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A standard walk-in closet has dimensions of 7 feet by 10 feet at a minimum and an average of 100 square feet. Remember that the dimensions of the closet aren’t necessarily the usable space. This means that a 100-square-foot walk-in closet with shelves on each wall and an island may only have a walkable area of 50 square feet or less. Make sure you consider the effect of additions when you plan the room—mockups are a great idea.

Yes, adding a built-in or custom closet generally increases your home's value and makes it more attractive to potential buyers. A well-designed closet adds utility, organization, and a touch of luxury, which are appealing selling points. Most homeowners see a return on investment (ROI) of 50% to 60%; for example, a custom closet can add about $1,000 to your home's value on average. The specific ROI depends on the type, with custom walk-in closets typically providing more value than reach-in closets. However, to maximize value, ensure the closet doesn't significantly detract from the room's usable square footage. Converting an entire room into a closet can actually lower your home's value. Similarly, using overly lavish materials may not recoup their cost. A good strategy is to add a closet that takes square footage from a non-living area, such as a garage, to create a mudroom closet.

Although you can complete a closet frame in just an afternoon, finishing the entire closet will take a few days to a week. However, that’s still not as much as the average time it takes to remodel a closet, which can take anywhere from several weeks to more than a month. That’s because you also have to consider the time it will take to demolish the existing space, plan a new design, order materials, and actually install it. 

When storing your clothes long-term, first consider the container's breathability. While plastic bags, cardboard boxes, or vacuum sealing may be great options for short-term storage, they won’t help your clothes hold up in the long term. Breathable plastic boxes and fabric bags help with airflow, prevent mold or mildew from building up, and allow proper airflow.