Get the best solutions and small closet organization hacks that anyone can do to better love their closet.
I wish I had a picture of just how sad this closet was on the inside when we moved in. Humble as it still may be, it has come a LONG way! In true form for a 1950’s build, the closets are nothing short of tiny. So when I slid that closet door open for the first time to find a single rod for hanging all of my clothes, I knew we had some work to do. Here are simple solutions and small closet organization hacks that anyone can do to love their closet.
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Upgrade your closet system-
Obviously that single rod wasn’t going to cut it. I wanted to maximize every square inch of space available, so upgrading the closet system with additional hanging rods and cubbies just made perfect sense.
This is the most labor intensive tip, but it is absolutely worth the investment if you own your home.
Hanging trick that will help you say goodbye to old clothes-
The backwards and forwards style of hanging is totally intentional. This system helps me keep my closet decluttered, leaving me with as much space as possible for the clothes I actually wear.
…I am not a “hang on to this piece just in case one day” kind of girl. If I don’t get excited to ever wear it, I want it out of my closet. If you keep everything- skip to the next small closet organization hack 😉
I turn all of my hangers backwards at the start of summer and winter (this is also when I swap out a lot of my clothes, but we will get to that later). After I wear something and go to hang it back up, I will turn and face that hanger forward. This system keeps me accountable in seeing what I have or haven’t worn that season.
Plus purging feels so good! If you haven’t gone through your closet in a while, that may be the most helpful thing you can do to maximize your space.
Offer those unwanted items to family, friends, or take it to Goodwill. You may even be able to make some money back by taking on trend, name brand pieces to a secondhand retail store that will pay you for your clothes or try selling online.
Get organization hangers that save space-
One of my favorite small closet organization hacks is using special, space-saving hangers.
These 4-tier pant hangers are so easy and functional! Stacking my jeans and just sliding them over to the side has freed up some valuable real estate in my tiny closet and I am here. for. it.
Keep shoe organization simple-
I personally like to keep my flat summer sandals and flip flops in a bin together. I have used an over-the-door pocket organizer in the past, but this a better option now that I have sliding closet doors.
Be sure to place shoes side-by-side going up and down, rather than stacking pairs flat on top of one another. This obviously just makes every pair easier to find and more accessible. Keep your shoes cleaner by facing the bottoms together when sticking them back in the bin.
An adjustable shoe rack is of course a must-have for larger shoe organization. Mine has 3 tiers, but I was able to sneak a fourth row in by sliding skinny sneakers and flats underneath. If your closet has space for you to go up, you can double stack this shoe rack.
Also, I don‘t know who needs to hear it, but it might be time to throw out those shoes you haven’t worn since college.
… it’s me. I need to hear it.
Set up seasonal storage-
It should come as no surprise at this point that I don’t currently have the closet space to have my year-round wardrobe out all at the same time. And I’m actually okay with that.
I like choosing from the clothes that only apply to the season we are in. I don’t really care to see my fall sweaters in the middle of July. Nor do I need to look at my open toe sandals in December.
Season-specific items go in / storage containers / that fit under my bed. Plus, it’s not like you can’t easily grab something out should you happen to need it sooner.
Remember that hanger trick from earlier? This is a great semi-annual opportunity to reevaluate what items need to make that permanent exit. It’s time to get Marie Kondo, minimalist people. Bless someone else with the items that are no longer serving you.
The most valuable tip is to keep your closet tidy and organized by regularly decluttering.
Whether you have a small closet or great big walk-in, custom closet systems are perfect for maximizing closet space. If you aren’t ready to invest in that, use special organization hangers and matching storage bins to your advantage.
Rotate your wardrobe and shoes seasonally if needed. It will be refreshing when it comes time to pull those back out again.
Those are my favorite solutions for small closet organization that anyone can do to love their closet immediately!
