When it comes to keeping things in order, closets are usually the first to go. All too often, we shove our shoes where they fit, stuff sweaters and dresses thoughtlessly onto the rack, and put our handbags wherever there is a bit of room. As they say: Out of sight, out of mind. Except when "out of sight" means there's an avalanche waiting to strike the next time the door is opened. Yikes!
On the other hand, there's something about waking up to a tidy wardrobe, neatly lined-up shoes, and easy-to-find linens that sets one up for the whole day. We're sure plenty of messy closet mavens have seen photos of beautiful closets and pantries on social media and thought to themselves, "why can't this be me?" Well we're here to say that it can be!
From lazy-Susans to over-the-door hampers to slimmed-down hangers, we scoured the world wide web for the top 20 tips to make every closet in the house look like it came out of a magazine. Some of these hacks require a little investment, and some only require products that are probably already lying around the house. But whatever the case may be, time and energy will be saved in the long run, and that's totally worth whatever upfront cost it takes.
The other bit of good news when it comes to closet organization? No one has to be a professional organizer to put together the closet dreams are made of. All that is needed is a little creativity, some clever products to amp up efficiency and organization, and tried-and-true hacks that others have said really work. Check out these 20 tips to transform that nightmarish closet into a heavenly haven of organization.
Umbra Dublet Adjustable Closet Rod Expander
Get double the hanging space with a hanging closet rod extender. It works especially well when you hang shirts on the top and skirts or pants on the bottom!
Umbra Dublet Adjustable Closet Rod Expander ($14.99, The Container Store)
Closet Complete Magic Cascading Hangers
Layer clothing hangers with somespace-saving clothing cascades. Or, use a cleverly repurposed soda can tab over the hook of the hanger to get the same effect.
Closet Complete Magic Cascading Hangers ($5.90 for a set of 10, Amazon)
Acrylic Shelf Dividers
"Tee" up! Stack t-shirts vertically with these shelf dividers for easy-to-find shirts, sweaters, and more.
Acrylic Shelf Dividers ($29.99 for a set of 4, Amazon)
Rail Wall Mounted Coat Rack
No wasted space: Hang belts, jewelry, or bags from hooks nailed into the closet walls.
Rail Wall Mounted Coat Rack ($39.99, Wayfair)
3-Tier Expandable Spice Step Shelf
Stop digging for spices with a spice rack with steps that expand to the size of your pantry.
3-Tier Expandable Spice Step Shelf ($18.87, Amazon)
Looking to pare down your wardrobe?
Face all your hangers one way — then, when you wear an item, turn it the opposite way. After a few months you'll see which items you haven't worn in a while. Time to toss!
Wall Mount Mop and Broom Holder
Pick your trusty tools off the floor by mounting them with a non-slip mop and broom holder. Mounts almost anywhere and holds up to five items!
Wall Mount Mop and Broom Holder ($7.99, Amazon)
Don't shelve your shoes!
Suspend tension rods across the BOTTOM of your closet for an easy way to arrange shoes and take advantage of space lower down.
Learn how here.
Kids Velvet Hanger Set
Invest in a set of slim, velvet hangers to reduce bulk and keep clothes from slipping. Plus, the consistent look of hangers that are all the same is very pleasing to the eye.
Kids Velvet Hanger Set ($30.99 for a set of 60, Wayfair)
Wall Mounted Mirrored Jewelry Armoire
That mirror on your closet door? That doubles as storage too! Buy a fancy one with a secret compartment for jewelry, or learn how to DIY one here.
Wall Mounted Mirrored Jewelry Armoire ($119.99, Hayneedle)
36 Pair Overdoor Shoe Organizer
Got a shoe situation? This over-the-door shoe rack can hold up to 36 pairs, and adjusts to taller shoes and boots.
36 Pair Overdoor Shoe Organizer ($24.99, Wayfair)
Make sure you have a system.
This could be grouping like items together, or color coordinating the whole thing. Pick whatever looks and works best for you, and nothing will get lost in the shuffle.
36-Piece Black Board Jar Labels
Label, label, label! These chalkboard labels are great for containers. Simply identify the contents, and when the jar is empty, erase and reuse again and again.
36-Piece Black Board Jar Labels ($6.99, Amazon)
Perry Round Woven Hamper
Invest in a hamper so pretty you'll want to keep it outside the closet, freeing up valuable floor space inside the closet.
Perry Round Woven Hamper ($149, Pottery Barn)
Hanging Laundry Hamper Bag
Or, get a hamper that hangs over the door. No more clothes on your beautiful floor!
Hanging Laundry Hamper Bag ($18.97, Amazon)
Put those bulky suitcases to work.
When suitcases aren't in use, they also make great storage for other bags and purses, linens, and seasonal clothing.
Lazy-Susan Turntable Food Storage Container
Rather than dig through the pantry for the cinnamon and risk knocking things over, keep everything just a spin away on a lazy-Susan.
Lazy-Susan Turntable Food Storage Container ($12.88, Amazon)
SlipX Solutions White Premium Plastic Shower Rings
Arrange all your scarves in as little space as possible with the help of shower curtain rings and a sturdy hanger.
SlipX Solutions White Premium Plastic Shower Rings ($5.99 for a set of 12, Amazon)
6-Tier Steel Hanging Rack
Your door can store! Over-door tiered shelves invite even more space to put your goodies.
6-Tier Steel Hanging Rack ($22.13, Home Depot)
Polytherm Undershelf Baskets
Use those under-shelf baskets to take advantage of oft-overlooked space at the top of your shelf. This works great in adding more shelving to the pantry OR the closet.
Polytherm Undershelf Baskets ($6.99-$8.99 each, Container Store)
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