How much shelf space a wardrobe needs

Short answer: A basic wardrobe for one person takes about a metre of shelf plus half a metre of hanging rail. More than that is usually storage.

The calculation

Underwear and socks fill one drawer. T-shirts and tops take half a metre of shelf if folded upright. Trousers and jumpers take half a metre of rail. Bedding and towels belong somewhere other than the clothes.

Folding upright saves space

Folded upright rather than in stacks, you see everything at once and can take one item out without toppling the rest. It also fits more on the same shelf. See bamboo t-shirts for men.

What should not take up space

Seasonal clothing, clothing in another size and clothing you have not worn for two years belong in a box somewhere else. See bamboo clothing for women and bamboo underwear for men.

Frequently asked questions

What if the wardrobe is small

Then the limit is an advantage. It forces you down to what you actually wear.

Should everything hang or lie flat

Trousers and jumpers hang best. T-shirts and underwear lie best.

How much room should be left for air

Enough to take a garment out with one hand. If that is hard, there is too much in there.