Do you need closet organization ideas?
If picking out an outfit for the day feels impossible, your closet overwhelms you, and frankly, nothing is where it’s supposed to be, it might be time for a closet re-vamp!
Basically, you need:
- A long-term solution.
- To spend less time rummaging through your closet.
- To see what you have.
Closet Organization Ideas to Help With Overwhelm
Whether you’re looking for a quick refresh or a total overhaul, here are some ideas to make your closet feel less stressful…
Clear the closet space clutter
Whether you have a small closet or a big walk-in closet, start by decluttering.
Before you can implement systems or organize anything, you need to purge.
Check this post for more details on how (and why!) you should clear the clutter first.
Do you have T-shirts from high school or college?
It might be time to let them go.
Go through your piles of garments and look for items you no longer wear.
Are there random objects, kid toys, papers, or damaged items taking up space?
They are taking up valuable space in your closet – physically and mentally.
Get rid of them!
Donate, sell, or trash anything that doesn’t or hasn’t served you in a while
Try turning your hangers for a designated amount of time.
This is a clear way to see if what you have is what you use. Try it for a season (about four months) and go from there.
If you don’t wear it or reach for it, say goodbye!
Make a closet space storage system
Often, what works for one person may not work for others.
This is okay. Find what works for you and you’ll be more successful in implementing it long-term.
Create closet systems that work for you.
Maybe you choose to hang all your shirts on a rod.
Or fold all your pants.
You might store your winter items during the summer, or roll your leggings in a tub instead of hanging them.
Don’t be afraid to try something out.
If it doesn’t work for a few weeks, find something that will.
Labels are a great way to implement systems.
Generally, having things neatly and clearly labeled makes all the difference when you’re trying to locate an item.
Especially if you use bins, baskets, or drawers.
New bins not in the budget? Try these DIY ones instead.
Create Category Zones
Creating zones in a space is an easy way to stay organized.
You can try grouping clothing by item.
Place all blouses and shirts, all sweaters, all pants, jeans, bags, etc. in one spot.
Use every inch of your closet!
Every nook and cranny, especially the top shelf.
But be mindful of what you put up there!
Out-of-reach places are best for items you don’t use often. (We’ll talk about this below!)
Something else to consider: Factor in shared spaces.
If you share a closet with a partner or spouse, discuss how and where your items will go.
Use Products and Extras
An easy way to add some organization to an overwhelming space is to use products or add-ins.
Designating specific homes will make an item more likely to get put back!
- Use cubbies or shoe racks
- Use bins or tubs for smaller accessories (belts, socks, intimates, etc.)
- Add larger shelves or drawers
- Use hooks for scarves and belts
However, depending on your budget and capabilities, opt for a simple task like adding hooks or a total revamp.
Related: Closet Organization Tools on Amazon
Mix It Up
You may choose to have more than one way of organizing your items.
Especially depending on the size or layout of your closet.
Sometimes you need a mix of both hanging space and shelves with shelf dividers for folded clothing.
Sometimes you need both drawers and hooks.
If you have space, you may want to move your dresser into your closet.
Vary your closet organizing ideas to use your space in the best way!
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
If you have space, consider putting away out-of-season or not-often-used items.
If you rarely use a formal clutch, keep it in a tote.
Do you live in a seasonal climate?
Rotate out your clothes.
In warmer months, store your heavier sweaters in a tub at the top of your closet.
If wearing a heavy fleece sweatshirt isn’t an option in July, don’t let it take up space to overwhelm you.
Overall, this helps with visual clutter and overwhelm.
This is also a way to use the vertical space on the top shelf of your closet.
While this is prime real estate for storage and organization, carefully consider what lives up there!
Out of sight, out of mind can definitely be a double-edged sword.
For items you don't access a lot, use fabric bins to keep them organized and dust-free.
Create Extra Space
If you're low on storage space, here are some ways to ideas to maximize your closet's storage:
- A favorite trick – add a shoe organizer on the back of your closet door. A shoe organizer with clear pockets makes things items easier to find.
- Use jewelry organizers to store necklaces, earrings, and rings.
- Use a tie-rack to store ties and belts.
- Drawer organizers are perfect storing underwear, socks, and other small items.
Consider Your Whole Wardrobe
You probably don’t use your closet to only store clothing.
Many people use their closets for storing plenty of other items like shoes, purses, bags, belts, hats, linens etc.
Definitely factor these in when you come up with your closet organization ideas!
Use storage solutions that will display your smaller items in a way you’ll see them.
It’s easy for things like hats and purses to get shoved into a dark corner.
Use hooks and wall space to hang small items so you can see them.
Implementing Your Closet Organization Ideas
Let’s review:
- You decluttered your closet.
- Everything was taken out and put back in a way that will serve you daily.
- You have systems and zones that work for your lifestyle.
Now what?
Let’s talk about maintenance.
How to Maintain Your New Closet Organization Ideas
How do you keep your closet from getting out of control again?
First, think about the work it took to get you here… The hours of sweat… The relief when it was done…
I’m kidding… Sort of.
But be proud of what you’ve done! This is a gift to your future self.
- Do quick pickups on laundry days: You’re likely in your closet for laundry, anyway. Or to put away clothing. Why not spend five minutes doing a quick pickup at those times? Five minutes beats a few hours of total overhaul you already did!
- Some in, some out: No one said to never buy new clothing again. But what about getting rid of some as you replace them? Those old clothes we already decluttered? They took up space for too long! Be ruthless about what you let into your closet.
Finally, by implementing these simple closet organization ideas, you can feel less overwhelmed and more organized.
Should you color-coordinate your closet?
This is totally a personal preference.
Organizing your clothes by color can make them easier to find.
You have to decide whether storing things in color order is worth the effort for you.
Go here to read more about organizing your closet by color.
More Closet Organization Ideas
- How to Organize Your Linen Closets with Baskets
- Closet Organization Products on Amazon
