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How to Measure Your Closet for Closet Organizers

Before you start down the path to clean closet nirvana, it's important to know how much space you have to work with. You'll need to take accurate measurements of all walls, outlets, and angles in your closet, as well as the ceiling height. Having this information on hand ahead of time will ensure you make the most of your available space, and that your closet storage system fits correctly. After all, it's going to be hard to conquer closet chaos if you can't even close the door.


General Measuring Tips

  • When attacking how to measure your closet, measure to the nearest 1/8-inch.
  • Better safe than sorry when it comes to the size of your closet organizer, so it's also a good idea to take three measurements of walls, ceiling height, etc.
Easy Track Closet 4 - 8 ft. Starter Kit - RB1448
Easy Track Closet 4 - 8 ft. Starter Kit - RB1448

These Four Walls

  • Back wall and side walls - Place your tape measure in one corner and measure to the opposite corner, recording measurements on a piece of paper for later reference.
  • Return walls - Return walls are located on either side of your closet door. Measure from one corner of the wall to the outside corner of the doorframe to get an accurate measurement of your usable space. Make sure to measure the entire wall, including the doorframe and molding, so you know the width of your door opening.

Reach for the Ceiling

  • Standard ceilings - To measure the height of a standard flat ceiling, place your tape measure on the floor next to the nearest empty wall. The wall will help steady your tape measure and give you an accurate measurement up to the ceiling.
  • Angled ceilings - Angled ceilings present more of a challenge than standard ceilings. Measure the height of the ceiling in multiple areas, but remember, you can only use a closet storage system that fits within the lowest height.

  • Overcoming Obstacles
    Unfortunately, not all walls are created equal. Obstacles such as light switches, outlets, and other structural hiccups can put a kink in how you measure your closet. Take these obstacles into account, since you don't want your new closet organizer to block them.


    Measure from the end of the nearest wall to the edge of the obstacle. Next, measure the distance from the bottom of the obstacle to the floor. If your obstacle sticks out from the wall, measure the height and width of the obstacle along with its depth.


    Opening Doors

    • Measure the door placement, height, and width.
    • If your closet door swings in, measure the door (including hardware) to allow necessary space for the door to swing open all the way.
    • Don't forget to take drawers and other closet add-ons that slide out into account.

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