23 Tips to Organize a Small Closet With Lots of Clothes

Having a small closet jam-packed with clothes can feel frustrating and overwhelming. However, with some planning and organization, even the tiniest closet can be transformed into a functional, tidy space that makes getting dressed each day a breeze. Follow these 23 tips to maximize your small closet storage and keep your abundant wardrobe organized.

Audit Your Closet and Assess Your Needs

The first step is taking everything out of your closet and sorting through each item. Be ruthless and get rid of anything you haven’t worn in over a year, as well as pieces that are damaged, don’t fit well, or are out of style.

Once you’ve narrowed down your wardrobe to only your favorites, group similar garments together, such as:

  • Tops
  • Bottoms
  • Dresses
  • Outerwear
  • Athleticwear
  • Accessories

This edit will help identify your storage needs, such as the ideal hanging space, shelves, drawers, or other organizers required to neatly store each category.

Install Closet Organizers and Storage Solutions

To optimize vertical storage space, install double hanging rods to double your hanging capacity. For shorter items like shirts, use a lower second rod. For dresses and coats, utilize the higher rod.

Shelving above the hanging space is ideal for storing sweaters, purses, hats, and other folded items. Consider sliding wire shelving units that you can customize to fit the unique dimensions of your closet.

For storing accessories, shoes, and bulkier items, use decorative storage boxes and baskets stacked neatly on the floor. Rotating organizer units are also great for corners.

Use Slim Hangers and Fold Bulky Items

Swap out mismatched standard hangers for uniform slim velvet or flocked ones. The slender style allows garments to slide effortlessly along the rod while preventing slipping. For bulky items like sweaters, store them folded on shelves rather than hung up to maximize hanging space.

Arrange Items by Color

Organizing your closet by color looks elegant and makes pieces easy to find. Group cooler tones like blues and greens together on one side, and warmer reds, oranges and yellows on the other. Add dividers or shelves between each color section for definition.

Roll and File Small Items

Keep intimates, socks and tights neatly tucked away in drawers by rolling them into bundles. Use drawer dividers to separate each type of item. For accessories like belts and scarves, roll and file them upright in dedicated boxes or trays.

Use Clear Storage for Visibility

See-through acrylic organizers are ideal for storing clutches, jewelry and other small items while keeping them visible. For shoes, use clear plastic boxes so you can easily identify pairs.

Designate Sections for Each Family Member

If your closet is shared, give each person their own partitioned space using curtains, dividers or shelving units. Cubbies and modular wire drawers are great for separating kids’ clothes. Label each section clearly.

Purge Frequently and Seasonally

Do a closet clean-out every 3-4 months to filter out off-season clothes and anything you haven’t worn. Maintain your organization by returning pieces to their designated storage spots each day.

Invest in Quality Hangers

Well-constructed wood or heavy plastic hangers hold the shape of shoulders and thicker materials better than flimsy ones. Slim felt hangers prevent slipping. Sturdy hangers also make your closet look neat and uniform.

Use Strategic Double Hanging

Maximize hanging space by doubling up lighter-weight items like shirts, sweaters and blouses on thicker wooden hangers. Hang the items facing opposite directions for easy access.

Utilize Hanging Organizers

Hanging shoe bags, jewelry pouches and multi-pocket organizers are fantastic for storing accessories and smaller items right inside your closet. Attach them over the door or onto a rod.

Categorize by Type and Function

Group garments according to type, such as blouses, pants, dresses, etc. You can also categorize by function, like work clothes, loungewear, workout clothes, etc. Separate each category using dividers or shelving.

Opt for Breathable Fabric Storage

Instead of plastic bins or cardboard boxes, store off-season clothing in breathable cotton canvas or mesh drawstring bags. They allow air to circulate and prevent musty smells.

Display Frequently Worn Items Conveniently

Keep everyday go-to pieces right up front for quick grabbing. Use hooks, cascading shelves, or cubbies to store frequently worn accessories in prime real estate too.

Utilize Wall Space Creatively

Take storage up the walls with hanging shelves for shoes, bins, jewelry displays and more. Wall-mounted rods and rails for scarves and belts are space-savvy too.

Add Mirrors to Make a Small Closet Feel Bigger

Strategically placed mirrors visually double the sense of space in a cramped closet. Install a mirrored door or place a full length mirror opposite the entryway. Mirrored shelves also brighten up shadowy corners.

Get Creative with Unused Spots

Dead corner space can be utilized with corner organizer units on wheels. Attach a tension rod 5-6 inches out from the wall as a secondary rod for more hanging room.

Designate a Donation Box

Keep a box or bin inside your closet for clothing that no longer fits or that you don’t wear. As soon as it’s full, take it to donate rather than letting cast-offs clutter your space.

Store Out-of-Season Items Under the Bed

Slide underbed storage containers hold off-season clothing or rarely-worn items like formalwear without hogging closet space. Use them to free up room for current wardrobe staples.

Add Closet Lighting

Illuminate every inch of your closet with battery-operated LED lights, a motion-sensing light, or strip lighting installed under shelves. Proper lighting prevents hidden clutter zones.

Maintain with Weekly Tidying

Preserve your organization by doing speed tidies, returning things to their designated spots, and removing anything you’ve decided to purge on a weekly basis.

Conclusion

No matter the size of your closet, it can function efficiently with the right mix of closet organizers, storage solutions, wardrobe editing, and maintenance. Follow these 23 tips to maximize every inch of space so you can effortlessly access your clothing and accessories. With a little effort, your small closet can be a well-oiled clothing headquarters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add more hanging space in a small closet?

Install double rods, one lower and one higher, to double your hanging capacity. Also use space-saving slim velvet hangers, and double-hang lighter items.

What are some good storage solutions for accessories and shoes?

Use clear plastic bins and hanging organizers to neatly store and easily see smaller items. For shoes, slide canvas cubbies, open shelving, or clear stacked boxes under clothing rods.

How should I arrange clothes in a small closet?

Group by clothing type, color, and season. Designate areas for each family member’s clothes. Display most frequently worn items conveniently up front for quick grabbing.

What’s the best way to fold sweaters and bulky items?

Instead of cramming oversized or bulky garments onto hangers, neatly fold them into cubes or file them upright into divided drawers or shelves. This maximizes hanging space.

How often should I clean out my closet?

Do a thorough purge and clean-out every 3-4 months as the seasons change. Get rid of anything you haven’t worn in over a year, and donate anything that’s still usable but not your style anymore.

What kind of storage bins work best in closets?

Breathable fabric bins or mesh bags allow air circulation so clothes don’t get musty. Clear plastic bins help you identify contents at a glance. Sturdy canvas cubes stack efficiently while keeping their shape.


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