Notes On Sharing
For the first time in 20 years, I am sharing closet space again. Hilary and I shared as kids until we got our own rooms when I was 11 and she was eight. At college when I roomed with other women, I had my own closet, and for the first seven years of marriage I didn’t have to share. Now in our new one bedroom apartment, Brian and I have combined our wardrobes into a 10’x6’x2.5’ closet. This closet space is a step up from either of our closets in our last apartment, but it did not come without some adjustment. If you are facing downsizing and sharing, here are some tips that have helped me.
1. Determine how much space each person gets.
This will come as no surprise to anyone, but I have more clothes than Brian. Fashion and style have always been important to me, so I invest more money into my wardrobe than Brian. He does, however, have a large collection of t-shirts and sweatpants. Neither need to be hung up in the closet, so when we moved in he took the dresser with more drawers while I took more closet space. We never sat down and talked about this, but I did realize he would need more drawers so I offered them up to him. If you think dividing space may be an issue, talk it out.
2. Purge before you move.
This step is so important! The more you purge before you move, the less you have to haul from one place to another. Moving is such a hassle anyway, why move more than you have too? I also think that everyone underestimates how much they accumulate when they’ve lived in one place for any amount of time. I know I’m constantly accumulating clothes and possessions, so it’s always good to purge your closet before you move. Unsure what to get rid of? Check out this post.
3. Prepare to continue purging after you move.
If you’re downsizing, there’s a good chance you’ll have to purge again after you move. Brian and I moved in a few shifts, and the first thing I moved was my wardrobe. I was really proud of how much clothing I got rid of, but once it was all in our closet it took up over 2/3 of the space! Eek! There was little room left for Brian, and the closet rod was dangerously overloaded…
4. Reinforce the closet rod and shelves.
Clothes are heavy. Really heavy. And if you don’t have any extra space to store out of season items, there will be extra bulk and weight. I replaced the closet rod before Brian moved his clothes in but didn’t reinforce it. The night he moved in, I hung up his clothes, and the poor rod tore right out of the wall! F. The next day we spent some time installing extra brackets for support. I recommend you ensure your closet rod and shelves have enough support before hanging up your clothes, or you’ll have a giant mess on your hands.
5. Invest in huggable hangers or some knock off version.
Huggable hangers take up less space and make your closet look more put together. You can buy the original at any place that sells home goods, but I found a 50 pack at TJ Maxx for $15. With a uniform style of hanger, our closet is tidier.
6. Put your clothes away or in the hamper when done with them.
Chances are if you have to share a closet, you don’t have a lot of other space, so cleaning up after yourself is important. If you’re a natural born slob or just prefer to leave clothes on the floor, stop it. You’re reading this, which means you’re an adult so act like one. When you change your clothes either hang them up, fold them and put them away, or put them in the hamper. Your room and closet will look better, and your partner won’t want to strangle you when he trips over an errant shoe or balled up pair of pants.
Do you share closet space? How have you made it work?