As a proud owner—uh, renter, lol – from a shoebox sized apartment in NYC, I learned to maximize closet space and get creative with storage. I’ve also spent a lot of time and money finding out what works and what doesn’t in terms of shelving, bins, baskets, hanging systems, closet rods, clothes racks and , basically, any other smart contraption or space-saving solution floating around the internet. Now I’m sharing everything I’ve learned, along with my must-have storage products! – because you (and your clothes) deserve the best of the best.
Here are 22 closet organization ideas that will make your life come back so much easier. If you’re working with an intimidating large open closet that could use some ~structure~, we’ve got plenty of hanging organizers, acrylic drawers, and even a rolling cart to fill the space in a totally functional way. On the contrary, if you’re trying to organize a super-small or oddly structured closet, little essentials (like heavy-duty velvet hangers, fabric bins, or a purse hanger) will make all the difference (hint: you can find all that and more below). So keep scrolling to unleash your inner Marie Kondo!
Use chic and functional hangers
Home-it Premium Velvet Heavy Duty (Pack of 50)
First step in organizing your closet: throw away your old, mismatched hangers that keep breaking and replace them with a uniform set to create a cleaner, crisper look. Pro tip: Sturdy velor blouses like these will keep even your most delicate blouses from falling off.
Fold bulky items like sweaters and jeans
The Laundress 6 Tier Cotton Hanging Organizer
Even if you’re #TeamHanger for life, there’s no denying that some clothes simply just fold better. A six-tier hanging organizer really is the best of both worlds.
Break up your closet rods with a hanging organizer
StorageWorks Hanging Closet Organizer with Clothes Rail
If you’re short on space but still want to fold up a few items, this cubicle-shaped hanging organizer should do the trick.
Use storage baskets
West Elm Bamboo Fabric Storage Bins
Or, if that’s not your thing, try folding heavy and/or bulky clothes into nice storage bins and place them on the shelf above your hanging clothes instead.
Invest in a closet organization system
17 Story Freestanding Closet Organizer System
If you’re stuck with a tiny excuse for a closet, investing in a freestanding system like this might be the best solution. Plus, it’s fun to style! Whether you decide to display your coolest pieces or choose a color palette and pull closet staples accordingly, a freestanding system is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Hang your handbags
Yamazaki Home Chain Handbag Hanger
No matter how much we love our handbags, storing them can be a real hassle. This customizable waterfall-style hanger, which can be hung in the closet, hung on a door, or screwed into a wall, keeps them organized and wrinkle-free.
Or! Arrange them above your hanging clothes
Yamazaki Home Purse Organizer
We also have a smart organization solution for people who prefer to stack their clutches, purses and wallets!
Hang up your boots
SUNTRADE Double Adjustable Clips Boot Hangers
Just like handbags, boots can be a major source of frustration when organizing your closet. Hanging them with protective clips will maximize space while preventing wear and tear.
Add a nice rolling cart
Container Store Sage Green 3 Tier Rolling Cart
Store miscellaneous items that don’t quite belong in this cute three-tier rolling cart to make them less miscellaneous!
Buy a shoe rack
Container Store 12 Tier White Shoe Rack Over The Door
For heels, sandals and sneakers, some kind of shoe rack is essential. This high quality luggage rack can hold nearly 40 pairs of shoes.
Separate your coats
Yamazaki Home Leaning Shelf Coat Rack
If you like the idea of a closet alternative but don’t have enough space for a full self-contained system, add this perfect little baby for storing outerwear to your cart.
Adopt wall hooks
West Elm Loop Metal Wall Hooks (Set of 3)
Wall hooks don’t have to be eyesores or an afterthought! Try incorporating these pretty golds for a chic, minimalist look that won’t take up too much space.
Opt for acrylic drawers
Pottery Barn Teen Wood and Acrylic Beauty Tower
If you have the space, consider moving a small chest of drawers into your closet (either under or next to your hanging clothes), as having everything you need in one place will make your life a little easier. This tower’s clear acrylic drawers, which can store more than beauty products!, will help you find what you need when You need it.
Fold clothes quickly and efficiently for the whole family
Genisidea Folding Shirt Board
Watch out, parents! If your closet is spotless but your child’s closet is generally a disaster, try giving them these nifty contraptions that make it easier to fold clothes. “My kids love it and they are 11-17. Folds so perfectly like clothes on display in a clothing store,” writes one reviewer. “In fact, doing laundry is a little more fun when you start seeing the pile of perfectly folded shirts.”
Use a clothes rack
Homary Contemporary Rail Linen Rack
It’s not a freestanding closet and it’s not quite a coat rack either – it’s the perfect in-between! This contemporary black clothes rack with gold accents features a sturdy rod and two shelves for all your storage needs. And it’s so beautiful to look at.
Use separators
Kosiehouse Shelf Divider for Wood Closet
No room for storage bins above your closet rod? Noooo problem, these DIY dividers are just as useful.
Show off your jewelry
Pottery Barn Aubrey Wall Mounted Jewelry Organizer
Storing your jewelry on a wall organizer is the best way to ensure it doesn’t get tangled.
Use stackable baskets under your hanging clothes
Modern Woven Rattan Round Storage Bins
Deep storage bins disguised as trendy decor?! I’m sold.
Label everything
Phomemo D30 Label Maker – Mini Label Maker
Even if you’re not a type A girl, having all your shelves, bins, and boxes labeled will do you good. Trust me.
After! Drawers!
Elfa Platinum Wide Drawer Solution
Another closet floor storage option, these popular solutions feature sliding mesh material drawers for full visibility and accessibility.
Maximize your space
ClosetMaid Closet System
Regardless of the size of your closet, there’s likely plenty of dead space that could be put to better use. Get yourself a sophisticated closet system that will allow you to separate parts of your closet and truly utilize all that space.
Separate rooms by season, color or type of clothing with dividers
ERA Accents 30 Hanging Clothes Closet Dividers
Take your beloved color-matched wardrobe up a notch with…wait…color-coordinated dividers! Exciting stuff, friends!
Hanna Flanagan is the associate shopping editor of Cosmopolitan with four years of experience researching, writing and editing stories ranging from the best high waisted jeans for women to Bridgerton dupes lingerie season 2. It’s an authority across all fashion and lifestyle categories that routinely tests and reviews products while working with the industry’s top design experts to evaluate new launches and spot trendsetters. trends.
Hanna Flanagan
Hanna Flanagan is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, sharing her recommendations for everything from denim and eye creams to coffee mugs and silk sheets.
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