27 Ways to Organize Your Small Closet for Maximum Storage

Having a small closet can be frustrating. Clothes piled up, shoes strewn across the floor, accessories jammed onto crowded shelves – it’s chaos! But with some clever organizing tricks, you can transform that tiny closet into a space that holds all your stuff neatly and efficiently. Read on for 27 tips to maximize your small closet storage.

Do An Inventory And Purge Unneeded Items

Before trying to organize your closet, take everything out and do an inventory. Get rid of clothes, shoes and accessories you no longer wear. Be ruthless – if you haven’t worn it in over a year, toss it or donate it. Clearing out clutter is the first step to creating order.

Install Closet Organizers And Shelving

Invest in closet organizing tools like:

  • Adjustable shelves to double your vertical storage space.
  • Hanging shoe organizers to stack footwear upright.
  • Slide-out trays and drawers to store folded clothes neatly.
  • Sturdy storage bins to hold accessories.
  • Over-the-door hooks for bags, hats and belts.

Customize the space with organizers that suit your storage needs.

Use Space Savers Like Slim Hangers And Vacuum Bags

Slim velvet hangers take up less room so you can fit more clothes on the rod. For off-season clothes, use space-saver vacuum bags to compress bulky sweaters and jackets into compact bundles.

Arrange Clothes By Color

Group clothes by color family – blacks, whites, blues etc. This makes coordinating outfits easier. Place hangers in the same direction and space them evenly for a neat look.

Fold And File Little-Used Clothes

Reserve your closet rod for everyday wear. Fold sweaters, tees and other casuals konmari-style into a drawer organizer. File neatly by type or season for easy access.

Hang Shorter Garments In Front

Arrange clothes from shortest to longest when hanging on the rod. Petite items like skirts, shorts and cropped tops in front ensure nothing gets lost behind longer coats and dresses.

Double Up Hangers For Outfit Pairings

Make your mornings easier by hanging complete outfits together on double hangers. Matching tops and bottoms take up one hanger’s space instead of two.

Invest In Slim, Structured Purses

Bulky handbags take up precious real estate. Backless, sturdy purses in materials like leather slip onto a hook easily. Go for few statement bags over a hoard of totes.

Use Tension Rods For Extra Shelf Space

Add a second level for shoes, hats and handbags with a tension rod and organizers. Hang it slightly lower than your closet rod to maximize vertical room.

Arrange Shoes On Risers Or In Interlocking Stacking Units

Get shoes off the floor and use the space underneath for larger items. Angle open shoe racks let you see everything at a glance. Interlocking stacking units conserve floor space.

File Scarves And Wraps In Drawers

Rolling or folding scarves neatly into drawers prevents snags and wrinkles. Use partitions or dividers to separate them from other clothes. Store winter wraps this way too.

Use Belt Racks And Tie Racks For Accessory Storage

Belt racks mount to the wall vertically to hold multiple belts in that narrow gap beside the closet rod. Similarly, tie racks keep ties, scarves and belts accessible but neat.

Designate A Hat Shelf

Use a closet top shelf or wall-mounted hat rack to store caps and hats. Storing them brim-side up prevents dust buildup inside and keeps the shape intact.

Get Creative With Hooks For Jewelry And Accessories

Adhesive hooks mounted inside the door are great for necklaces and bracelets. Heavyweight magnetic hooks work for chunky jewelry. Mount a tie rack on the back of the door for scarves.

Use A Hanging Shoe Bag For The Inside Of The Door

Get two vertical columns of storage for small accessories and toiletries with an over-the-door shoe bag. Use clear plastic pockets to see contents easily.

Install Pull-Out Drawers For Folded Clothes

Mount drawers vertically between the closet’s studs to utilize wasted space. Use for folded clothes, undergarments and other items. Pull out to access; push back when done.

Add Shelves Above The Hanging Rod

Even a few inches above the rod provides space for neatly stacking sweaters, jeans, or keeping holiday decorations. Install a sturdy shelf securely with brackets.

Stow Off-Season Clothes Under The Bed

Slide flat plastic bins or fabric underbed bags beneath the bed to store clothes not in current rotation. Label the boxes by category for ultra-easy access.

Hang A Valet Rod For Garments Worn Frequently

A valet rod is a second, shorter rod installed near the ceiling for go-to items worn multiple times between washes. Install one for shirts, pants etc. you reach for often.

Use Interlocking Cubes Or Drawer Dividers For Socks And Underwear

Modular fabric cubes or inexpensive shelf dividers keep each type of underwear separated in drawers. Roll socks into bundles held together with hair ties.

Arrange Tank Tops And Camisoles Vertically In Drawers

Stand camisoles upright in a drawer like file folders to see all your options at a glance. Hang camis on skirt hangers for wrinkle-free storage too.

Store Seasonal Clothes In Vacuum Bags

Space-saving vacuum bag storage allows you to compact clothes tightly and push bags to the back of shelves, freeing up room. Label bags clearly for easy identification.

Use A Hanging Organizer For Scarves, Ties And Belts

Hanging fabric organizers with multiple clear pockets let you roll or fold scarves, ties and belts neatly while keeping them visible. Install over closet rod or behind door.

Get Collapsible Storage Boxes For Shoes And Accessories

When not in use, collapsible fabric boxes flatten for easy storage. Use them to neatly corral shoes, hats, scarves and other accessories.

Arrange Clutches And Evening Bags In A Hanging Shoe Organizer

Use the pockets of a hanging shoe organizer to store delicate clutches and evening bags upright and in clear view. Hang over closet rod or behind door.

Use Shelves Or Drawers For Folded Pajamas And Loungewear

Neatly folded sleepwear like t-shirts, shorts and leggings can be stored in a small dresser or on waterfall-style angled shelves. Keep them in the closet for ease of access.

Store Bulky Sweaters In Underbed Vacuum Bags

Since sweaters are seasonal, vacuum seal them flat in space saver bags and tuck them neatly under the bed or on a high closet shelf to free up drawer and hanging space.

Arrange Pieces From Larger Sets Together

Store pajama sets, accessories sets and shoe pairs together. Use a hanging organizer’s pockets or drawer dividers to keep items from getting separated.

Get A Multi-Tiered Hanging Shoe Rack

Tiered shoe racks maximize vertical storage, doubling or tripling capacity. Store shoes side by side or heel to toe to suit your space. Sturdy canvas or metal racks last for years.

Add A Closet Rod Extender For Double Hanging Space

Extend your existing closet rod a few inches with an extender rod or rack. You can double the hanging space for clothes while still closing the door.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add more shelves to my small closet?

You can add shelves above your existing rod by securely installing a closet shelf and bracket kit available at hardware stores. Measure carefully so the second shelf aligns neatly with the existing rod but doesn’t block hangers.

What are some space-saving ways to store t-shirts?

Try rolling t-shirts tightly and standing them upright in a drawer to see more at a glance. You can also fold them into compact konmari rectangles and store them vertically in shelves or drawers. Use dividers to keep them neatly organized.

Where should I put shoes that I wear frequently?

Shoes you wear often should go in easy-access spots like on a rack near the closet entrance or on lower shelves. Avoid cramming everyday shoes up high or in the back where they get forgotten.

How can I store bulkier clothes like sweaters and jackets in a small closet?

Use vacuum storage bags to compress bulky garments to half their size before sliding them onto a top shelf or under the bed. Or, store bulky off-season clothes in underbed boxes or bins to free up closet space.

What are some organizational tools that can help maximize my closet storage?

Tension rods, hanging shoe organizers, drawer dividers, slim velvet hangers, over-the-door hooks and multi-tiered shelves are all useful tools that can help you better utilize every inch of closet space.

Is it okay to use the closet floor for storage?

It’s better not to pile things on the closet floor if possible. Get containers, racks or shoe organizers to hold items and maximize vertical storage space from floor to ceiling. However, you can use the floor for larger, seasonal items like luggage.

Conclusion

Small closets may limit your organizational options, but they certainly don’t have to be chaotic spaces. With some creative solutions like vertical storage, space-saving tools and a good editing eye, it’s possible to keep even the tiniest closet tidy. Use these tips to make the most of the storage potential in your small closet. Harnessing vertical space efficiently, containing clutter in organizers and keeping frequently used items handy will turn your closet into a well-ordered sanctuary.


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