Laundry hangers are an essential household item that help keep clothes organized and wrinkle-free in closets and dressers. However, with so many different types of hangers available today like plastic, wooden, velvet, shirt, skirt, pant, suit, clip, and more – it can get confusing figuring out the best way to store them. Proper hanger storage helps maximize closet space, prevents tangled messes, and makes it easier to find the right hanger when getting dressed. This comprehensive guide will walk through tips, tricks and solutions for storing laundry hangers of all varieties in an organized and functional way.
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Plastic vs. Wooden vs. Other Hanger Materials
Hangers come in a wide range of materials, each with their own pros and cons for storage:
Plastic hangers – Cheap and lightweight but prone to breaking and bending over time. Best for temporary use or lightweight garments. Can stack efficiently due to smooth surfaces.
Wooden hangers – Sturdier and keep shape well but more expensive. Best for frequent use and heavier materials like coats and suits. Textured surfaces may snag delicate fabrics. Difficult to stack neatly.
Wire hangers – Very thin profile great for maximizing closet rod space but do not offer enough support for heavy items. Only suitable for a few lightweight garments like lingerie or camisoles.
Velvet/flocked hangers – Prevent slipping of fabrics like silk or satin. Too thick to stack efficiently but keep delicate fabrics secure.
Skirt/pant hangers – Specialized for hanging bottoms properly. Clip types take up less rod space. May require more vertical storage.
When organizing a hanger collection, group like materials together for easier stacking and storage.
Hanger Styles and Their Storage Needs
Beyond material, the shape and function of a hanger impacts how it should be stored:
Standard shirt hangers – Can stack vertically to conserve rod space. Best stored grouped by sleeve length.
Suit/jacket hangers – Wide shoulder span prevents stacking. Store horizontally on rod or flat in drawer.
Skirt/pant hangers – Often clip style to save space. Can hang vertically if clips detached. Stackable.
Specialty hangers (lingerie, strap, belt loop) – Require more rod space but necessary for delicate items. Group similar types together.
Multi-garment hangers – Hold several pieces but very bulky. Only use for temporary overflow storage.
Slack hangers – Designed to prevent shoulder bumps in knits. Difficult to stack so store flat in drawer.
Non-slip hangers – Often velvet or rubberized. Also do not stack efficiently. Store flat together.
Kid’s hangers – Smaller versions of adult styles. Can keep separate or mixed, depending on need.
Analyze the hangers you own and separate them according to shape, style and function before storage. This allows the ideal storage method for each hanger type.
Hanger Storage Methods and Solutions
From closets to garages, here are some of the most effective ways to store laundry hangers organized:
Vertical Closet Rod Storage
Best for high density storage, hanging hangers directly on the closet rod takes advantage of vertical space. Use in combination with specialized hanger organizers and storage hooks.
Hanger organizer – Hangs on rod to neatly hold multiple hangers in designated slots
Cascade hanger – Holds up to 50 hangers hooked in succession
Hanger hooks – Single hooks add extra vertical rod space for 10-20 hangers
Multi-tiered racks – Vertical racks with shelves hold hangers in rows
Wall Mounted Rails and Racks
Alternative vertical storage against the wall or inside cabinet doors. Ideal for garages, laundry rooms and mudrooms.
Over the door storage – Hangs on back of any door for instant extra hanger space
Wall mounted racks – Rails or slot systems provide compact wall storage
Ladder racks – Leaning ladder design holds multiple rows of hangers
Drawer Storage
Allows folding or laying hangers flat in rows. Best for non-stacking specialty hangers.
Drawer organizer trays – Designate drawer just for hangers using inserts
Divided dresser drawers – Add removable compartments for sorting hangers
Hanger drawer rack – Vertical divisions store hangers upright
Shelving Units
Free standing shelving creates flexible hanger storage solutions. Ideal for laundry rooms and garages.
Wall mounted shelving – Anchor adjustable shelves to wall studs
Freestanding racks – Narrow or folding racks provide extra floor space
Utility carts – Rolling carts make portable hanger storage
Specialty Hanger Storage
Unique options to handle specialty hanger needs.
Hanger caddies – Portable carriers easily transport hangers anywhere
Hanger hooks on rods – Individual hooks slide onto rods for extra space
Multi-hook racks – Standalone racks hold entire hanger collection
Creative Hanger Storage Solutions
For small spaces, use these unexpected methods to store hangers:
Shower curtain rings – Hang multiple hangers from rings on shower rod
Pegboard – Use pegs and hooks to hang hangers on wall
Hooks on cabinet doors – Affix command hooks inside to hold handful of hangers
Lingerie bags – Contain loose hangers in mesh bag and hang anywhere
Tips for Organizing Hangers
Follow these simple tips for keeping any hanger storage method tidy:
– Edit hanger collection regularly and discard damaged hangers
– Group like-styles and materials together for efficient access
– Face all hook openings the same direction for easier hanging
– Leave space between crowded hangers to avoid tangling
– Designate frequently used hangers to prime storage locations
– Use sizing dividers to separate adult and children’s hangers
– Add hanger clips to loose pant or skirt hangers to prevent sliding
– Consider hanger needs when shopping – don’t buy unneeded specialty hangers
– Clean wooden hangers periodically with mild soap and water
– Use hanger caddies or bags when traveling to protect clothing
Key Takeaways
– Assess the hangers you own – material, style and quantity before choosing a storage solution. Eliminate any damaged or unnecessary hangers.
– Match storage method to hanger types. Prioritize vertical stacking for standard shirt hangers. Store specialty hangers flat in drawers.
– Designate prime closet rod and drawer space for the hangers used most often.
– Consider wall mounted racks or freestanding shelving for laundry rooms, garages and extra storage.
– Contain collections of loose hangers in caddies or bags to prevent damage and tangles.
– Edit and reorganize hanger storage periodically as needs change.
Conclusion
Hangers are a daily use item that are easy to take for granted. However, taking the time to properly store laundry hangers keeps them tidy, accessible and prevents wasting money replacing damaged items. Assess the hangers currently owned and choose storage solutions that make the most sense for the space available. Use a combination of vertical hanging, flat stacking, divider compartments and specialty organizers to best accommodate all the different hanger types and styles. Remember to edit down and reorganize hangers periodically so they remain functional. With some planning and effort, laundry hangers of all kinds can be stored neatly out of the way but still easy to access when dressing for the day.
