ᐅ How can I make the best use of the interior of an Ikea PAX wardrobe with baskets and boxes?

Good morning everyone,

I am currently thinking about the best way to organize the interior of my Ikea PAX wardrobe. I have a version with multiple sections and want to better structure the storage space, especially by using baskets and boxes.

My question is how to arrange these storage elements most effectively to achieve both order and clarity, while also making the most efficient use of the available space. I have already noticed that Ikea offers various wire and plastic baskets, as well as boxes in different sizes that can be used as supplements.

I am particularly interested in which combinations have proven effective for storing different types of clothing (e.g., T-shirts, sweaters, accessories) as well as small items like socks or belts in a sensible way. It would also be helpful to know if there are any special tricks or tips to make handling easier—for example, regarding load capacity, accessibility, or sorting.

Does anyone have experience or recommendations on how to optimally use the interior of the Ikea PAX with baskets and boxes?

I look forward to your tips!

Rilis schrieb:
I am especially interested in which combinations have proven effective for storing different types of clothing (e.g., T-shirts, sweaters, accessories) as well as small items like socks or belts in a practical way.

Hello Rilis,

your question is very specific and exactly the right level to optimize the PAX interior properly. I will gladly explain step by step the use of the different baskets and boxes, especially because the variety in the PAX system offers a lot of flexibility but it’s easy to lose track.

- For T-shirts and sweaters, wire baskets with center frames are ideal, usually available in 40 cm (16 inches) or 50 cm (20 inches) widths. With wire, you can see at a glance how much is left, and the air circulation prevents odors. A downside is that very delicate fabrics can stick out or bulge if the basket is packed too full.

- For accessories such as belts and jewelry, small removable boxes work very well and can be placed inside the PAX shelves. Boxes with lids are especially good because they protect against dust and stack easily. I recommend plastic boxes or sturdy cardboard boxes with compartments to keep small items organized.

- I like to group socks and similar small items in shallow boxes that can be taken by depth, making good use of the space under hanging clothes. It is important to adjust the box height to the shelf height, otherwise they won’t fit properly or space will be wasted.

- It is important to pay attention to how much weight the baskets can hold. Wire baskets are generally very sturdy, while plastic boxes with non-solid bottoms are less so. Therefore, avoid overloading.

- Finally, it is worth checking the PAX interior dimensions carefully when putting together your storage solutions, because sometimes standardized boxes or baskets are too wide or too narrow, causing you to lose valuable space.

If you want me to be more specific, for example which PAX width or depth you are using, just let me know!

Rilis schrieb:
Does anyone have experience or recommendations on how to make the most of the inside of the Ikea PAX using baskets and boxes?

Hello Rilis,

To keep it brief: In my experience, a combination of wire baskets for larger, loosely folded clothing items and stackable plastic boxes for smaller items works best within the PAX system.

Baskets have the advantage of functioning like drawers that can be easily pulled out. This helps maintain visibility and prevents items from getting hidden at the bottom. At the same time, boxes with lids allow for a neat separation between frequently used and rarely needed items.

An important tip: also use adjustable shelves to create extra levels for boxes. This way, you can optimize the shelf height to fit different storage containers and maximize available space.

I also recommend using different containers for different categories—for example, low wire baskets for t-shirts and taller ones for sweaters. Smaller, shallow boxes are suitable for accessories like belts or socks and can be placed either above or in a separate section of the PAX.

This approach helps avoid clutter and provides a flexible organization system that can adapt to changing needs.

RAFAEL schrieb:
Also use the adjustable shelves to create extra levels for boxes.

This is a very important point. I’d like to add some thoughts focusing on the structural integrity and modularity of the PAX internal organization:

- Shelves should be sturdy and properly fitted to easily support heavier boxes. The Ikea PAX variants often offer flexible height adjustments and are quite robust, but it’s important to ensure the load is evenly distributed so the shelves don’t bend or the entire unit becomes unstable.

- Another tip is to combine different types of baskets—such as wire baskets with solid metal bottoms or plastic boxes—to get various benefits, like airflow versus dust protection.

- It’s also crucial to carefully measure everything before purchasing: the PAX width, depth, and compartment height, to find tailored solutions.

- Baskets that can be expanded with accessories like dividers or inserts are recommended, for example to neatly store pairs of socks or belts.

- If your PAX includes wooden pull-out drawers, using boxes for small items like jewelry or accessories there can help prevent shifting during opening and closing.

Do you already have exact measurements of your PAX? That would help provide more precise recommendations.

Hi Rilis,

I’d like to share another important aspect: the accessibility and everyday handling of baskets and boxes.

- While wire baskets are easy to pull out, they can be a bit wobbly on the sides when fully loaded. It’s worth choosing reinforced runners to ensure the baskets lock in place automatically and don’t get misaligned when pulled.

- I also recommend shallow boxes for smaller clothing items, preferably with lids to keep dust out. Boxes with hand grips are especially practical, making them easy to remove.

- Consider which clothes you need daily, and place the corresponding boxes or baskets at the bottom or in easily accessible areas—less frequently used items can be stored higher up or towards the back.

- For very deep PAX units, I’ve found that adding a second layer with boxes or baskets works well for maximizing space while maintaining a clear overview.

- By the way, wire baskets offer better air circulation compared to closed boxes, which is beneficial for breathable clothing.

If you have any questions about adapting this to your specific dimensions and needs, I’m happy to help.