (Then, your roomie can just have the other one.) You could maximise the wall space by mounting upper and lower rods for hanging clothes. Fill an entire wall with shelving, for shoes and accessories. Add a gorgeous chest of drawers and a free-standing, full-length mirror to model your look. Hang a chandelier, for a finishing touch. The possibilities are endless.
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