Organizing closets can be a daunting task for many homeowners. With limited space and lots of items to store, it can be challenging to keep closets neat, tidy and functional. Developing an efficient system for arranging closet contents is key. While there is no universally agreed upon “best” way to organize a closet, there are some general guidelines that can help maximize closet space and make contents easy to find and access.
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Should You Organize by Item Type or by Frequency of Use?
One of the first decisions in closet organizing is whether to group items by type (e.g. shirts together, pants together) or by frequency of use (most used items at eye level, least used items higher or lower). There are benefits to each approach:
Organizing by item type keeps like items together, making it fast and easy to find what you need. However, it may require moving some less utilized items out of prime real estate.
Organizing by frequency of use makes your most used items most accessible. But it means types of items will be spread out, requiring more thought to find things.
Most experts recommend a hybrid approach. Group like items together in sections, but within sections prioritize items you use most often.
What Are the Basic Sections of a Well-Organized Closet?
While closets come in all shapes and sizes, most efficient closet systems include at least some of the following basic sections:
Hanging clothes. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets and other garments hung from a closet rod. Arrange from frequently worn items to least used. Group items by type within this section.
Shelving/stacking units. These house folded garments like sweaters, jeans, socks and undergarments. Clear stacked bins or shelves allow you to see contents easily.
Shoe storage. Built-in shelves, over the door racks or freestanding shoe racks can corral your shoe collection. Consider needs like quick access vs. protection.
Accessories. Use hooks, hanging shelves or drawers for items like belts, scarves, hats, bags, jewelry, etc. Consider visibility and ease of access.
Seasonal storage.Boxes, bins or shelving for out of season clothing storage. Label clearly.
Best Practices for Organizing Closet Sections
Let’s explore some key tips for organizing the main sections of your closet:
Hanging Clothes
To maximize hanging space:
– Arrange items from most used to least used. Frequently worn items should be most accessible at eye level.
– Group items by type – shirts together, pants together, etc. But within groups, still prioritize by frequency of use.
– Use pant/skirt hangers that hang multiple items vertically to save space.
– Install a second rod for double hanging. Hang longer items on lower rod, shorter items on upper rod.
– Use dividers or sections to separate types of hanging clothes. Color code with paint or ribbons.
Shelves & Stacking Units
Key tips for shelves and stacking units:
– Fold garments using efficient space-saving techniques – e.g. file folding for t-shirts.
– Use bins, baskets or dividers to compartmentalize shelves. Label contents clearly.
– Stack items from most used to least used. Frequently accessed items on middle shelves. Less used items higher or lower.
– Store one type of item per basket/bin. Group bins logically.
– Maximize vertical space by using shelves from floor to ceiling.
– Use see-through bins and baskets to easily identify contents.
Shoes
Strategies for an organized shoe storage system:
– Store shoes in their original boxes to protect shape and reduce dust. But label carefully if boxes will be stacked.
– Use over the door clear shoe bags for quick access and to save space. Hang the most used shoes at eye level.
– Install shelving for shoes at appropriate heights and depths. Prioritize visible pairs you wear often.
– Use a freestanding shoe rack for entryway storage. Choose height appropriate to make putting on/taking off shoes easy.
– Store shoes off-season shoes under beds, on closet floors or other out of the way spaces in lidded bins.
Accessories
Tips for arranging accessories:
– Use hooks on walls or over door storage for easy access to frequently worn items like belts, scarves, hats, etc.
– Install shallow shelves or wall mounted units with dividers to store and display jewelry.
– Use hanging shelves, wall hooks or over door storage for purses. Arrange by color and style.
– Store items like hair accessories, gloves, etc. in bins, baskets or trays on shelves with dividers. Label clearly.
– Keep an accessories bin near the entryway for items to grab on your way out the door.
Seasonal Clothes Storage
To keep closets from getting cluttered, properly store off-season clothing:
– Use lidded plastic bins or wardrobe boxes to protect garments from dust, bugs, mildew, etc.
– Label bins clearly with the contents and size or season. Store like items together.
– Maximize closet floor space, under bed storage or shelf space for off-season bins. But keep them accessible enough to rotate clothing.
– Only store properly cleaned garments. Wash or dry clean clothes before switching seasons.
– Use cedar blocks/sachets in bins to keep closets and clothes smelling fresh.
– Take inventory when switching seasonal wardrobe and donate unused items.
Additional Closet Organization Tips
Some additional pointers for a streamlined closet:
– Install lighting inside and outside the closet to easily see contents.
– Mount a full length mirror on the closet door for head to toe checking.
– Incorporate custom drawers, cabinets and other built-ins to maximize unused nooks and crannies.
– Keep a donations bin inside the closet to easily weed out unwanted items all year round.
– Use matching hangers to create uniformity and a cleaner look.
– Keep cleaning supplies like vacuum, duster, etc. in or near closet for quick touch ups.
– Maintain your system! Don’t allow disorganization to creep back in over time.
Conclusion
Organizing your closet is an ongoing process, not a one-time project. By incorporating some of these tips that suit your space and needs, you can create a closet system that maximizes space and keeps your most needed items handy. Arrange clothing and accessories from most utilized to least utilized. Use bins, baskets and dividers to compartmentalize. Make seasonal swap outs part of your routine. Maintain and tweak your system over time. An organized closet not only looks great, but also saves time, reduces stress and makes getting ready a breeze.