We all have that one closet that could use a little—or a lot—of organizational help. Whether it’s your wardrobe, pantry, or storage closet, a disorganized space can make finding what you need a frustrating task. But fear not! With these 17 organization tricks, you can transform your haphazard closet into a well-organized space, making your life a lot easier.
These easy-to-follow tips will not only help you declutter but also make the most of your closet space. So, let’s dive in and get started!
1. Decluttering Is The First Step
Before you start organizing, it’s necessary to declutter. A cluttered closet is overwhelming and can make it hard to find what you need. Start by taking everything out of your closet and then sorting through it. Divide your items into four categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. Be ruthless and only keep items that you use, need, and love.
If you haven’t used an item in over a year, chances are you won’t miss it. Donating or selling items that are still in good condition is a great way to give them a second life. Discard items that are worn out or broken. Remember, the less clutter you have, the easier it will be to organize your closet.
2. Use Vertical Space
Often, the vertical space in your closet is underutilized. By using this space, you can store more items and make your closet look neat and organized. You can install shelves or hooks to use the vertical space.
For example, in your wardrobe, you can hang hooks for scarves, belts, and jewelry. In a pantry, you can use shelves to store canned goods, spices, and baking ingredients. Using vertical space also makes it easier to see and access your items.
3. Group Similar Items Together
Grouping similar items together makes it easier to find what you need. In your wardrobe, you can group clothes by type (dresses, pants, shirts, etc.) or by color. In your pantry, you can group items by category (baking supplies, grains, snacks, etc.).
Not only will this make your closet look more organized, but it will also save you time. You won’t have to rummage through piles of clothes or jars of spices to find what you need. Plus, it’s easier to remember where you put things when they’re grouped together.
4. Use Clear Containers
Clear containers are a great way to organize your closet. They allow you to see what’s inside without having to open them. This can be particularly useful in your pantry or storage closet, where you have many small items.
You can use clear containers to store pasta, grains, spices, craft supplies, or small tools. Plus, you can label them for even more organization. With clear containers, you won’t have to spend time searching for that one item you need.
5. Install a Closet Organizer
A closet organizer can make a world of difference in your closet. It provides designated spaces for your clothes, shoes, and accessories, making your closet look tidy and well-organized.
Closet organizers come in different sizes and designs, so you can find one that fits your closet and meets your needs. Whether you have a small or large closet, a closet organizer can help you make the most of your space.
6. Use Drawer Dividers
If your closet has drawers, consider using drawer dividers. They can help you organize your items and prevent them from getting jumbled up.
Drawer dividers are especially useful for organizing small items like socks, underwear, jewelry, or makeup. With drawer dividers, you can give each item its own space, making it easy to find what you need.
7. Store Seasonal Items Out of Sight
If your closet space is limited, consider storing seasonal items out of sight. For example, you can store your winter clothes in vacuum-sealed bags during the summer.
You can also store seasonal decorations in labeled boxes in your storage closet or attic. This way, you won’t have to sift through Christmas decorations when you’re looking for your beach gear.
8. Use Door Space
Don’t forget about the inside of your closet door. It’s a great place to hang hooks or install a shoe organizer.
You can hang scarves, belts, hats, or bags on the hooks. A shoe organizer can hold not only shoes but also socks, underwear, or small toys. Using door space can help you free up shelf or floor space.
9. Keep Frequently Used Items at Eye Level
Keep items that you use frequently at eye level. This way, you won’t have to strain to reach them or bend down to find them.
This applies to all closets. In your wardrobe, keep your favorite clothes at eye level. In your pantry, keep frequently used ingredients or snacks at eye level. In your storage closet, keep often-used tools or supplies at eye level.
10. Use Baskets and Bins
Baskets and bins are great for organizing your closet. They can hold a variety of items and make your closet look neat and tidy.
You can use baskets to store socks, underwear, or accessories in your wardrobe. In your pantry, you can use bins to store grains, pasta, or snacks. Baskets and bins are also great for organizing toys, craft supplies, or tools in your storage closet.
11. Label Everything
Labels can be a game-changer when it comes to organizing your closet. They help you remember where you put things and make it easy to find what you need.
You can label shelves, bins, baskets, or containers. For example, in your pantry, you can label jars of spices or bins of grains. In your storage closet, you can label boxes of decorations or tools.
12. Use a Hanging Organizer
A hanging organizer can help you make the most of your closet space. It hangs from your closet rod and provides additional storage space.
You can use a hanging organizer to store clothes, shoes, or accessories in your wardrobe. It’s also great for storing towels, sheets, or blankets in your linen closet. Plus, a hanging organizer can free up shelf or drawer space.
13. Store Items in Their Original Packaging
If possible, store items in their original packaging. This can help you keep track of what you have and prevent items from getting lost or damaged.
For example, keep shoes in their boxes in your wardrobe. In your pantry, keep food items in their original packaging. And in your storage closet, keep tools, batteries, or light bulbs in their original packaging.
14. Use a Shoe Rack
A shoe rack can help you organize your shoes and free up floor space. It allows you to see all your shoes at a glance, making it easy to find the pair you want to wear.
There are many types of shoe racks, from simple shelves to elaborate carousels. Choose one that fits your closet and meets your needs. Remember, a shoe rack doesn’t just have to be for shoes. You can also use it to store bags, hats, or scarves.
15. Use Hooks
Hooks are a versatile and easy way to organize your closet. You can hang them on the wall, the back of the door, or the side of a shelf.
Use hooks to hang clothes, bags, belts, or jewelry in your wardrobe. In your pantry, you can hang aprons, towels, or reusable shopping bags on hooks. And in your storage closet, you can hang tools, cleaning supplies, or outdoor gear on hooks.
16. Rotate Your Clothes
To keep your wardrobe fresh and organized, consider rotating your clothes. This means moving clothes that you haven’t worn in a while to the front of your closet and clothes that you’ve worn recently to the back.
Rotating your clothes can help you wear all your clothes, not just your favorites. It can also help you discover clothes that you’ve forgotten about or haven’t worn in a while. And if you find clothes that you no longer want to wear, you can donate or sell them.
17. Keep a Donation Box in Your Closet
Finally, keep a donation box in your closet. As you come across clothes, shoes, or accessories that you no longer want or need, put them in the box.
Once the box is full, you can donate the items to a charity or sell them online or at a garage sale. This way, you can continuously declutter your closet and keep it organized. Plus, you can give your unwanted items a second life and help those in need.