How much space does a basic wardrobe take

Short answer: A complete basic wardrobe takes up less space than most people expect. Two drawers and half a metre of hanging space cover one person with clothes for a week. It just takes folding and hanging things the right way.

Why it takes less space than you think

Most wardrobes are full because they hold far more than a basic wardrobe. Unworn clothes, seasonal items and pieces for special occasions take up the room. Cut back to what you wear in an ordinary week and there is suddenly space to spare.

Underwear and socks in one drawer

Seven sets of underwear and ten pairs of socks fill an ordinary drawer. Use small boxes or dividers so nothing gets mixed up. Roll socks together in pairs and lay underwear folded in rows. You then see everything when you open the drawer, see bamboo underwear for women.

Tops in the second drawer

Ten tops folded upright take less space than ten in a pile. Standing upright, each one is visible, and you avoid pulling out the whole pile to reach the bottom one. Fold them to the same size so they stand neatly side by side, see bamboo t-shirts for women.

Warm layers on hangers

Sweatshirts and hoodies take the most space and do best hanging. Pressed at the bottom of a drawer, they lose their shape and crease. Half a metre of hanging space is enough for warm layers, a jacket or two and a few pairs of trousers, see bamboo sweatshirts for women.

How to fold upright

Fold the piece into a long rectangle, then in half or in thirds so it can stand on its own. It takes a little longer the first time but is quick after a few goes. The benefit is that everything is visible and the drawer stays tidy when you take something out.

What does not belong in everyday use

Seasonal clothes, party clothes and items for rare activities do not need to sit in the drawers you use daily. Put them in a box under the bed or at the top of the wardrobe. That keeps your everyday wardrobe small and easy to see, and you swap things round when the season changes.

Keep the space free over time

Once there is room, drawers fill up again easily. A simple rule helps: when something new comes in, something old goes out. The wardrobe then stays the same size, and you avoid slowly collecting pieces you do not wear anyway.

Care that keeps the shape

Clothes that are stored neatly also keep their shape better. Wash at a low temperature, turn items inside out and hang them to dry. Fold them while they are still smooth and nothing creases in the drawer. With the right care, clothes look tidy even when packed closely together.

Frequently asked questions

How much space does a basic wardrobe need

Two drawers and half a metre of hanging space per person is plenty for a week of clothes, as long as seasonal and party clothes are stored elsewhere.

How do clothes take up the least space

Fold them upright instead of in a pile. They take the same space, but you see everything at once and avoid rummaging.

What should hang rather than lie flat

The thick layers. They suffer from lying pressed down and take up the most room in a drawer. On a hanger they keep their shape better.