The Tiny house Blog

The Best Way to Organize Your Closet: Space-Saving Tips and Tricks

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
July 16, 2024
best way to organize closet

Image Source: Canva

You're staring at your overstuffed closet, wondering how to make sense of the chaos. Start by decluttering—sort items into keep, donate, and toss piles. Next, think vertically: add shelves, hooks, and extra rods. Multi-functional hangers can work wonders, consolidating more clothes into less space.

Seasonal items? Store them separately in labeled bins or bags. And don't forget your drawers—use dividers and the file-folding method to maximize efficiency. Ready to transform your closet into a functional, organized space? There's more to explore beyond just these basics.

Declutter Your Wardrobe

Start by pulling everything out of your closet so you can see exactly what you have. Lay it all out on your bed or floor. This visual inventory helps you recognize duplicates, forgotten items, and things you no longer wear.

Next, sort your clothes into three piles: keep, donate, and toss. Be ruthless—if you haven't worn something in the past year, it's probably time to let it go. Hold each item and ask yourself if it adds value to your wardrobe. This process helps you focus on what you truly love and wear regularly.

After sorting, bag up your donations and dispose of any damaged items. For the clothes you're keeping, consider their condition. Are they clean and in good shape? If not, take the time to wash, mend, or iron them before putting them back.

Utilize Vertical Space

Maximize your closet's potential by using vertical space with hanging organizers, shelves, and hooks. Start by installing sturdy shelves above your clothing rods to store items you don't use daily, like hats, bags, or seasonal wear. These shelves can hold storage bins or baskets, keeping everything tidy and accessible.

Next, consider hanging organizers for shoes, accessories, or even folded clothes. These organizers can hang from the rod or even the back of your closet door, saving floor space while keeping your items in plain sight. Hooks are another game-changer. Attach them to walls or the back of the door to hang scarves, belts, or bags. They're perfect for keeping frequently used items within easy reach.

You can also add a second rod below your existing one, doubling your hanging space. Use the lower rod for shorter items like shirts and skirts, while the top rod can hold longer pieces like dresses or coats. Don't forget to utilize the space above your closet door as well; a shelf there can be perfect for storing less frequently used items.

Invest in Multi-Functional Hangers

When you invest in multi-purpose hangers, you instantly enhance your closet's efficiency and organization. These adaptable tools can hold multiple items at once, saving you valuable space. Opt for hangers with cascading hooks or those designed to accommodate several pairs of pants, skirts, or scarves. This way, you can consolidate more clothing into the same amount of space.

Start by using tiered hangers for your pants and skirts. These hangers are designed to hold several pieces of clothing vertically, freeing up horizontal space. For your accessories, consider hangers with built-in hooks for belts, ties, and scarves. This keeps everything visible and accessible, reducing the time you spend searching for specific items.

Multi-purpose hangers aren't just for smaller items. Look for those with rotating hooks or adjustable arms to store bulkier items like coats and jackets. This guarantees even your heavier clothing is stored efficiently without taking up too much room.

Image Source: Canva

Store Seasonal Items Separately

Storing seasonal items separately can free up space and make your daily wardrobe more easily accessible. Start by sorting your clothing into categories: winter, summer, spring, and fall. Pack away the off-season items in labeled bins or vacuum-sealed bags. These containers are stackable and can be stored under your bed, on a high shelf, or in another room if space is limited.

When it's time to swap seasons, bring out the stored items and pack away the current season's clothes. This rotation system ensures that only the clothes you need are occupying valuable closet space. Plus, it keeps your wardrobe feeling fresh and organized throughout the year.

To make this process even smoother, keep a few versatile pieces that can smoothly transition between seasons readily accessible. For example, a light jacket or a pair of jeans can be worn year-round and should have a permanent spot in your closet. Keep your accessories organized too; store scarves, hats, and gloves in separate bins or drawers, so you're not searching through them when they're out of season. By storing seasonal items separately, you'll maximize your closet space and streamline your daily routine.

Optimize Drawer Space

After organizing your seasonal items, let's focus on optimizing your drawer space to keep everything neatly arranged and easily accessible. Start by decluttering your drawers. Pull everything out and decide what to keep, donate, or toss. This frees up valuable space for items you truly need and use.

Next, think about drawer dividers. These handy tools can transform a chaotic drawer into a well-organized one. Use them to separate socks, underwear, and accessories. For example, a grid divider can keep your ties, belts, and scarves neatly in place. You can even repurpose small boxes or containers as dividers.

Consider the way you fold your clothes. Instead of stacking items, try the file-folding method. This technique involves folding clothes into smaller, rectangular shapes and standing them upright. You can easily see and access each item without rummaging through the pile.

Don't forget about drawer liners. They not only protect your drawers but also add a touch of style and fragrance. Choose a liner that suits your taste and keeps your drawers smelling fresh.

Implement Storage Bins and Boxes

Using storage bins and boxes is a game-changer for maintaining an organized and clutter-free closet. They offer a simple yet effective way to group similar items together, making it easier to find what you need quickly. Start by categorizing your belongings—think seasonal clothes, accessories, or shoes—and designate a specific bin or box for each category. Label them clearly to save time hunting for items later.

Opt for stackable bins to maximize vertical space. Clear bins are ideal because you can see the contents without opening them, but decorative boxes can add a stylish touch if you prefer. Place the most frequently used items in easily accessible spots and less-used items higher up or lower down.

Don't forget underutilized areas like the top shelf or floor space. Slide bins under hanging clothes or use them to fill awkward gaps. Vacuum-sealed bags can also fit inside bins, saving even more space by compressing bulky items like winter coats or extra bedding.

Conclusion

By following these space-saving tips and tricks, you'll transform your closet into a well-organized, functional space. Start by decluttering, then use vertical space and multi-functional hangers to maximize storage. Store seasonal items separately and optimize drawer space with dividers and the file-folding method. Implement storage bins and boxes to keep everything tidy. With these strategies, you'll enjoy a clutter-free, efficient closet that makes finding your favorite outfits a breeze.

Did you enjoy this post and find value in it? Share it with your friends with the links below!

Need more info? Get

By submitting your email, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms

Subscribe to get the latest news

This is a new way to communicate faster than any communication platforms

Thank you!
Your submission has been received! Check your inbox for an email from info@tinyhouse.com with more info!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again or email us at support@tinyhouse.com. Thanks!
Want all the latest tiny house inspo and news?

Get free resources, updates, tips & tricks, and special offers by joining the Tiny House Plan Newsletter.

No items found.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers — straight from the author — for the most common questions about this article.

Don't see your question here? Contact us!
No items found.

Join The Tiny House Community

Occasionally: Community Events, DIY Tips and Tricks, Tiny House Guides
Never: Junk or Spam and we don't sell or misuse your email.
Welcome to the fam! We're excited to have you join the community.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again or use the form below.