How to Organize Your Closet in 6 Easy Steps

Say goodbye to closet chaos and hello to a streamlined, functional space.

Taking the time to organize your closet may feel overwhelming, but you can easily nail the task in a weekend—and the return on your efforts pays off in spades. An organized closet doesn’t just look good. It saves you from the chaos of frantically searching for that dress or accessory at the last minute, and even prevents you from spending excess money (no more buying duplicates or pieces you don't actually need).

Just follow this simple step-by-step guide on how to organize your closet and you'll be well on your way to a stress-free, streamlined space in no time.

Related: 6 Expert-Approved Tips for Organizing a Deep Closet

Organizing Your Closet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these six steps, and you'll have a clean, organized closet—that you can maintain moving forward—in no time at all.

Step 1: Pull Everything Out of the Closet

The phrase "it gets worse before it gets better" is one you'll want to repeat as you tackle the first step of organizing your closet, which involves removing and evaluating every single item, which can make it feel like you're working backwards. Trust us, though—this step is critical. "The very first thing you need to do when you start to organize your closet is take everything out of the space," says Ashley Murphy, organizing expert and co-founder of NEAT Method.

This helps you get a clear visual of the area and account for everything you have, making it easier to go through your items.

Step 2: Create Toss, Keep, and Donate Piles

Create a pile for items you want to keep, items you plan to donate, and items that aren't fixable and need to be thrown out or repurposed. Murphy suggests letting go of "items you have not worn in the last year, are damaged, or no longer fit well," prioritizing sustainability at all times. "We always suggest consigning or donating before throwing anything away," she says.

Still not sure what to let go of? Lisa Adams, a professional organizer who specializes in closets, offers this advice: "I like to use the five outfit rule for keeping something: If you can make five outfits with the clothing item, and will wear it, then keep it." Enlist help from an impartial friend if you need some support. 

Step 3: Sort Everything by Category

Once you're clear on the clothes and accessories you're keeping, Murphy says to sort them into categories based on likeness (like shoes, undergarments, swimwear, workout gear, etc.). Sorting is non-negotiable, since it helps you determine how many items you have in each category. This gives you a better idea of where everything will go once you start putting things back in the closet.

Tips

Make a category for sentimental items that you no longer wear. You can place these in a see-through bin stored on a shelf. This allows you to see the items when you open your closet, but still allows your closet to remain a functional space full of items you actually wear.

Step 4: Count and Measure Everything

Now it's time to take your inventory. Adams says to count and measure everything that you own and plan to keep, including the number of each item in every category, shoe heights, hat widths, and so on.

With nothing in your closet, also take time to measure how much hanging, drawer, and shelf space you have. You can also measure the height of the hanging rods. If this feels overwhelming, then at a minimum, measure the width, height, and depth of your closet shelves and drawers.

Step 5: Set Your Closet Up

Now that you have your inventory and measurements, you can lower or raise hanging rod heights and shoe shelves (if they are adjustable). "We often forget that we can move shelves and hanging rods in our closet," Adams says.

Also place any purchased bins and baskets, dressers, trays, or other storage solutions into your closet. (Measuring the space beforehand will ensure everything fits just right!)

Related: Our Best Storage and Organization Ideas

Step 6: Put Everything Back

Now, the moment you've been waiting for: putting your closet back together again. As you arrange your pieces, consider which items you wear regularly and store those in easy-to-reach places. For items you use less frequently, Murphy says to set those "in harder-to-reach places, like a top shelf or back corner."

"Based on your closet inventory and closet design, you can organize or style your closet based on the item type, color, formality, and designer," Adams says. "Whatever the system is that works best for you, use it and keep it up."

Related: Hang or Fold? Here's the Best Way to Sort and Store All of Your Clothes

How to Maximize Your Closet Space

Some closets are bigger than others. If you need to make the most of every square inch, give these space-expanding ideas a try.

• Use baskets and bins: These items allow you to compartmentalize items so they're easier to find. For example, you can have baskets for fitness apparel or beachwear, and clear bins for seasonal sweaters or boots.

• Buy matching hangers: To create more space, focus on your hangers. "The number-one way to create more space in your closet and provide a uniform look is to swap out your hangers for a matching slimline version," says Marissa Hagmeyer, co-founder of NEAT Method.

• Put your dresser inside: Maximize the negative space beneath your clothes by placing your dresser inside the closet, situating it just below hung items—which will also save you space in your bedroom.

• Use trays for accessories: Small accessories—like jewelry and watches—can become disorganized quickly. Small organizational trays ensure these items don't get lost in the shuffle.

Related: How to Organize a Linen Closet in 6 Easy Steps

Tips for Maintaining an Organized Closet

Now that you've done the work, you want to ensure you can maintain the result. Stick to these tips to ensure your closet stays organized long-term.

Make the Space Work for You

Don't feel beholden to the way you set things up in your closet the first time. "Make it work for you," says Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space. "Remember that closet organization is fluid—it isn't written in stone."

Label Items

Label items so you know where things go, which makes finding and putting them back a breeze.

Related: How to Organize Your Baby's Closet

Routinely Edit and Tidy

Tidy up your closet at least once per week, using this time to re-hang or re-fold items or put items back in their place. "I also like to edit almost daily versus making it a seasonal or yearly, daunting chore," Adams says. "If you pull something out of the closet that doesn't fit or has a stain, then take action in the moment."

Related: 6 Expert-Approved Tips for Organizing a Deep Closet

Add a "Still Clean" Basket

Ever put on an item before an event only to say, "That’s not the look I'm going for?" Give these garments a place to go via a "still clean" basket, Duckworth advises. "That way, if you're too tired to put clothes back where they belong, you can throw them in a pretty bin and go through them at another time," she says.