Essential Closet Organization: Tips & Storage Solutions
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PHOTO: Unsplash
Closets are often the most overlooked part of our homes—especially when space is limited. In my own apartment, the closets quickly became hiding spots for items I didn’t know where else to put. Recently, I decided enough was enough. Armed with a little courage, I emptied every closet, cleaned them thoroughly, and reorganized with a few easy-to-use storage systems. Today, I’m sharing the closet organizing essentials that transformed my space from chaotic to clutter-free.
1. The Big Clean-Out
Before diving into any storage solutions, start by emptying your closet completely. Sort through items and make three piles:
Keep: Items you use regularly or love.
Donate/Sell: Gently used clothes, accessories, or household items someone else could enjoy.
Recycle/Discard: Worn-out or broken items that have outlived their purpose.
By getting rid of what you no longer need, you’ll create a more functional closet.
2. Hat & Belt Organization
Hats can be tricky to store, so I use a hat holder attached to the inside of the closet door. This keeps all my baseball caps in one easy-to-grab place.
For belts, belt hangers help me avoid tossing them around or having them dangle from random hooks. If you want a more high-tech option, there’s even a motorized tie rack carousel that fits up to 72 ties or belts—my male friends swear by it (though my husband still refuses to use one!).
Baseball cap holder
Baseball cap holder
Motorized tie rack carousel
Belt hanger
3. Shoe Storage Solutions
For daily-use shoes, a shoe rack near the closet floor is practical. To protect and store shoes worn less often—or pricier pairs—try shoe storage boxes that stack neatly on top of one another. This vertical approach maximizes floor and shelf space while keeping footwear dust-free.
Shoe rack
Shoe storage boxes
4. Hangers
I’m a fan of velvet hangers because they prevent clothes from slipping (and they come in various colors to match any décor). They also take up less space than many plastic or wooden hangers.
For heavier items like bedding and towels, cloth storage bins are fantastic. Tuck them away on closet shelves to keep your extra linens out of sight and free of dust.
5. Stackable Storage Bins
Need extra drawer space? Stackable storage bins can hold everything from clothing and bedding to toys or seasonal décor. They’re perfect for utilizing vertical space in a small closet. I especially love these for bulky items like winter sweaters or spare pillows I only pull out for guests.
For heavier items like bedding and towels, cloth storage bins are fantastic. Tuck them away on closet shelves to keep your extra linens out of sight and free of dust.
6. Sunglass Storage & Drawer Dividers
When it comes to sunglasses, I prefer a covered storage box to keep them dust-free. There are stylish options that look downright luxurious, or you can choose a simple drawer-friendly tray if you’d rather store them out of sight.
Drawer dividers are another must-have—perfect for neatly separating shirts, purses, or accessories in deep drawers. Clear dividers allow you to see everything at a glance, cutting down on morning chaos.
7. Final Tips for a Clutter-Free Closet
Empty & Clean: Pull everything out, wipe down surfaces, and only return items you truly need.
Categorize: Group your belongings—tops, bottoms, outerwear, shoes, accessories—to make finding things easier.
Optimize Vertical Space: Use stackable boxes and tall shelving to capitalize on every inch.
Maintain the System: Commit to putting items back in their designated spots. A few seconds of tidying each day keeps clutter from piling up.
xoxo, Just Things I Love