One of the easiest ways to instantly double your hanging space in a closet is to add a hanging rod. You can buy one from the store but making a DIY version gives you the option to easily customize the height/length to fit your closet, plus it's inexpensive, quick and fun to make your own!

Here's what I used to make mine: 1 hardwood dowel (1 1/4" diameter), 4-8 eye screws, chain (2 lengths of ~ 3.5 ft long), 4 chain links, s-hooks

Step 1: Cut Dowel to Desired Length

You can have it cut at the hardware store or use a miter box and saw)

Step 2: Install Eye Hooks

Drill pilot holes and put in eye screws at each end of the dowel (these will be used to hang the dowel). If you don't have a drill, you can use a nail and a hammer to make a pilot hole. If you want to hang purses off the hanging rod, you can add more eye hooks on the opposite side of the dowel.

Step 3: Attach Chain

Attach the 2 chain lengths to the top closet rod and to the eye hooks using the chain links, adjusting the height as needed.

Step 4: Hang Your Stuff!

You can use the hanging rod to hang clothes of course, or you can store purses using s-hooks and can also store long boots using pant or skirt hangers (to protect soft leather, pad the clips with foam or cardboard).