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So, you’ve decided to organize your closet. The decision to take action can sometimes be the hardest part, so congratulations, you’re halfway there already. To get to the next stage, which is action, I find what helps me is – inspiration. Ideas that help you get going. So if you’re looking for some clever closet organization ideas to keep your wardrobe tidy and inspiring every day, you’re in the right place.
Below I’ve curated a few simple closet organization ideas that work for most kinds of closets, so you can really max out your wardrobe space and wake up inspired to get dressed!
File Don’t Pile!
This one has been a true game changer for me. Some time back I used to stack my clothes into piles and place them next to each other, on shelves. This would become the prime cause of mess in my closet, because invariably, clothes would fall over and piles would mix. I’d try and fix it, but eventually I’d get tired of fixing it and would live in a perpetually messy closet.
Then I found the file system of storage.
When I first saw it I thought I’m never going to be able to fold clothes and store it like that. But it took me 15 minutes, literally 15 minutes to learn the folding technique.
Now I file store most of my clothes and I’ve reduced the chances of my closet becoming messy again, I’d say by over 90%!
If you’re interested in learning how to file-fold, check out this post where I share resources and videos that helped me quickly learn.
The next thing you’re going to want to do, is get yourself a file-style clothes organizer, ideally one with slots so that the clothes don’t mix up. You take one out, the other stays put. It’s a thing of beauty, really. Works great for jeans, t-shirts and leggings.
You can also use this file-style organizing technique in your existing drawers to really maximize space. A few drawer dividers can also help here.
If you want to better understand what closet organizers suit your space, you might want to check out this post, where I share a comprehensive list of the best closet organizers with detailed pros and cons.
Add Makeshift Drawers
When I started to think about how I want to organize my closet, I realized I had a lot of unused vertical space. I also had a lack of drawers.
This is where modern storage solutions can really come in handy. And this one from amazon, helped me to use a lot of my wasted space.
The drawers are stackable and easily slide out. Great for storing things in piles without them getting messy. The best thing about this system is that it keeps everything very visible and very accessible.
Hang Your Bags
If you have ample hanging space, hanging your bags can be a great closet organization idea.
It keeps all your bags organised and in one space – easy to spot and grab.
There are few ways you can do this, the simplest and most cost-effective being, getting these s-shaped hooks. Or you can go for a multiple bag hanger like this one.
My personal favourite way of storing bags though is using this slotted bag organiser. It has separate covered sleeves for each bag so you can keep your precious purses protected. I also like that it’s clear so all your bags our visible and ready to grab.
Use the Closet Door
If you have a small closet, the door can be great place to get some added storage.
This can be especially helpful for your everyday-use items that you want to quickly grab – like an umbrella, a regular-use handbag, your sunscreen etc.
There are quite a few multifunctional over-the-door hangers available online. Ranging from simple hangers with multiple hooks, to multifunctional caddies. You can pick one according your needs or even your decor style.
This boho-inspired closet organizer looks super cute while being nifty. Or you could go the industrial route, with this minimal metal over-the-door organizer which comes with handy hooks for easy-to-grab items.
Divide and Rule
A simple rule to create more space in your closet, is to create sections and divisions basis the size of your available space.
Have more horizontal space? Try shelf separators to keep things more neat.
Loads of drawer space? Break it up with drawer dividers and keep everything mess-free.
Create a Dedicated Space for Accessories
Often our floating accessories end up adding to a lot of visual clutter. The best way to avoid this is to give each thing a home.
You can do this by repurposing old bins or baskets, or you can invest in a few smart organisers for accessories like belts, jewelry and shoes.
I personally use an old gift box to store my belts and these cute felt jewelry trays to organize my trinkets in drawers.
There are various organizers available these days catered specifically for accessories, decide basis your available space and needs.
Make the Most of Hangers
Hangers can really help maximise your closet space and make it appear much neater.
There are a few ways to do this.
- Use one kind: If you use one kind of hanger, you can make your closet look tidy and aesthetic, but this can even end up saving space. Same kind of hangers slot better next to each other.
- Use non-slip hangers: Velvet or anti-slip hangers can really help prevent future clutter caused by slipping down of clothes like dresses and blazers.
- Use space-saving hangers: If you have limited horizontal hanging space, getting some space saving ones may be a good idea. There are many hangers available that can slot more than one piece of clothing in the same amount of space.
- Colour code your hangers: You can use different coloured hangers to separate hung clothes by category. This can help reduce time looking for things and can make your wardrobe look cute and aesthetic.
I’ve done a detailed round-up of the most creative hangers of 2024 – where I explain how you can really use hangers to maximize your closet.
Use the Top Shelf
This one sounds like a no-brainer, but sometimes we don’t end up optimizing the closet all the way to the top.
You can use clear shelf dividers here to segregate the horizontal space on the top shelf.
You can then use each section for your bags, your out-of-season clothes or even infrequently used shoes. A simple yet effective closet organization idea.
Add a Garment Rack
If you’re really limited by your in-built closet space, adding a garment rack can be an affordable yet aesthetic way to increase storage.
What I love about this, is the opportunity to curate your wardrobe for the next few days. All you need to do is hang out the clothes you want to wear for the next day. Looks pretty, and you’re set for the next morning.
Plus this gold garment rack from Amazon looks oh-so-cute!
Invest in a Closet System
A closet system can be a great investment, especially if you’re not happy with the available storage in your closet.
These systems are thoughtfully designed so everything, from accessories to clothes, gets a dedicated home.
Most of the systems available are highly customisable so you can adjust the shelves according to your needs. This is also a great solution if you have limited hanging space, because many systems offer double hanging rods.
This ClosetMaid ShelfTrack System is widely well-reviewed and offers good value too.
If you’ve gone through this list, your mind is probably racing with ideas on what all you want to do with your closet. It’s an exciting process because you end up imagining your dream closet, and live for the satisfaction of having a thought-through and curated wardrobe. I know the feeling!
But before you get too overwhelmed with thoughts and ideas, best to have a realistic plan in place on how you will actually go about your wardrobe declutter. I recently overhauled my closet in a weekend, and if you’re interested in a practical, step-by-step way to organize your wardrobe, check out my step-by step guide here.
