What Is The Best Way To Organize A Closet?

Custom closet with glass doors and an island

Consumer Information

What is the best way to organize a closet?

Closets are utilized on a daily basis. We reach for something to put on, grab a sweatshirt in case it gets chilly at work, and, of course, we must have a place to store a host of shoes. Additionally, it is where we store the extras like blankets, pillows, and winter coats. With so many items stored inside, our closets have the potential to become a disaster zone. This can make us afraid to open the door, but with organizational tips and storage design ideas, you can transform your closet into a functional space. Today, we will answer the following questions: What are the best ways to organize your closet?

How to plan a closet organization system

Having a strategy is the first step in transforming your chaotic closet into one that is tidy and organized. Whether you have a large walk-in closet or a standard reach-in closet, begin by taking inventory of what you have and purging what you don’t want or need. This is important because it helps guide your selection process and informs you which storage options and systems will work best for you. Another essential component in the planning process is understanding the space you must work with, including floor space. A plan sets you up for a successful closet alteration or complete renovation.

Closet organization rules

We almost always use our closet, so it’s easy for it to become cluttered and unorganized if we’re not careful. To help maintain an organized closet, it’s beneficial to keep these simple rules in mind.

Limit what you have: If you don’t love it or can’t see yourself wearing it ever again, it might be time to sell or donate it.
Keep it separate: Sorting your clothing by category, such as shirts, pants, dresses, or whatever works best for you, can help prevent items from landing anywhere. When something has a specific spot, it is easier to put it away.
Have a designated collection bin: ensure you have a designated place for your laundry basket that is easily accessible. You may need to plan for multiple options, depending on whether this is a children’s closet or a master closet.

How to organize a non-walk-in closet

While a walk-in closet is a favorite, sometimes there is not enough room for one. However, this does not mean smaller closets cannot be organized. The first step is to measure your closet space so you can better understand what you are working with, specifically the depth. Knowing the dimensions of your closet allows you to install custom storage features. Utilizing several of these tools, you can maintain organization and maximize your closet space.

Baskets: Placing large baskets on the floor is ideal for storing items such as blankets or shoes.
Hooks: Wall space is usable space in a closet, and hooks let you hang hats, belts, and accessories there instead of letting them fall to the floor or get misplaced in a corner.
Extender rods: These can provide an extra row for hanging clothes.

Blogs like the Happy House have a few more ideas you can read about in this article.

Closet organization for small closets

Older homes are notorious for having small closets, but with careful planning and imagination, you can still achieve what you need. Drawers and dividers can bring the functionality typically enjoyed in a larger closet by providing designated areas for each item, while also preventing them from getting mixed together. Doors are another avenue for gaining more space to work with, allowing you to hang items such as bathrobes, shoes, and flats like flip-flops, as well as hoodies. If you can put things in boxes, it is best to store seasonal or least-used items inside, instead of everyday things, to prevent having to bend down to pull them out constantly. Gather a few more helpful tips from this blog by Better Homes and Gardens on organizing a small closet.

closet storage with lighting in a bathroom

Closet organization for shoes

Shoes are a closet staple, but they can also be difficult to organize. Whether your collection is large or small, here are some great ways to begin and maintain shoe organization.

Take inventory: always start with what you have so that it is easier to know what you need. Check which shoes you haven’t worn in a while to see if they still fit, are damaged, or if you like them.
Select a storage method: Multiple options are available, including shoe racks that hang over the door, drop-down fabric shelves that attach to the closet rod, and bins or boxes for the floor.
Have a yearly purging: it is a good idea to go through your shoe collection once a year and get rid of styles you don’t like or check to see if any are worn out and damaged.

Shopping places like The Container Store can provide you with more ideas or offer great products that can help you achieve your organization’s goals.

Closet organization with drawers

If your closet already has drawers or if you can add them, it would be advantageous to the closet’s function. Having drawers allows you to easily store items and articles of clothing that you use every day, plus they always have a clean and tidy appearance. Drawers come in various depths, providing storage for more than just clothing.

Utilizing closet organization bins

Bins, boxes, and baskets are all considered great assets in organizing your closet. Baskets are ideal for expanding the usable floor space as they can be placed along the wall. Storing items such as blankets or categorizing shoes by type, like flats or sports shoes, works great. Decorative boxes are a perfect solution for keeping items separate and storing them on your closet shelves. Bins vary in size and are stackable, allowing them to be used in multiple ways for various storage options. Incorporating defined containers makes space planning and organizing much easier.

Benefits of an organized closet

There are many advantages to having an organized home, and the closet is no exception. One main benefit is reduced clutter, resulting in more space. Clutter is a silent foe that creeps in and can quickly take over, causing unnecessary stress. Having a closet that is organized also saves time because when you know where everything is you can just grab and go. This makes for a more effective morning routine and may even give you enough time to enjoy a second cup of coffee before heading to work. One additional bonus might be less ironing due to clothes hanging neatly in their places instead of pressing against each other or slipping to the floor. An organized closet can certainly give you a fresh start to your day.

An organized closet

If you are tired of having a cramped and cluttered closet, it is time to establish clear boundaries for each area through a fabulous makeover. You can keep your closet organized for years to come by implementing these organizational tricks and tools.

byJan Blanton/onJuly 21, 2025/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inConsumer Information

A live edge wooden dining room table with artwork and decor pieces

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

Common Remodel Questions Answered

A remodel is exciting because it means your home is getting ready to be transformed. What was dysfunctional, dated, and dim will be turned into a functional, stylish, and bright space. Of course, like anything else, there are questions you have, questions we have been asked numerous times over the years, and we are sharing our answers with you.

February 21, 2021/0 Comments/by Jan Blanton

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

Storage Spaces For Small Spaces

What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not much room to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times.

February 7, 2021/0 Comments/by Jan Blanton

blue kitchen island with dishware in drawers

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

Top 5 Home Organization Products

You choose to tackle the problem head-on and successfully discard everything that needs to go, but you are concerned that the same thing will happen again. This is why we created this post: 5 home organization products that can help you stay organized and enjoy peace of mind in your home.

January 23, 2021/0 Comments/by Jan Blanton

dining area and kitchen with big windows

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

How To Design A Healthy Kitchen

We know it is not always easy to stick with the decision to be healthier, but with a well-designed kitchen, it can be. With over twenty years of experience, our design team is well-versed in planning a healthy kitchen design that functions well for your specific needs while reflecting the style you love.

January 7, 2021/0 Comments/by Stacey Walker

Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

Cabinet Trends For 2021

We know many of our clients wonder which styles, layouts, and elements should be included in their designs, which is why we like to share the latest cabinet trends in the cabinet world. As we explore some of the ones coming in 2021.

December 21, 2020/0 Comments/by Stacey Walker