Minimum Closet Depth

• A typical bedroom closet features a simple rod and shelf.David Sacks/Lifesize/Getty Images
  
  For a room to be classified as a bedroom it must have an egress window and a closet. An egress window is a window large enough for a person to escape through the window in case of emergency. A closet is usually an enclosed space that is at least 18 to 24 inches deep. The closet must provide a closet rod or hanging space for garments and they usually provide at least one shelf. Some building departments have local codes for the depth of a closet. Meeting the minimum standards protects the long-term value of the home.
  
  

Shallow Depth Closets

• Shallow pantry shelving provides food storage.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Non-bedrooms often feature shallow-depth closets that are designed to store objects. Commonly a shallow hallway closet will be used to store linens and the closet may be only 12 inches deep. A closet positioned in a kitchen that is all shelving is designed to store food items and it is typically called a pantry. Shallow closets can be found in mud rooms, laundry rooms or among cabinets. These closets are used for brooms, vacuum cleaners and cleaning products.
  
  

Children's Closets

• A child's room may be overflowing with stuff.Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  A child's closet often receives as much use as a master bedroom closet yet frequently a child's closet is much smaller. Usually storage in a child's room is very important. When a child is an infant the closet may feel like an afterthought. But, once the child begins to walk they will also amass a large variety of toys, books, bedding and clothing. These items will quickly overtake a poorly organized bedroom with minimal storage.
  
  

Closet Organization

• A well-organized large child's closet where everything has a place.Thomas Northcut/Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  It is a good idea to select a closet organization system that can grow with your child and change over time as their needs change. Many systems have expandable features. These systems are designed to be flexible and changeable so that the initial closet investment will pay for itself many times. Select a very sturdy system with good references. Teach your child to give objects a home so that they have room to play inside their room. This will reduce clutter and allow your child to find the items they want for themselves.