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Storage planner · free tool

Shelf & Closet Planner

How far apart to space shelves, how many bins fit, and where closet rods go.

Example values · replace them with yours

What goes on it?
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Measure inside, wall to wall, at the narrowest point. Closet height is floor to ceiling. Shelf boards are assumed to be ¾ in / 1.905 cm thick.

Your plan–

    What to buy for this plan

    Only what fits your space. Counts update as you type.

    • Storage cubesAmazon Basics fabric storage cubes
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    • 13 inch storage cubesSONGMICS 13 inch foldable storage cubes, set of 6
      Check price
    • Pantry binsSimple Houseware clear pantry bins, 4 pack
      Check price
    • Clear shoe boxesClear stackable shoe storage boxes with magnetic doors
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    • Shelf dividersCY craft acrylic shelf dividers for closets, 4 pieces
      Check price
    • Double hang rodSimple Houseware adjustable closet hanging rod, chrome
      Check price
    • Velvet hangersAmazon Basics velvet hangers, 30 pack
      Check price
    • Expandable shelfSimple Houseware expandable stackable counter shelf
      Check price

    As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices change often, so check today's price and delivery date on Amazon.

    Frequently asked questions

    How far apart should shelves be?

    Measure your tallest item and add 1 to 2 inches for your hand. As a start: shoes 7 to 8 in, cans and jars 8 to 10 in, books 11 to 12 in, folded sweaters and towels 12 to 14 in, cereal boxes and bins 13 to 14 in.

    How far apart should shelves be in a closet?

    About 12 in for folded clothes, 7 to 8 in for shoes and 14 in or more for boots and bags. The shelf over the rod usually sits at 82 to 84 in. Under an 8 ft ceiling, 82½ in leaves room for 11 in bins on top.

    How deep should shelves be?

    12 in suits books, folded clothes and most pantry food. Past about 16 in, things get lost in the back, so use bins that pull out like drawers on deep shelves.

    What size bins fit my shelves?

    Leave half an inch on each side and an inch or more above. A 30 in shelf takes two 11 in cube bins, a 36 in shelf three 11 in cubes or two 13 in ones. The planner works it out from your width, depth and spacing.

    What size bins fit an IKEA Kallax?

    Kallax cubes are about 13 × 13 in inside and 15 in deep, so 13 in cube bins fit. 11 in bins fit too but leave gaps.

    How high should closet rods be?

    For double hang, about 80 in for the top rod (shirts, jackets) and 38 to 40 in for the lower rod (pants, skirts). For dresses and long coats, one rod at 66 in or higher. Leave about 3 in between a rod and the shelf above so hangers lift off.

    How many clothes fit on a closet rod?

    About one shirt per inch on slim velvet hangers, a bit less with bulky ones. The planner counts 1.2 in each: a 48 in rod holds about 40 shirts, and a second rod below doubles it.

    How deep does a closet need to be for hangers?

    About 24 in. Hangers are 17 to 18 in wide and clothes add a few more. In a shallower closet, hang things facing the door on hooks or a front-facing rod, or fill it with shelves instead.

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