Every house has a space that’s often overlooked when it comes to organization – the coat closet. But this small space, usually situated near the front door, holds much more potential than just a dumping ground for jackets and shoes.
When thoughtfully organized, your coat closet can serve as a functional hub, housing many essentials for daily life and unexpected situations. To inspire you, here’s a list of 13 things that I always keep in my coat closet.
1. Coat Rack or Hangers
No coat closet is complete without a coat rack or hangers. This simple addition can instantly transform your closet from a chaotic mess to a tidy, easy-to-navigate space. Coat racks or hangers help to keep your outerwear in good condition and make finding a specific piece of clothing a breeze.
For families with children, consider adding a lower rack for the little ones. This allows them to easily reach their coats and encourages independence. Quality wooden hangers can last a lifetime and add a touch of elegance to your closet, while velvet hangers can prevent clothes from slipping off.
2. Shoe Rack
A shoe rack is another staple for a well-organized coat closet. By elevating your shoes off the floor, a shoe rack helps to create more space and keep your closet looking tidy. Plus, it makes it easier to find the pair of shoes you’re looking for, especially when you’re in a rush.
There are many different types of shoe racks available, so you can choose one that best fits your needs and closet space. For instance, a tiered rack can accommodate multiple pairs of shoes, while an over-the-door rack is perfect for smaller closets.
3. Umbrella Stand
Living in a rainy city, I’ve found that an umbrella stand is a must-have item. Instead of tossing wet umbrellas into the closet where they can drip onto other items, an umbrella stand provides a designated spot. In addition to its practicality, an attractive umbrella stand can also enhance the aesthetics of your coat closet.
There are many different designs available, ranging from minimalist metal stands to ornate ceramic ones, so you can easily find a stand that matches your home decor.
4. Extra Bags
I like to keep a few extra bags in my coat closet for those unexpected shopping trips or outings. These can be reusable grocery bags, tote bags, or even a couple of backpacks.
Not only does this save you the hassle of rummaging through your house for a bag when you’re in a hurry, but it also encourages eco-friendly practices. By having reusable bags readily available, you’re less likely to rely on plastic bags.
5. Scarves, Gloves, and Hats
During the colder months, your coat closet can also store scarves, gloves, and hats. Keeping these items in the same place as your coats makes it easy to grab everything you need before heading out the door.
To keep these small items organized, consider using baskets or bins. Assign each family member their own container, or categorize items by type (e.g., all gloves in one basket, all hats in another).
6. Pet Supplies
As a pet owner, I find it convenient to store pet supplies such as leashes, harnesses, and waste bags in the coat closet. This way, everything is ready to go for a quick walk or trip to the park.
Remember to clean these items regularly to prevent any unwanted smells or dirt from lingering in your closet. If space allows, you might even consider adding a small shelf or hooks specifically for pet supplies.
7. Seasonal Items
Depending on the time of year, your coat closet can also house various seasonal items. For instance, during the summer, you might store sunscreen and beach towels, while in the winter, you might keep snow boots and sleds.
Regularly rotating these items not only helps to maximize space but also ensures that you have the right items at hand for each season. A good rule of thumb is to switch out seasonal items as you switch out your wardrobe.
8. Emergency Supplies
In case of emergencies, it’s a good idea to keep some supplies in your coat closet. This could include a first-aid kit, flashlight, batteries, and even a small fire extinguisher.
Having these items in a central, easily accessible location can prove invaluable during an emergency. Be sure to check these supplies regularly and replace any expired or used items promptly.
9. Extra Linens
I find that the coat closet is a handy place to store extra linens, such as blankets and towels. These can come in handy for unexpected guests or impromptu trips to the beach or park. By rolling these items instead of folding them, you can maximize storage space. You might also consider using vacuum-sealed bags to save even more space.
10. Cleaning Supplies
Storing a few basic cleaning supplies in your coat closet can save you trips to the kitchen or laundry room. I like to keep a mini broom and dustpan, a reusable lint roller, and a small bottle of fabric refresher on hand. These items are particularly useful for quick cleanups before guests arrive. A lint roller, for example, can quickly freshen up a coat that’s been stored away for a while.
11. Sports Equipment
For active families, the coat closet can be a great place to store sports equipment. Small items like balls, frisbees, and jump ropes can be corralled in a basket or bin. This way, you can easily grab what you need for a trip to the park or a quick game in the yard. Just be sure to clean these items before storing them to prevent dirt and odors from spreading.
12. Travel Essentials
If you travel frequently, consider keeping travel essentials like luggage, travel pillows, and packing cubes in your coat closet. This can greatly simplify the packing process and save you time when preparing for a trip. To maximize space, opt for stackable luggage sets and consider using your suitcases to store other items when they’re not in use.
13. Miscellaneous Items
Finally, your coat closet can also hold a variety of miscellaneous items. For me, these include things like reusable shopping bags, gift bags, and a toolbox for quick home repairs. The key is to keep these items neatly organized and contained so they don’t clutter up your closet. Consider using labeled boxes or bins to keep track of these miscellaneous items.