Plan for 3–4 linear feet of hanging rod per person for everyday work clothes. Add 2 feet for casual clothes and 1–2 feet for formal wear if applicable. A typical reach-in closet for one person needs at least 5–6 linear feet of rod total. A walk-in closet for two people should have 12–16 feet of combined rod space.

Single rod: 66 inches from the floor (allows most garments to hang without touching the floor). Double rod: top rod at 80–84 inches, bottom rod at 40 inches (good for shirts, jackets, folded pants). Long garments (dresses, coats): rod at 66+ inches with 72 inches of clearance to the floor. Adjust based on the tallest user's needs and door clearance.

A standard 1.25-inch diameter steel closet rod, properly supported at both ends and with a center support for spans over 48 inches, can support 40–70 lbs per linear foot. Overloaded rods or spans over 48 inches without center support will sag or pull brackets from the wall. Add a center support bracket for all rods longer than 48 inches.

Wire shelving is the most budget-friendly option at $1–$3 per linear foot including brackets. A full reach-in closet (6 feet wide) can be organized for $80–$200 in materials with wire shelving. The next step up is a modular wire or laminate system ($200–$500). Custom-built melamine or solid wood systems run $500–$2,000+ for a reach-in closet. DIY prefab kits from IKEA, ClosetMaid, or Rubbermaid are a good middle ground.