Since we’re in and out of our closets every day, closet organizers are some of the best tools to keep our most overwhelming spaces in tip-top shape. But with so much hanging, limping, stuffed, and crowded into our closets and entryways, it can still be a challenging feat to find storage solutions that fit all of the items we love. Plus, when the seasons change, our closets have to change with them. We need a closet system that not only works for our daily life, but can also be routinely adjusted based on the items we need to quickly access.
If closet organization feels like a daunting task, we’re here to answer your FAQs on all things storage systems. We tapped six organization experts for their secrets on making every closet organized and aesthetically pleasing. Read on for closet organizers’ approved tips and products to get every inch of your closet under control.
1. Clear the clutter
One of the most intimidating parts of closet organization is deciding where to begin. Karine Bouganim, owner of Karine OCD, advises sorting through your clothing and accessories first. “You want to take the time to go through your belongings and keep only what you love and know you will wear,” she says. Then, she recommends eliminating all bulky and mismatched hangers and replacing them with nonslip velvet hangers to create uniformity in your closet space.
2. Use wall hooks to organize accessories
Master closet organizer Shaniece Jones recommends installing wall hooks to an empty wall inside a walk-in closet to display hats, scarves, jewelry, purses, and belts. This adds functionality, easy access, and decoration to any open space.
3. Display shoes and handbags
Whether you have a walk-in closet or a small vertical space, installing floating shelves is an effective way to organize and display your beloved shoes and handbags—no built-ins or custom closets required. This is a simple DIY solution that you’ll turn to time and time again when accessorizing. “Be sure to measure the depth of the space so you know the depth and width of the type of shelving you will need,” Jones says. If you don’t have space to install floating shelves, opt for a shoe rack to make use of the horizontal space you have on the ground—we recommend one with an adjustable length so it can suit your closet storage down to the eighth of an inch.
4. Utilize shelf dividers
If you have shelf space in your closet, it’s tempting to toss sweaters and pants into every nook and cranny without proper organization. Jessica Haizman, the viral organization expert on TikTok, recommends shelf dividers as a simple and effective way to create order on your closet shelves. “They do a great job at keeping items where they are supposed to be,” she says. “They’ll keep your designated areas nice and tidy!”
5. Discreetly store out-of-season items
“Items you do not access day to day are best contained in storage bins,” Lisa Jacobs, founder of Imagine It Done, explains. This is one storage solution where closet space isn’t necessary, as you can utilize underbed storage or stack your out-of-season items on those handy shelves you’ve installed in your closet (see item three) to increase hanging space and allow room and easy access for items. Storage bags can be tucked away in tight spaces too.
6. Hang pants and skirts on clips
To maximize hanging space on your closet rods, Haizman recommends using tiered hangers with clips to consolidate the space you need for your pants and skirts. These add storage space and eliminate the need for more hangers, as well as prevent your pieces from sliding off of them and onto the floor.
7. Use drawer dividers
If you have drawer space in your closet, Ashley Murphy, cofounder of Neat Method, recommends using drawer organizers to keep all of your items orderly. “They are the absolute best way to keep your items separated by category and prevent them from getting all jumbled up,” she notes.
8. Don’t sleep on shoe organizers
If shoes take up most of the floor space in your closet—and for those of us dwelling in small spaces, they absolutely do—ditch the dignified shoe racks for something more storage-forward. Annie Schmidt, founder of SOS Home Organization, recommends stackable, open-front shoe boxes to increase your shoe storage and keep them clean. If you have closet shelves, try using shoe risers to double up the shelf space you already have. The configurations of storage bins are endless. We’ve also listed an underbed storage option for those suede boots or flip flops that just don’t merit year-round display.
9. Think outside the closet
Clothes racks don’t have to stay behind closed doors. If you don’t mind showing off your collection (some pieces are worth showing off!), a garment rack can be a chic decoration in your space. Some options are heavy duty, too, and can hold up to 200 pounds (weight starts to add up quicker than you’d think for anyone with a few too many fur coats). Some garment racks come with their own shelving units so you can store shoes as well as hang your best pieces.
