15 Clothes Storage Ideas That Will Transform Your Closet and Drawers

Find a home for all of your garments with these expert-approved storage solutions.

Whether you have an abundance of clothing or you're short on closet space, running out of room for your things can be frustrating. A lack of storage can make everything from doing laundry to getting dressed each day feel like a struggle, which often leads to clothes strewn about your room or left in hampers. While a complete closet renovation may be impractical, there are plenty of simple adjustments you can make to maximize your home's clothes storage.

Meet the Expert

• Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space

• Briana and Erica Spruille, professional organizers and founders of Just Be LLC

• Carly Adams, professional organizer and founder of Tidy Revival

Related: How to Organize Your Closet in 6 Easy Steps

Use Drawer Dividers for Socks

Maximize drawer storage by using dividers for your socks. "Use drawer dividers and separate your socks by solid colors, patterns, dress, or athletic socks," says Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space.

Related: How to Fold Your Socks the Right Way—and Why You Shouldn't Bundle Them

Try Space-Saving Hangers

Maximize closet space by using hangers that are designed to hold more than one item at a time. These take up the same space as a single hanger by storing the garments more vertically.

Related: 10 Small Closet Organization Ideas That Make the Most of Your Storage Space

Get Some Plastic Bins

If you're low on drawer space, bins are another creative alternative to dividers for socks or other small items. "I also like to use clear plastic organizational shallow drawer bins, as that way you can see all of the socks, and they are neatly packed into their designated spaces." With a clear line of sight, these totes make a great way to store all kinds of smaller garments and accessories without worrying that something will get lost at the bottom or back of the box.

Use an Over-the-Door Rack

The nice thing about over-the-door racks is that they can be moved from door to door, depending on your needs. "I love using the over-the-door racks in any room of the house," says Duckworth. "In the bedroom, you can use them for everything from shoes to hats to scarves and even wallets, bags, and swimwear."

Utilize Rolling Carts

If you have deep closets, a garment or utility cart is a great way to keep your clothing organized. Wheel the cart to the back of your closet when it's not in use, then pull it out when you need to grab something. This gives you a clearer view of your clothes than you'd have if they were tucked all the way in the back of your closet.

Turn to Vacuum Sealed Bags

Try vacuum-sealed bags to store bulky out-of-season clothes and shoes. "There are a lot of benefits for storing clothing in vacuum bags under the bed," says Briana and Erica Spruille, professional organizers and founders of Just Be LLC. "Firstly, it maximizes storage space in smaller bedrooms while keeping clothes easily accessible. Secondly, the airtight seal provided by these bags protects clothing from dust, moisture, and pests, preserving their freshness and quality."

Repurpose Your Furniture

Your clothing storage options aren't limited to those designed strictly for clothes. Sometimes, your nightstand can double as a place to keep some of your smaller garments (think socks and underwear), freeing up your dresser for those bigger ticket items like pants and sweaters.

Mount Some Wall Hooks

Use decorative wall hooks at entry and exit points to keep bags and jackets from piling up on the floor. "By encouraging family members to hang up their bags, jackets, and keys, these hooks help maintain an organized environment," the Spruilles say. "This simple practice not only keeps floors clear, but also adds a touch of functional décor to your home, promoting tidiness and quick access to essentials as you head out or come in."

As an added bonus, you can also use these hooks for clothing you'll wear again soon, but don't necessarily need to put back into the closet or drawer.

Make Use of Shelving

Hang additional shelves in your room or closet to store an overflow of clothes, accessories, and even shoes. "If you're storing on shelves, I highly recommend folding your clothing in stacks no higher than three to five," says Carly Adams, professional organizer and founder of Tidy Revival. "This way, it will be easy to grab what you need without knocking over your whole collection."

Embrace Open-Air Bins

If your shelves aren't height-adjustable, stackable open-faced bins can give you the extra support you need to create a taller system, says Adams. These will allow you to customize your space by placing them on your existing shelving, giving you some of the same benefits of adjustable shelves without requiring you to completely overhaul your space.

Put Some Baskets to Work

Corral miscellaneous items, like sheets and comforters, into baskets to free up valuable shelf space. Or use them as a safe-keeping place for your out-of-season sweaters. Choosing baskets that complement your home's décor is an aesthetically pleasing way to store items that were previously kept on display.

Try Closet Rod Hooks

Closet rod hooks have various uses when it comes to storing clothes and accessories. "I have clients who store bags on them, but you can also use them to store items that can hang, like multiple tank tops, backpacks, and even recyclable grocery bags," says Duckworth. As an added bonus, you can also use rod hooks to put lightweight items into a bag and hang them on the hooks, like lingerie or baseball caps, saving you even more space in the process.

Go High With Stackable Organizers

Place items you don't use on a daily basis in stackable organizers. "I like to use stackable organizers for winter items, like gloves, hats, and scarves. It keeps them organized and you can see everything clearly," says Duckworth.

Put Shoe Racks to Good Use

Shoe racks can be used for storing more than just your shoe collection. In your bedroom, for example, you can use them to keep socks organized, lingerie together, and accessories where you can see them.

Related: The Best Way to Organize Your Shoes

Use Vacant Suitcases and Tote Bags

Don't be afraid to put your suitcases and bags to use while they are in between trips. "I love using unused suitcases and totes to store items," says Duckworth. More seasonal clothing, sports jerseys, baby clothes, spare sheets, and more items you don't often reach for out of your closet and into unused bags.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.