Earrings are fun accessories that can instantly transform an outfit. However, keeping all those delicate pairs organized can be a challenge. Earrings are small, easily tangled, and seem to mysteriously disappear when you need them most. Staying on top of your earring collection takes a bit of effort, but having an organized system makes choosing the perfect pair each day so much easier. Here are 11 clever ways to organize your earrings for easy access and avoid frustration.
Invest in a Jewelry Box or Armoire
A dedicated jewelry storage box or armoire is the classic solution for organizing earrings. Look for one with many small compartments and hooks to keep pairs separated. Some have tiny built-in drawers to stash loose backs and posts. The lidded boxes prevent dust buildup and tangles. For larger collections, opt for a standing jewelry armoire with mirrors and multiple layered drawers. Hang earrings from the hooks on the inside of the door for even more display space.
Use a Wall-Mounted Display
Free up dresser and counter space by installing a wall-mounted earring organizer. Look for one with a solid backing and many small hooks to keep each pair untangled. Mount it inside your closet or on the wall near where you get ready. Some displays have little shelves above the hooks to hold rings as well. Position it at eye level so you can easily view all your choices. Make sure it is securely mounted and use screw anchors for drywall or plaster walls.
Hang Them on a Pegboard
Turn an inexpensive pegboard into a custom earring organizer. Paint or stain it to match your decor. Then screw cup hooks, jewelry hooks, and small baskets into the board to hold your earrings. Use the pegboard slots to give each pair their own space. You can size the board to fit your collection and easily move items around. Hang it on the wall or prop it on a dresser. Add a frame around the board for a polished look.
Use a Hanging Jewelry Organizer
Maximize closet or dresser space with an over-the-door hanging jewelry organizer. Look for one with clear vinyl pockets that let you see the contents easily. Use the pockets to group earrings by color, season, or type. Some have mesh pockets on the reverse side to hold rings, bracelets, and necklaces as well. Hang it on the back of your closet door or on a hook on the wall. The vertical format helps prevent tangled chains and knots.
Try a Rotating Earring Tree
An earring tree provides plenty of display space for your pairs while keeping them untangled. Look for one with multiple arms and tiered branches in a circular shape. The rotating base lets you easily view everything. Position pairs on the tree by color or style. Or group pierced, clip-on, and lever-back earrings on different branches. Place the tree on your dresser or countertop. Look for a weighted base or wide bottom to prevent tipping.
Repurpose a Spice Rack
Small screw-top spice jars are perfect little containers for organizing earring pairs and parts. Clean out the jars thoroughly first. Then put each set of earrings in one jar. You can also use extra jars for holding backs, loose posts, and orphaned singles. Label the lids with adhesive dots, washi tape, or painter’s tape and a marker so you can easily find what you need. Stack the jars on a spice rack inside a cabinet or place them on an open shelf or dresser.
Use a Retractable ID Badge Holder
Retractable ID badge holders make handy vertical earring organizers. Mount the retractable reels inside a closet or cabinet door using the included hardware. Then clip an earring to each clear plastic sleeve. Retract the sleeves to store or pull them down to view the pairs. The stiff plastic prevents tangles and the retracting reels take up little space. Use badge holders to organize other small jewelry items like rings as well.
Store in a Cutlery Tray
A cutlery tray converts to a drawer earring organizer with handy dedicated spots for each pair. Look for trays with multiple compartments in different sizes. They typically have non-skid bottoms to stay in place once positioned inside a drawer. Place an earring pair or singles in each section. Use the various sized compartments for hoops, chandeliers, studs, and more. Label the top of the tray or each section with the contents if needed.
Use Magnetic Boards
Magnetic earring holders keep your pairs organized and easily accessible on any metal surface. Look for ones with ultra-thin profiles to conserve space. The magnetic backing adheres to refrigerators, cabinets, and metal strips. Felt earring holders have slots to slide each earring into to keep them together. Or choose a magnetic bar with hooks to hang pairs from. Position the bars or holders near where you get ready to simplify selecting earrings each day.
Try Clear Plastic Cases
Plastic jewelry cases offer stackable storage for earrings and other small accessories. The clear cases allow you to see the contents easily. They typically have removable dividers and slots to keep items separated and organized. Use one case just for earrings or designate certain sections for your pairs. Stack the cases inside a drawer or closet. The lidded design reduces dust and debris accumulation.
Repurpose a Fishing Tackle Box
A plastic tackle box serves double-duty as a handy earring organizer. The tiny compartments are perfect for separating pairs. Store earrings standing up or lay them flat, using small pieces of foam or fabric to cushion them if needed. Look for a tackle box with adjustable dividers to accommodate different sized earrings. Label the compartments or lid with the contents. The portable design works well for travel too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Organizing Earrings
Organizing your earring collection may seem daunting. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you conquer the clutter.
How should I sort and separate my earrings?
Group earrings in a way that makes sense for your personal collection. Some options include:
- By color – keep all reds together, blues together, etc.
- By metal – group gold, silver, and other tones in their own sections
- By style – studs, hoops, chandeliers, etc. can have their own spaces
- By use – organize work, going-out, and everyday pairs separately
- Singles together – keep orphan earrings and backs in one dedicated spot
What’s the best way to untangle knotted earrings?
- Use two pairs of pliers or tweezers to gently grip the earrings and work them loose slowly. Avoid pulling too hard.
- Hold the knot under warm running water to loosen the tangle, then use pliers to untwist.
- For delicate or chain earrings, lay a dish towel on your work surface to avoid scratches and gently work the knot free.
- Prevent tangles by storing earrings separately on hooks, pegs, or in compartments.
How can I stop earring backs from falling off and getting lost?
- Look for plastic friction earring backs that screw onto posts for a tight hold. Avoid rubber backs.
- For loose ear wires, carefully squeeze the wire with pliers to tighten it.
- Store earrings in individual compartments or sleeves that keep pairs together.
- Designate one spot for orphan backs and singles so they don’t get lost.
Where should I store my earring organizer?
- Store earrings where you get ready each day for easy access. Bedroom dressers, closets, bathrooms, and dressing tables are convenient spots.
- Make sure storage furniture is out of direct sunlight to prevent damage.
- Choose a spot with low humidity and room temperature to prevent tarnish and deterioration.
- Earring organizers can also store nicely in cabinetry or drawers to keep dust away.
How often should I clean my earrings and storage containers?
- Wipe down earring posts and wires with a soft polishing cloth monthly to remove residue.
- Clean the earring storage container every 3-6 months with a microfiber cloth and gentle cleaner.
- Use an old toothbrush and jewelry cleaner to scrub ornamental earrings as needed. Rinse and dry completely.
- Store earrings in an airtight container with anti-tarnish strips to minimize dust buildup and tarnish between cleanings.
Conclusion
Organizing your earring collection creatively helps ensure that you can find the pair you want quickly and easily. Whether you prefer a traditional jewelry box, hanging organizer, or magnetic strips, separating and storing earrings thoughtfully avoids frustration. Find an organization system that fits your space constraints and display preferences. Group similar earrings together for effortless mix and match. Take time periodically to clean earrings and storage containers to keep your collection sparkling. Implementing a practical organization method makes selecting the perfect earrings fun rather than a chore.