Organisation & Storage Ideas | Pants/Bottoms

Clothing bottoms, we either have too many jeans over skirts and shorts so finding an equal system can be hard especially with the varying lengths.

I suggest spending a considerable amount of time working out what doesn't work for you and what options are available. For example you may like the look of the vintage boxes/ dishes but are always in a rush when getting ready, so fumbling through many items in a boxes may not be practical.

Always plan for the space you have not want. Allow for some room for your collection to grow so it doesn't quickly not work for you. Having unity in colour and style of pieces (bins, dividers, buckets) adds cohesion to your room and based on appearance is easier on the brain especially to process.

Firstly determine which type of clothing bottom (pants, jeans, shorts, skirts) you wear more and want to be more prominent or easier to get too. Now it's time to look at some options; hanging for those who have more wardrobe space, shelves for those who have an built wardrobe with more shelves and drawer options for those who have a limited wardrobe space.

Hanging Options - medium to large collections or closets/ small vertical space
Look for slim options that condense lots of clothes which is great for large collections or small spaces. It makes a very good job of utilising vertical space. The wider the horizontal space, the easier it is to store more items.

The classic option is the clothes hanger with clip. Some hangers have a hook at the top that allows for multiple hangers to be hung vertically. There are now specialised hangers available, that make the items easy to slip on/off. They vary in the design but are modified off a generic clothes hanger. They are have vertical multiple horizontal rods, either manually or freely open. Many have a soft foam over the metal rod that crease items less compared to clips whilst looking neat.

Those with the built in wardrobe are likely to have the option of slide out or fixed horizontal rods. These are only freely open but still have soft rods, maintaining a neat look and crease less items. It utilises space as these can be stacked vertically down under each other. The separation of the rods also mean each item is able to be seen. Bonus organisation goes to hanging each item colour coordinated from short to longest length.

DIY option: Use the metal cap off a soft drink can for a multiple vertical clothes hanger.

Cons: Many pants and skirts will clog up the hanging space and delicate garments tend to crease over a long period. Fixed horizontal rods may not be sufficient if collections increases and if there isn't enough space to have another horizontal rod. Those who are busy and fuss free may not have the patience or time to sort and neaten the rods.

Shelf/Open Options - medium to small collections or built wardrobes with shelving/ horizontal space

A small collection can benefit from these options as it's easier to maintain, durable and utilises space under hanging clothes. Keep in mind your lifestyle and personality when choosing an organisation option; for those who are busy/ lazy, cute storage bins may be a good option. Efficiently is what we're after.

Shelves are perfect for open storage boxes (with no lid), folded items or vertically stored items in an open box. Store pants/ bottoms, folded colour coordinated either stacked or vertically in an open deep box. They are visible, neat and easy to maintain with no clip marks.

Open boxes now come in a range of patterns and material to add more style to the wardrobe. These are perfect for a visible area such as the high shelf in a built wardrobe. These are very affordable and due to the durability perfect for larger collections. They act like a portable drawer on the shelf, easy to slide in and out and reach the back items.  Even 'trays' that are acrylic can offer a seamless wardrobe look.

For open spaces where there is more floor space, those boxes with lids can still benefit from this and are perfect for open spaces such as under the bed. Bonus organisation if the lid is clear and the tub is labelled with the contents.

DIY option: Make wooden bookmarks that can be used on the shelf to separate and control the clothes.

Cons: Shelf space can become insufficient with a larger collection. This can get untidy, a hassle to maintain the neatness and less efficient. Delicate fabrics may become very creased folded, though this is up to the discretion of the wearer and something to consider.  Boxes can easily be unhelpful if everything is chucked in and mangled. 

Drawer Options - small collection or built wardrobes with drawers/ chest of drawers

This is an more out of sight option, where items don't have to be perfectly folded/stacked. It's a great option for those who don't care how neat their clothes look to warrant maintaining this. Drawers are perfect for a small collection if this is apart of a built wardrobe system or in a chest of drawers. Similarly with lots of drawers in a built wardrobe.

You can buy drawer dividers to help seperate and better see each item and store them this way. This option is great to incorporate other small items like jewellery in single drawer. Storing folded items vertically colour coordinated may be more efficient in organising for those who like items tucked away but can visually see each item.

DIY option: Have individual wood planks customised to the length and height of your drawer to easily manage the two different items.

Cons: Can easily be unhelpful if everything is chucked in and mangled. If the drawer is crammed reaching the back items can become difficult and may end up being worn less. A specialised divider may limit the use of the rest of the drawer if not entirely full.