23 Tips to Organize a Small Closet With Lots of Clothes

Reviewed by Katherine Picott

It's not about the size of a closet, but how you utilize it. If you love clothing and accessories but don't have the closet space for everything, it's time to reorganize.

Having a variety of storage options is a must for a small closet. Installing an organizational system is affordable and will make your closet more functional and aesthetically cleaner. That, along with smart folding techniques, helps you save space and keep track of your items.

Below, we share our favorite tips on how to maximize space and functionality in your small closet when it's stuffed with all of your favorite outfits.

Separate Folded Clothes

To help keep clothing separate and neat, add acrylic shelf dividers that blend seamlessly while keeping things organized. These dividers don't take up too much shelf space and fit with most standard shelving.

Hang Scarves on the Wall

Loose items like scarves can easily make a small closet look cluttered. To help organize, attach acrylic hooks to the closet wall or door to hang scarves or belts. This makes them easily accessible while keeping clutter off your closet floor.

Categorize Clothing

As your baby grows, so do their clothes. Adding clothing size dividers to the clothing rack will make it easier to find the right size clothing for your baby. You can buy these dividers online, or you can make your own by printing a cute pattern on paper and gluing it to the dividers.

Vertically Fold Clothing

We've all been there, rummaging through the closet dresser trying to find your favorite T-shirt. Introducing the vertical fold: vertically folding clothes allows you to see everything in the dresser and helps save space.

Use Wall Space

When we say use every inch of a small closet for storage space, we mean every inch. Use the wall to attach hooks for hanging smaller items like hats, belts, scarves, and even small purses.

Store Belts in a Drawer

If you prefer to use your wall space for other loose items, a drawer is a convenient place to store your belts. Drawer dividers like this one will keep all your belts separated and easy to find.

Tip

Rolling your belts will prevent damage and allow you to store multiple belts in one drawer.

Add a Dresser to Your Closet

Adding a small dresser or a closet system with drawers will provide more ways for you to organize your clothing. Use the vertical folding method to save space and keep all your favorite shirts visible.

Install a Closet System

A modular closet system is a budget-friendly way to organize a small closet. These systems provide a variety of ways to store clothes, from clothing racks to pull-out drawers.

Add a Variety of Storage Options

To make the most of a small closet, it needs to be functional. Organizing and providing a designated place for all your clothing will increase the efficiency of your closet. Add a variety of storage options like shelving, storage baskets and matching hangers that will add a clean, clutter-free look.

Don't Forget the Door

Your closet door is a vertical space you should use, especially when your closet is small. You can shop a variety of door organizers, including this one with mesh baskets to store baby essentials and other small items.

Add Drawer Dividers

We love the vertical fold because of how much space it saves, and it allows you to see everything in your closet. Adding acrylic drawer dividers will help keep your drawers organized by separating the rows of folded clothing.

Store Shoes in a Basket

Flat shoes don't take up too much space, but several of them in your closet can make it look cluttered. Keep them all in one place with a storage basket you can place on a shelf or even the floor of your closet.

Try the Rolling Method

The rolling method works great for smaller clothing items and accessories. This dresser drawer holds multiple shirts with the rolling method and you can easily access every item.

Place Handbags on Hangers

Handbags take up a lot of precious storage space. Storage baskets and bins aren't great for handbags because they can mishape or damage your handbags. Instead, use handbag hangers so they keep their shape and help make your closet look less cluttered.

Hang Those Hats

Other items you don't want to store in bins are hats, and hat boxes aren't ideal for small closets. Your closet wall and the back of your closet door are the perfect places to hang large and small hats to keep them out of the way, safe from damage, and they double as a design element in the space.

Add Color

Storage containers help declutter your closet, but it's also a way to have fun with color and patterns. These storage baskets bring a colorful look to this girl's closet while keeping small items organized and out of sight.

A Minimal Look

If you're going for a minimalistic look, pick matching storage baskets in muted colors. The look is clean and simple yet functional.

Label Plastic Bins

Plastic bins are a great way to conceal items that make your closet look cluttered, but they have one downside - it's difficult to find the items you need. This is where labels come in handy. Label plastic bins so you aren't guessing where you stored your track uniform.

Store Bulky Clothing on Shelves

Certain pieces of clothing like knit sweaters can stretch out and look bulky if you hang them. It's best to fold these types of clothing on shelving to avoid damaging them and to save space on your closet rack. Add shelf dividers to help keep things in their designated spots. To really amp up the neat factor, use folding boards for that crisp, clean look.

Choose a Clear Shoe Organizer

This closet may be small, but every inch of it is organized and efficient. The clear over-the-door shoe organizer makes great use of the vertical space while keeping shoes visible and protected.

Give Every Shelf a Purpose

If your closet comes with built-in shelving, use that to your advantage. But shelves aren't just for sweaters. Though this closet features large shelves for storing thick sweaters, there is a small shelf above the mirror that makes the perfect spot for clutches and small bags.

Pay Attention to Arrangement

Sometimes a clutter free closet is all in how you arrange it. Hang clothes according to clothing type, from long sleeve sweaters, to short-sleeve shirts or color coordinate them. Store all folded sweaters on one shelf, pants on another and shoes and small accessories together for a clean look that resembles your favorite store.

Roll Your Ties

Drawers and draw dividers can be used for more than just belts. If you have more ties than you can count, it may be cluttering your closet. Store all your favorite ties using the rolling method and drawer dividers to keep them tidy and in good shape.

Use Budget-Friendly Storage Options

You can completely organize your small closet even on a budget. Fabric organizers like over-the-door shoe organizers, collapsible storage bins, and wire baskets make great storage solutions when you're working with a budget.

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Read the original article on The Spruce.