Closet Organization 101

Has Marie Kondo inspired you to “Spark Joy” and tackle that closet project once and for all? Be the master of your closet this year and beyond with these easy tips to take your space from a hot mess to an organization junkie’s dream.

1. First, start with practicality. No closet door? You don’t necessarily want to expose the contents of your closet to guests—even if tidy. You can look to a simple workaround. If you live in a small space, replace traditional closet doors that swing out with curtains, hanging screens or even a partition. Hit up your local craft store for supplies and watch YouTube for a tutorial for instruction and inspiration.
   
   
2. Along with privacy, lighting should also be a factor. Are your walls dark? How much natural light do you have to work with? If it’s minimal, you might consider investing in a floor lamp or wiring the area. After all, nothing’s worse than wearing mismatched socks because you couldn’t see well. (Oops!)
   
   
3. Once you have the lighting squared away, it’s time to take stock of your inventory, so to speak. This will determine the best way to organize and sort your belongings. Do you store clothes only or does your master closet double as linen storage? The purpose will influence the approach to organization.
   
   
4. From here you can dive into the wide world of storage accessories. Think drawers for folded items, hangers for dresses and suits, and boxes for odds and ends. You might also consider plastic laundry baskets or a hamper to keep dirty clothes at bay. A rolling cart to easily move items in and out of your closet is another favorite feature. An umbrella stand can work well for miscellaneous items, like yoga mats.
   
   
5. There’s also more than meets the eye when it comes to hangers. Swap out cheap flimsy plastic ones for velvet or wood, which grab onto your clothes to prevent pieces from falling to the floor. It’s worth the added investment. Bonus: the thin design allows you to hang more items in the same amount of space. (As if you needed another excuse to hit up those sales at your favorite store!)
   
   
6. Think beyond the obvious. The walls are your friend, too. Mount a pegboard or knobs to hang scarves, jewelry and other accessories. Hooks can create easy access to favorite items, like robes, jackets and sweaters. Too, think beyond the usual suspects when it comes to storage. Both practical and aesthetic, suitcases can be used to hold out-of-season linens, blankets, or sweaters. You can find charming vintage ones at estate sales and thrift stores. Trunks also can pack a major punch. Put a cushion or pillows on one and use it as a nook to sit and put on and remove shoes. Form meets function at best!
   
   Download our Home Cleaning Guide for more tips and tricks on how to make your home looks its very best!
   
   

Small tweaks to your closet can make a world of difference to your wardrobe and even peace of mind. It’s been proven that clutter creates stress. (Ain’t nobody got time for that, right?). No matter the layout or limitations of your closet, there’s always the potential for practical storage solutions. And having this space well-organized enables you to navigate your belongings with ease, and keep your clothing and accessories in tiptop shape. Your future self will thank you!