Closets and Home Organization - Minimum Closet Depth

I am finishing our basement and looking at putting in a closet in the mudroom. Since, space there is at a premium - what would be the minimum depth required for a closet?

Thanks!

Consider lighting when installing the closet. There are code requirements regarding incandescent lighting in a closet, so look into totally covered or fluorescent lighting. If you are looking at bare bones coat hanging, 18" from the door facing would work, but if you could squeeze 24", you would be a happier camper.

It really depends upon what is going in the closet. If you'd like it to be a coat closet, and you plan to put the closet rod parallel with the back of the closet, I'd recommend that the inside dimension of the closet be 24" (front to back) and a minimum of 32" (side to side inside dimensions with a 24" doorway). But if the closet will be roughly 60" wide (inside dimensions with a 24" doorway), you might be able to make it less deep- say 18" inside- and you could then have 2 closet rods - one on each side of the door that would be parallel with the sides.

Good ideas, but I think I am sticking with the pole being parallel to the back of the closet. I understand 24" is optimal, but am thinking maybe 20" might be OK?? Any thoughts?

I think it depends on what needs to hang in the closet. I would suggest testing it with the largest item to verify that you will have adequate clearance at 20".

Take the bulkiest item you plan to hang and lay it out on a flat surface to measure it. This will give you an accurate indication of how much room you need...