Although it can seem like an unattainable dream to have a beautifully polished and organized closet, that reality is available to anyone. With modern solutions at affordable costs you can truly turn your closet into the space of your dreams.
Closet organizing does not have to be an overwhelming chore. Although it can feel hopeless when you have no systems in place, that is exactly the reason why we need to develop them. Having a chic but systematically organized closet allows for a stress-free and functional environment. Whether you have a lack of space or just quite the collection of clothing and accessories, I have the solutions. Today I am going over five key closet organizing tips that have been tried and true for elevating and systematizing my closet.
1. Hangers
The number one thing I always recommend to someone starting to organize their closet is to invest in high quality matching hangers. When you walk into someone's closet the first thing you see is typically all of their hanging clothes, as it takes up the most space visually. By having matching hangers, your closet immediately looks so much more organized and polished.
I personally prefer both velvet, and wooden hangers, and have used them both for years. I use velvet hangers throughout my closet and reserve my wooden hangers for heavier clothing items like outerwear.
The great thing about velvet hangers is that they are non-slip, so no more having clothes fall right off the hanger while you sift through them. Additionally, velvet hangers are typically on the thinner side which will ultimately save you hanging space in your closet.
I have purchased the black velvet hangers as well as the wooden hangers below, but also recently saw these white velvet hangers with rose gold tops, and needless to say, I am utterly obsessed.
Piggybacking off of hangers, another thing that I recommend is hanger connectors. These are great for keeping two or three piece sets together in the same place. These aren't necessarily a must have for everybody, but definitely if you're someone who loves a good set these can come in handy with keeping them together, or even using them to plan out your outfits ahead of a new week.
Whether these are at the top of your closet, on the floor, or even on a shelf, having large storage bins is a must have for any closet. I didn't have a dresser for a long time, but I did have some built-in shelving in my closet, so I utilized large acrylic bins to house shorts, pajamas, socks, etc.
Matching storage bins are also great for general storage whether it be memory boxes, product refills, or even seasonal items that you want to store away. Having these items tucked away into organized bins not only makes it easier to find things later, but it also looks good sitting in your closet, rather than looking like a bunch of random junk at the top/bottom of your closet.
Starting off with acrylic bins. Like I said, these are my go-to. It's easy to forget you own something, especially when it's not in a clear bin. Putting items into a clear bin ensures that you can actually see the items you own, which will increase the likelihood that you wear/use those items more often.
Next up we have non-clear bins. There are so many options when it comes to storage bins, and some of my favorite options are: woven baskets, fabric bins, as well as basic plastic storage bins. Each of these storage bins serves a different purpose, and has a different benefit to them.
I've utilized every style of basket that I have shown here, and can safely report that they have all gotten plenty of use. I prefer fabric bins that can fold up for cube shelves and seasonal items. That way if I end up not needing that storage at a certain point in the year, I can just fold the bin up and put it under my bed or in a linen closet until I need it again.
On the flip side of that, sturdier plastic storage bins or even basket style storage bins are great for heavier items, or for even just holding more of a variety of items that may otherwise look cluttered. These types of bins usually live at the top of my closet, and are used to house items that are non-seasonal that I will continue needing storage for throughout the year.
3. Shoe Storage
Now if you're anything like me, you have quite the shoe collection. Now I wouldn't say my shoe collection is paralleled with that of a celebrity, but I definitely have more pairs than I can count on my fingers. Most of us do. Between our daily shoes, going out shoes, boots and even running shoes, it adds up quickly, and shoes take up quite a bit of space. Not to mention that if not stored properly, a pile of shoes can be quite the eyesore.
Growing up in a home where we never had proper shoe storage, and all of our shoes just ended up in a hallway closet, I can definitely say that not only does it not look good, but it's not functional. Fishing for the other shoe in a pile of other shoes is not a fun way to start the day. This is why I think it's so important to have functional shoe storage.
Now this is a bit of a gray area, because I realize not everyone stores their shoes in their closet. A lot of people end up storing their shoes in a hallway closet, or somewhere else in their home. For this reason, I'm going to be showing a couple of different options whether you are looking for shoe storage within your closet, or looking for external storage elsewhere in your home.
Starting off with shoe racks, both of these shoe racks that I have pictured above are great for the bottom of the closet underneath your hanging clothes, or even on the top shelf of your closet if you have one. In the past I've even put these underneath my bed, so honestly whatever works best for your space! The best thing about these two is that they are both stackable. Now this is great if you end up getting multiple units, because you can just simply stack one on top of the other in your closet, allowing for a more customizable experience.
Next are acrylic shoe organizers. I have two different options shown above. The first one being stackable shoe boxes. I fell in love with these when I first saw them, because I think they look so chic, clean and organized. Not only do they look good, but they also keep the shoes from touching each other, and keep dust off of the shoes themselves. If you don't have built-in shelving, and you want something that looks a little more higher-end than just a shoe rack these are such a beautiful find. I also love that you have full freedom to arrange these in any pattern that suits your space best.
The other acrylic option that I have listed are these shoe stackers. These are definitely unique, and may be best suitable for somebody that doesn't have a lot of space and is trying to maximize every inch that they have. They also offer the same freedom and flexibility that the stackable shoe boxes do, as you can literally put these anywhere.
The last shoe storage solution I would recommend would be these hidden shoe storage units. They look like your average console or entryway table, but they each comfortably hold at minimum sixteen pairs of shoes. These units blend functional storage with classic interior design. Offering a beautiful look that adds character to your space, while also providing excellent hidden storage.
4. Hooks
Whether over the door or simply on the wall, adding hooks to your closet space adds just a little bit more storage, but also puts frequently grabbed items within closer reach.
Personally, I have one large wall hook inside my closet that I hang my two most used purses on. I have another set of over the door hooks on my closet door that I use to hang my robes on. In the past I have also used hooks in my closet to hang various bags, belts, scarves, an umbrella, and really anything that gets used often that I want to just be able to reach in and grab real quick.
I started with these oversized Command hooks when I first moved into my first place and honestly these really do the trick, they hold a surprising amount of weight, and they are a cheap and easy solution!
I eventually moved on to these stunning gold hooks. They come in a pack of two on Amazon, and have an adhesive backing to them that allows you to just stick them onto the wall very similarly to a command hook. These definitely will add a more luxurious look and feel to any space whether it be your closet or your bathroom, and I only wish I found them sooner!
Next are over the door hooks. As I said above, I use my over the door hooks to hold my multiple robes, yes, I do have three, and no I do not think that's too many! Anyways, over the door hooks have always been great for me to hang things like my robe, but also things like an umbrella, or a go-to belt that you wear often, because it's just right on the door. You don't have to go digging through your closet to find it; it's just right there. Definitely an easy way to give your most reached for items a home in a spot with easier access.
My last hook recommendation is this over the door retractable hook. In my opinion this one is just purely genius. It's an over the door hook that has a pull-down bar that then acts as a mini rack.
Now I can see this being beneficial in a multitude of ways. First one being used as a small drying rack, second, being used as a place to hang an outfit for the next day or even plan out your outfits for the entire week.
I could also see this thing moving around the house with you and being used in the laundry room, the bathroom, and the kitchen, because it literally just goes on top of any door or cabinet. This could also be a great product for traveling. Given that it folds up, you can theoretically throw it in your suitcase and use it at your hotel to hang your outfits on for the few days that you're on a business trip or on vacation!
5. Laundry Carts
My last brilliant closet organizing idea for this post is going to be laundry carts. I saved this one for last because I'm not sure if everyone has a laundry basket inside their closet, but for me, mine has always lived in there.
I have been using a laundry cart for the past six years, and I will never return to just a singular laundry hamper. It doesn't make sense to me to have one place where you put all of your dirty clothes and towels. Having a laundry cart with multiple bags or bins is absolutely a must to separate your whites, colors and towels, or however you like to separate your laundry.
For me, since I wash my whites, colors, towels and sheets separately it just makes sense to put them in a laundry basket according to how they're going to be washed. Then on laundry day I simply take out that basket and throw that one in the wash, or even roll the cart to the laundry room and just empty out that first loads’ worth of laundry.
I hope these five closet organizing ideas really help those who are just starting out on their organizing journey. I know how daunting of a task it can feel to start decluttering and reorganizing your home, but by doing so you bring new life into your space, and having a home that is functionally efficient and organized is honestly the best feeling.
When you put organizational systems in place it not only looks great, but also allows for an easier experience with keeping your home in order. Having a clean environment is one of the best things you can do for your mental health, and who doesn't want a closet that looks clean, organized, and is tailored perfectly to your needs and style?
You can create your best life, and your best home! It all starts with having the right information, and the determination to take on the process of change.
Now get out there, and as always, keep it tidy & timeless!
