Keeping your closet tidy and organized can feel like an uphill battle. Between seasonal wardrobe changes, fluctuating sizes, and impulse purchases, keeping everything in its place is easier said than done. But with some clever storage solutions, you can transform even the most disorganized space into a functional system that makes getting ready a breeze.
From maximizing vertical space to streamlining accessories, there are plenty of ways to optimize your closet storage. We’ve rounded up some of the best and most innovative ideas to help you get organized. With a little effort and creativity, you’ll be able to find what you need when you need it – no more rummaging required!
Use Wall-Mounted Rails for Maximal Hanging Storage
Installing rails that mount to the wall, rather than sit on the floor, is one of the best ways to take advantage of all the available vertical storage space in your closet. Wall-mounted rails can be installed at varying heights to accommodate short and long garments. Stagger them to create tiered hanging space.
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Photo by Martina Perrino / EyeEm via Getty Images
Considerations
- Measure your closet carefully before installing to determine optimal rail placements based on your wardrobe and storage needs.
- Sturdy, wall-anchored brackets that can handle the weight of your clothes are a must.
- Leave adequate space between rails for hangers and removing/replacing clothes with ease. Around 15 inches is ideal for most.
Use Tension Rods for Extra Hanging Space
Tension rods are an affordable and easy way to create additional hanging room, no drilling or hardware required. You can install them horizontally to split up normal closet space or vertically to take advantage of empty wall space.
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Considerations
- Measure carefully to find spots where tension rods will fit snugly. They work best when extended to full tension.
- Use sturdy metal rods that can handle heavy clothing loads. Plastic varieties can bend under weight.
- For vertical installation, make sure there are no obstructions like pipes or wiring behind walls.
Use Over-the-Door Hanging Racks for Bonus Storage
Hanging over-the-door storage racks are ideal for maximizing back-of-door space. They create extra room for clothing as well as accessories like belts, scarves, and ties.
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Considerations
- Look for over-the-door racks with padded hangers to prevent sagging and slippage.
- Make sure door clearance is adequate – door should fully open without obstruction.
- Weight capacity varies, so choose one sturdy enough for heavier items like denim.
Use Peg Rails for Small Accessories
Installing peg rails provides an easy way to neatly store and display smaller accessories like jewelry, belts, ties, and purses. You can mount them to the wall or inside cabinet doors.
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Considerations
- Opt for flat-headed pegs that will support dangling items securely.
- Make sure pegs are long enough for the thickness of items to be hung while still allowing the peg to fully insert into the rail.
- Space pegs appropriately based on items being stored to avoid overcrowding.
Use Vertical Hanging Space for Pants, Scarves and Belts
While most closet organization caters to shirts and dresses, utilizing vertical hanging space is also ideal for pants, folded jeans, scarves, and belts.
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Considerations
- Use specialty hangers with multiple clips or notches to hang items securely.
- Arrange by color for easy coordination when getting dressed.
- Alternate direction of hanger hooks to maximize space.
Install Pull-Out Drawers for Deep Storage
Pull-out drawers are perfect for keeping items neatly stored and easily accessible – even in the back of deep closets. Ideal for folded garments, underwear, socks, and other accessories.
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Considerations
- Look for drawers on smooth, full extension glides for easy access.
- Be sure drawers are deep enough to fit your folded items. Around 6-8 inches is standard.
- Sturdy drawer construction will keep items securely contained.
Use Shelves for Folded Sweaters, Jeans and Shoes
The optimal way to store folded garments and footwear is by using shelves. Neatly arranged sweaters, jeans, trousers, and shoe pairs will be easily viewable and accessible.
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Considerations
- Shelves with lips or guardrails will keep folded items from sliding off.
- Allow for shelf height adequate to accommodate the items being stored.
- Sturdy brackets and smoothly finished shelves will support heavier loads.
Optimize Shelf Space with Dividers
To neatly store folded garments, belts, and other accessories on shelves, use vertical dividers. They can be positioned to create custom compartments for everything in your closet.
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Considerations
- Look for dividers that are height adjustable and can be secured in place.
- Match compartment sizes to the items being stored for optimal use of space.
- Consider clear acrylic dividers if you want to easily see compartment contents.
Use Hanging Organizers for Scarves, Ties and Accessories
Hanging accessories like scarves, ties, and purses can quickly turn into a jumbled mess. Keep them neatly stored and visible with hanging organizers. Vertical space turns wasted into functional.
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Considerations
- Look for organizers with ample, appropriately sized compartments and pockets.
- Sturdy build and hangers will prevent stretching, slipping, and sagging.
- Position near shirts, suits, and dresses for easy coordinating.
Use Modular Cubes for Simple Customization
Modular storage cubes make it easy to customize your closet storage down to the inch. Mix and match cubes on shelving or in drawers to perfectly fit all your stuff. Easily adjust as needs change.
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Considerations
- Look for sturdy cubes with thick, durable fabric.
- Variety of sizes allows perfect-fit compartments for different items.
- Labels make identifying cube contents easy.
Designate Hampers for Dirty Clothes
Avoid pile-ups of dirty clothes on the floor by installing hampers in your closet. Use multiple bins for lights, darks, delicates if desired. Having contained laundry stations keeps closets clean.
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Considerations
- Look for hampers that are sturdy, washable, and have lids to contain odors.
- Position near closet entryways for easy access.
- Allow adequate clearance for opening lids fully to avoid blocking doors and pathways.
Use Tiered Hanging Baskets for Accessories
Tiered wire baskets that hang from closet rods provide inexpensive, customizable storage for all kinds of small accessories from socks to hats to gloves.
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Considerations
- Look for sturdy metal baskets with small enough holes to contain small items.
- Arrange from largest to smallest basket going down for optimal use of space.
- Position near relevant clothing items for easy coordinating while dressing.
Use Wall Hooks Creatively Throughout Closets
Take advantage of empty wall space with wall hooks strategically placed throughout your closet. Use them creatively for everything from robes and purses to ties, belts, and jewelry.
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Considerations
- Opt for sturdy hooks rated to handle heavier items like robes.
- Arrange hooks strategically in unused spaces near relevant items for added function.
- Include a hanging basket or tray under frequently accessed hooks to catch falling items.
Arrange Closet Floor Space Efficiently
While hanging and shelf space gets most of the attention, don’t neglect efficiently using floor space for frequently worn shoes, laundry baskets, and bins.
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Considerations
- Use floor bins and baskets to neatly corral accessories like hair tools, jewelry, or small clutches.
- Designate spaces for slippers, seasonal shoes, and shoe care.
- Leave adequate clearance for opening doors and drawers.
Use Clear Acrylic Storage for Visibility
Acrylic storage containers are ideal for keeping closet items visible at a glance while protecting them from dust and damage. Use them on shelves or stacked in drawers.
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Considerations
- Look for acrylic organizers sized appropriately for items being stored. Mix stackable varieties.
- Include lids for acrylic bins to fully contain contents when stacked.
- Label bins for easy identification of contents.
Store Shoes Efficiently with Risers and Organizers
Maximize shoe storage by using risers or tilted shelves to display pairs front-facing. Use cubbies, dividers and under-bed organizers to neatly contain shoe clutter.
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Considerations
-Opt for stable, high quality risers and organizers that won’t collapse under weight.
-Measure storage area and shoes to determine ideal riser and divider sizing.
-Place most worn shoes in easiest access areas. Save risers for low-wear seasonal pairs.
Use Strategic Lighting Throughout Closets
Proper lighting in all areas of your closet makes it easier to see everything-no more rummaging around in the dark. Use fixtures on ceilings, under shelves, and inside drawers.
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Considerations
- Look for energy efficient LED lights to save on electricity.
- Motion-sensing lights turn on automatically when closet opened.
- Multiple small lights spread light more evenly than fewer larger fixtures.
Hang Outfits Together for Seamless Getting Dressed
Save time when getting dressed by hanging complete outfits together – from tops and bottoms to accessories. Coordinate by day or activity. Eliminate mix and match stress.
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Considerations
- Group garments going together on double rod hangers or sectioned hangers to keep together.
- Use tags or indicators to easily identify different outfit pairings at a glance.
- Arrange by most frequently worn or by weekday to optimize dressing routine.
Use Bed Under Space for Seasonal Clothes Storage
Make use of wasted space under beds by using it to store out-of-season clothing, shoes, and accessories in airtight plastic bins. Easy pull out and access when needed.
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Considerations
- Make sure bins selected will fit under bed including allowing for clearance to pull out fully.
- Label contents clearly on box lids.
- Use lidded bins to keep contents dust-free and contained.
Arrange Clothes by Color for Visual Appeal and Organization
Hanging and folding clothes by color order creates visual appeal. More importantly it makes finding what you need easy. Arrange spectrum dark to light or vice versa.
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Considerations
- Decide on an order that works for you – arrange by color spectrum or season.
- Group all accessories like bags and shoes into color categories.
- Separate neutrals like black, white, grey, brown and hang/store separately.
Convert Closet Corners Into Functional Storage Space
Maximize every bit of available space by turning wasted corner areas into functioning storage zones. Use custom racks, poles and hardware to take advantage of awkward angles.
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Considerations
- Measure corners precisely to find or create storage solutions that will fit well.
- Look for sturdy corner racks and hardware specifically rated for corner installation.
- Utilize dead space around chimneys and ductwork too.
Use Shelving Above Hanging Rods for Stacking Bins
While ceiling height allows, install shelving above clothing rods to take advantage of vertical storage. Use for bins of hats, purses, scarves, folded sweaters, or other accessories.
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Considerations
- Leave adequate space between shelves and rods for garments to hang freely. Around 15-18 inches.
- Sturdy shelving is a must to handle weight of stacked bins. Anchor securely to wall studs.
- Arrange bins so weight is distributed evenly across shelves.
Designate a Charging Station for Electronic Accessories
Constantly hunting for chargers and headphones is frustrating. Keep them neatly in one spot with a dedicated charging station or drawer/bin for electronic accessories and tech gear.
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Considerations
- Customize compartments to fit specific devices like phones, tablets, e-readers.
- Include outlets, surge protector, and USB ports for powered storage.
- Position near dresser/nightstand for easy daily access.
Use Hanging Shoe Bags Inside Closet Doors
An oft-overlooked space, inside the closet door