Without a solid organization system, storage closets often end up serving as the drop point for all the stuff you can’t fit anywhere else in your home.
Before you know it, that heap of cleaning rags and kitchen appliances has become so massive you can barely shut the closet door.
If the chaos in your storage closet has rendered it either nonfunctional or very distressing to use (see above scenario), don’t despair. You can turn it around with some thoughtful planning – plus a couple strategic wall hooks.
Pack, Move, Store—We’ve Got Your Entire Journey Covered!
Storage Solutions Based on Item Types
Shoes: Shoes should be stored on a rack or within clear bins for visibility and easy access. A good over-the-door organizer saves a great deal of space.
Clothing: For hanging blouses, jackets, and dresses, consider using strong hangers. For the items that you fold, such as t-shirts and jeans, think about shelf dividers for drawers to keep them stacked neatly.
Accessories: Accessories such as belts, scarves, and jewelry can be stored in trays, on hooks, or in drawer organizers in such a way that they will not tangle up or get lost. Pegboards are also a versatile way to hang various accessories.
Bags: Bags will be hung on hooks, placed on shelf dividers, and/or tucked into a bin to maintain niceness and keep them in easy reach. Storing bags upright and empty reinforces the structure.
Out-of-Season Items: Store out-of-season items in under-bed storage containers or a labeled bin in a safe location, keeping them out of the way but available at the time of need.
Sorting Items into Keep, Donate, and Discard Piles
Keep: Keep only what you love, wear regularly, and all that fits you well. If something is sentimental but rarely used, question if it deserves space in your closet.
Donate: Items that are still in good condition may no longer fit your style or needs. Consider donations for clothes that haven’t been worn for more than one year or that just don’t fit anymore.
Discard: Get rid of items beyond repair, heavily worn, or unsanitary. When at all possible, consider recycling or repurposing material from these items rather than simply throwing them away.
Read on for 25 tips about how to organize a smart storage closet that actually makes your life easier.
1. Decide what storage closet items you will need
A storage closet has limitless possibilities (no, really). You can use it to store coats, cleaning supplies, Christmas decorations, Halloween costumes, pet toys, or whatever else you want.
To prevent things from getting out of hand, make a list of items you absolutely need to store that don’t already have a designated space in your home. Maybe it’s your vacuum and extra linens, or your snow gear (like skis and snowboards) and sports equipment.
Learn more: How to organize your linen closet in 11 super simple steps
2. Divide shelves and rods into sections
Take advantage of existing storage systems in your closet to serve as obvious dividers between your stuff. Then organize things by category or likeness. If your closet is empty, install a coat rack, tension rod, or pair of shelves to double your available space — we promise those two hours of DIY work will be so worth it.
Free Bonus: These 13 easy DIY storage ideas will organize your entire home
3. Store cleaning products in a portable bin
Corralling your cleaning products into a single bin with a handle accomplishes two things: 1) It keeps all your sprays and disinfectants in one place, and 2) it makes household cleaning easier because you can grab the bin and carry it anywhere.
Learn more: 5 insanely easy cleaning hacks to whip your place into shape
4. Hang brooms and Swiffers on wall hooks
Take advantage of vertical wall space — no matter how narrow — to hang brooms, dustpans, and mops from sturdy hooks. This method keeps your cleaning tools neat and organized while also opening up your floor space.
5. Utilize vertical space on the back of the door
You can use the back of a door to hang just about anything. Take a cue from Organizing Made Fun and install wire baskets to hold cleaning products, extra cloths, and paper bags.
Or hang wall hooks to store purses, bags, or backpacks, like in the picture below.
Better yet, use an over-the-door pocket organizer to store cleaning products, wrapping supplies, or cold-weather accessories like gloves, scarves, and hats.
6. Limit hanging to seasonal outerwear only.
Don’t bring your entire wardrobe into your storage closet. If you plan on hanging clothes, limit your choices to items you reach for on your way out the door. Think of seasonal necessities like coats, jackets, and scarves.
Learn more: Helpful guide for organizing everything in your closet on the cheap
7. Store suitcases on upper shelves
Store suitcases horizontally on your highest shelves to keep your floor space clear and uncluttered. Just make sure the suitcases are empty and your shelves are sturdy — you don’t want to get knocked in the head when you’re reaching for the vacuum.
8. Use boxes with labels
You can store everything from DVDs and paper files to table linens and extra Kleenex in matching boxes. Label each box with a detailed description of its contents so you never have to rummage through your stuff to find what you’re looking for.
9. Store blankets in a stylish basket
Tuck extra throw blankets into a chic basket you can transport to the living room when the weather starts to get chilly.
10. Hang backpacks and bags in wall hooks
The genius of a wall hook lies in its simultaneous simplicity and versatility. Mount it wherever there’s an extra foot of space in your closet, and suddenly you have a spot to hang your favorite purse, reusable grocery bag, briefcase, or umbrella.
11. Use plastic drawers for smaller items
Plastic drawers are perfect for storing smaller items like cleaning rags, medicine, first aid kit supplies, tools, craft materials, or extra toiletries.
12. Use a utility cart
A utility cart is a smart way to store the stuff you need to access easily. Bonus points if it rolls. You can organize it according to a theme — cleaning materials, household tools, office supplies — or fill each shelf with whatever fits neatly.
13. Store your stuff with Clutter
For everything, you can’t fit in your storage closet, use Clutter.
Simply schedule a pickup and pack your stuff. We’ll grab everything from your home and transport it to our secure, temperature-controlled storage facility.
And when you need your surfboard or set of golf clubs back, browse the convenient online photo catalog of your stuff, click the item’s photo, and we’ll deliver it straight to you.
14. Clean Slate: When You Begin, Clean All the Stuff.
Begin your journey of organizing everything by taking it out of the closet. This gives you the bare canvas to begin seeing the space with fresh, new eyes. Taking everything out lets you take stock of what you have and the space you can handle. In a way, you’re giving it a fresh start. It will be so much easier because you design the setup that works just right for your needs.
15. Group similar items to organize your space efficiently.
While going through your stuff, group similar items together: shoes, linens, tools, etc. This will give you an idea about how much space each category will take up and also make it easier to find something later on. Keeping items used for similar purposes in one place develops a system that can make sense and thus be easy to continue using- and ensures everything has a place over time.
16. Invest in adjustable shelving for flexible storage.
Adjustable shelving is one of the most brilliant things you can invest in your closet. That allows flexibility in how to lay out your storage space-from tall boots down to small accessories. As needs change, so does your shelving configuration with flexibility toward whatever you need to store.
17. Use clear bins and labels for easy organization.
Transparent bins save you when working with any closet. You can always know what’s inside by merely looking at them. Now, match them up with labels, and you shall have designed an organizational system that will simultaneously be beautiful and very functional. This is how you make sure things have their place and find them without having to rummage through the bins that are not see-through.
18. Maximize Vertical Space to Make Every Inch Count
Don’t let that vertical space in your closet go to waste, as it is the most squandered space. Install higher shelves for less-used items and add hooks or a hanging organizer to expand storage potential. Think vertically to maximize your closet; every inch should be utilized.
19. Add pull-out drawers for easy access to deep storage.
Deep shelves are difficult to handle, but pull-out drawers or baskets allow easy accessibility with things stored in the back. Such drawers enable one to pull everything forward to reach whatever he needs easily. The most profound areas in your closet will now be accessible and practical for storage.
20. Maintain a year-round closet by rotating seasonal items.
Rotate seasonal items in and out to keep the closet current. Remove winter clothes and gear in summer and store them elsewhere until the season changes. This will prevent the closet from feeling and looking too full, while also keeping what you use the most at the front and center.
21. Create dedicated spaces for each item in your closet.
Different zones for various categories such as cleaning supplies, sports gear, and linens. This helps avoid one item being mixed up with another or your entire space for one item getting scattered throughout the closet, thus making the items easy to locate, retrieve, and return. You know that every piece of your closet space has a specific purpose.
22. Maximize Secret Space with Over-the-Door Organizers
Your closet door can be amazingly valuable real estate if you’re seeking extra storage. Over-the-door organizers will hold everything from shoes and accessories to cleaning supplies within easy reach. These help free up valuable shelf and floor space, making your closet more organized and accessible.
23. Add a Bench or Stool for Comfort and Extra Storage
Where possible, add a small bench or stool inside your closet. This will let one sit down while dressing up or arranging their stuff quickly. Second, a bench with storage beneath the seat offers more space for items such as shoes or blankets, thus making the closet more functional and comfortable.
24. Improve Visibility with Proper Lighting
No good closet is complete without decent lighting. Install some LED strips or motion-sensor lights to help light up every nook and cranny and make everything in it visible and accessible. Proper lighting makes your closet workable; you want to avoid fumbling around in the dark.
25. Set Aside Time Now and Then to Get Rid of Clutter
The key to having a truly smart storage closet is maintenance. Take the time every so often to clean out and reorganize to avoid a build-up of things you don’t need. Consistently going through the motions of decluttering keeps it at its best, continuing to serve you with less complication in life.
Essential Supply List
1. Hangers:
A variety of heavier types of hangers will go a long way in helping to preserve the shape of your garments. For the most delicate items of your clothes, non-slip velvet hangers work wonders, while suits and coats will be just perfect on wooden hangers. And what else does one need for skirts and pants if not clip hangers?
2. Drawer Dividers:
Smaller items like socks, underwear, and accessories are easier to see and set apart with drawer dividers.
3. Shoe Racks:
Designating an area for shoes will keep them organized and protected, from standing racks to over-the-door organizers and clear shoe boxes.
4. Storage Bins:
Clear or labeled bins work wonders in housing off-season clothes, accessories, or other less frequently used items. These help with keeping the closet organized while making sure everything has its spot.
5. Hooks and Pegboards:
From versatile hooks to pegboards, these are quick ways to hang accessories, bags, hats, and belts. More importantly, pegboards offer customizable storage that can change to meet your needs.
10 Benefits of Closet Organization
1. Maximizes Space:
An organized closet allows you to fully use the space available and accommodate all your stuff without making it look cluttered. By using shelves, hanging rods, and bins creatively, one is able to store a great deal more while at the same time having everything accessible and easy to locate.
2. Saves Time:
When everything in your closet has a place, you don’t have to spend extra minutes searching for that particular shirt or those shoes. Instead, you can get ready in no time at all and head out, ready to take on whatever the day throws your way. An organized closet will turn potentially chaotic mornings into seamless, productive beginnings.
3. Reduces Stress:
A cluttered closet can add to the disarray of your day; an organized one brings a sense of serenity and control. Knowing everything is in its place reduces anxiety and makes getting dressed all the more pleasant.
4. Enhances Care for Clothes:
A well-organized closet means your clothes will never wrinkle, stretch, or damage. Proper hanger use, folding, and shoe storage will help extend the life of your wardrobe and continue to make those favorite items look fresh.
5. Expands Your Style Options:
With your closet organized, the options are right in front of you at one glance. You will find it easier to put together outfits and make combinations you have never tried before, which allows you to make the most of your wardrobe and express your style.
6. Extended Functionality:
An organized closet is neat and practical. By arranging your clothes, shoes, and accessories logically, you create space that works for you, making it easier to get ready for any occasion without searching through clutter.
7. More Pleasing Aesthetically:
The uncluttered and orderly closet is visually more appealing and will make your bedroom look more put together and inviting. The good feeling you get from a well-kept closet motivates you to keep it that way, so it’ll always look great.
8. Sets the Tone for Productivity:
An organized closet greets your morning and sets a positive tone for the rest of your day. When a person is comfortable with his or her mornings and smooth in his or her routine, that energy can spill into other areas of life and amp up overall productivity.
9. Cost Savings:
If your closet is well organized, you will be less inclined to purchase items that you have but can’t find, which means you will save money. You will also avoid clutter building up since you are more ‘in tune’ with what you do have.
10. Encourages Mindfulness:
Cleaning your closet helps you practice mindfulness about what you are going to keep and what you will discard. The process will lead you to more conscious consumption, focusing on quality and holding on only to things that add real value to your life.
Pack, Move, Store—We’ve Got Your Entire Journey Covered!
Conclusion
Organizing your closet isn’t just about making it look neat—it’s about creating a space that simplifies your life. By thoughtfully arranging your belongings and setting up a system that works for you, you transform your closet into a tool that supports your daily routine.
Whether it’s finding the perfect outfit quickly or having a designated spot for every item, a well-organized closet saves time, reduces stress, and even enhances your personal style. Remember, the effort you put into organizing and maintaining your closet is an investment in your overall well-being, making your day-to-day life just a little bit easier.
FAQs on Closet Organization
Q: How should I begin tackling a messy closet?
A: The best way to start is by emptying the entire closet. This allows you to see precisely what you have and makes it easier to sort through your belongings. From there, you can categorize items, decide what to keep, donate, or discard, and organize the space more effectively.
Q: How can I maximize storage in a small closet?
A: Focus on vertical storage solutions to make the most of limited space. Use shelves, hanging organizers, and hooks to utilize every inch of your closet. Consider adding storage bins for smaller items and adjustable shelving to accommodate various clothing and accessories sizes.
Q: What’s the best way to organize seasonal clothes?
A: To save space and protect seasonal items from dust, store them in labeled, airtight bins or vacuum-sealed bags. Place these bins on high shelves or under the bed, keeping your closet free for the clothes you wear regularly. Rotating your wardrobe as the seasons change ensures your closet stays relevant and functional year-round.
Q: How should I organize accessories like belts, scarves, and hats?
A: Accessories are best stored using hooks, trays, or drawer dividers. Hanging belts and scarves on hooks or pegboards makes them easily accessible and prevents tangling. Hats can be stored on shelves or in hat boxes to maintain their shape and keep them organized.
Q: How often should I go through my closet to declutter?
A: It’s a good idea to declutter your closet every three to six months. Regularly sorting through your clothes and accessories helps prevent unnecessary items from accumulating, keeps your closet organized, and ensures that you only keep things you use and love.
