35 Top Organization Closet Strategies for Streamlined Style and Function
By Keli Jakel, professional home organizer at Organized by Keli in Denver, Colorado.
Struggling with a cluttered closet? Discover streamlined strategies that simplify organization and enhance functionality with an organization closet. From tailored tips to smart storage solutions, this guide unlocks the potential of your closet with LOTS of closet organization ideas — let’s bring order to your wardrobe.
Key Takeaways
Maximizing closet space is crucial and can be achieved through adjustable rods and shelves, which allow for a dynamic, customizable storage that adapts to changing wardrobe needs.
Regular decluttering is essential for a manageable closet, with strategies like clothing swap parties offering a creative way to refresh your wardrobe while discarding unwanted items.
Employing organization techniques such as grouping clothes by category and color, using efficient hanger solutions, and adopting smart storage options transforms the closet into an easily accessible and aesthetically pleasing space.
Maximize Your Closet Space
Starting your journey to a well-organized closet involves making full use of existing resources. A common mistake many of us make is not utilizing the full potential of our space. Installing adjustable closet rods is an effective way to use the height in a closet, allowing for adjustments as your wardrobe changes over time. Simply adding a second closet rod below the present one or varying hanging rail heights can easily double the hanging space for clothes such as shirts and shorts.
For a more flexible storage solution, consider equipping your closets with adjustable closet shelves. These can be created with perfectly aligned holes and built compartments at a standard width to make shelves and rods interchangeable. This not only provides one of the best closet organization ideas but also brings flexibility to adapt to your evolving wardrobe needs. Remember, your closet is a dynamic space that should accommodate your changing fashion preferences, and using adjustable rods and shelves is a step in the right direction.
The Art of Decluttering
Now, with the closet space maximized, it’s time to tackle the looming issue: clutter. Decluttering is an indispensable part of any closet organization process. Minimizing the volume of items to manage makes the organizing process less daunting. A simple rule of thumb is to keep only items that make you feel great when you wear them. If an item doesn’t spark joy, consider letting it go.
But what to do with the clothes you decide to part ways with? Well, how about a clothing swap party? Inviting friends to exchange clothes they no longer want not only helps you declutter, but it’s also an enjoyable way to refresh your wardrobe. To enhance the experience, consider using a rolling clothing rack to display clothes, turning your decluttering process into a delightful ‘shopping’ experience.
The art of decluttering, when done right, can reinvent your space and make the organizing process a breeze.
Organize by Category and Color
Armed with a decluttered closet, we can now delve deeper into the details of organization. A great place to start is by grouping your clothing into separate categories such as:
skirts
pants
sweaters
blouses
jeans
This enhances the efficiency and organization of your closet, making it easier to find what you’re looking for. But why stop there? Let’s add a splash of color to the mix.
Within each clothing category, consider using a color coordination system like the rainbow order (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet) followed by neutrals and black for a structured look. Organize patterned items with multiple colors in a separate ‘patterned section’ or with the predominant color in the pattern to maintain a coherent color scheme. Position the most frequently worn color blocks, like black or white, at the front of the lineup to facilitate easy access. This will result in an organized and visually appealing closet that’s a dream to navigate.
Efficient Hanger Solutions
Having maximized the closet space, decluttered the clothes, and sorted them by category and color, the next step involves hanging our clothes efficiently. Choosing the right hangers can make a world of difference in maintaining an organized and functional closet. For delicate clothing, opt for fabric, satin, or velvet hangers. These are padded to care for delicate clothing, while strong wooden hangers are optimal for supporting jackets and coats without creases.
Shirt hangers and suit hangers, with their overall structure and notches to prevent slips, organize jackets, vests, and hanging pants together. Single bar hangers make hanging and removing pants straightforward, while multi-bar pant hangers enable hanging several pairs together efficiently. Specialty hangers for pants, ties, belts, and scarves ensure each item is stored properly and is easy to use. Moreover, color-coding hangers can streamline closet organization, and investing in matching hangers creates a pleasing uniform look that assists in maintaining order. After all, each item in your wardrobe deserves its own special place.
Smart Storage Options
Having optimized our hangers, the next focus is the rest of the closet. This brings us to the introduction of smart storage options. Here are some suggestions:
Opt for foldable fabric storage bins with reinforced handles for organizing items in various spaces
Implement clear stacking boxes for jewelry to maximize the use of vertical space
Make use of clear, labeled bins for shoe storage for quick identification
Add customizable clear acrylic dividers for items like clutch bags to maintain an orderly and elegant closet space.
Install over-the-door organizers and pegboard panels to neatly arrange small items and craft supplies, using labeled pockets and hooks for easy access. Use stackable storage bins for items like seasonal clothing or bedding, labeled accordingly. Incorporate modular shelving units to display decorative items while offering extra storage space. Creative shoe storage solutions like:
bookshelves
standing racks with drop front boxes
slim drawers
floating shelves
Transforming your shoe collection display can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of your space.
By utilizing these smart closet storage options, you can create a closet that’s as functional as it is stylish.
Accessorize with Style
A well-organized and functional closet need not be mundane. Now, let’s infuse some style with closet accessories! Utilize different styles of clothing racks and hooks, such as hair accessories, to add flair to your space:
a minimalist Scandinavian coat and hat rack
leather and wood peg hooks
brass double wall hooks
a vintage wall rack
a farmhouse hat rack for storing and displaying hats
These not only serve as functional storage but also contribute to the decor.
Install practical solutions within personal areas using items like a black peg rack, a simple peg rack, or a high-back chair that doubles as a hat rack, offering convenience and streamlined organization. Maximize shoe storage on shelves by alternating the direction of shoes heel to toe, or by building a wall of cubbies specifically for shoe organization, combining aesthetic display with efficient use of space. Employ hooks and S hooks for a stylish and accessible handbag display in the closet, suitable for various bag sizes and styles.
After all, your closet should not only be practical, but it should also reflect your personal style.
Custom Closet Systems
As we continue our exploration of closet organization, custom closet systems are worth investigating. Investing in a custom closet system can offer several benefits:
Prevent the unnecessary expense of buying duplicate items
Protect clothing and accessories from damage
Use high-grade materials that surpass the durability and aesthetics of standard wire units found in many homes.
Planning a custom closet layout with the homeowner ensures the design addresses their unique needs and resolves potential storage issues. Custom closet systems utilize a range of features such as:
Hanging rods
Drawers
Shelves
Cubbies
These features help maximize storage capacity. Brands like California Closets, Closet Factory, Inspired Closets, The Container Store, and EasyClosets offer various custom closet systems with different designs and installation services.
Although the cost of custom closet systems can range from $3,000 to over $50,000, depending on the complexity and extravagance of the design, the end result is a closet that’s tailor-made to cater to your unique needs and preferences.
Lighting Matters
Now, with the closet customized, it’s time to literally shed some light on it. The right lighting in a closet is essential for distinguishing colors and creating a well-lit environment which is inviting and functional. LED strip lights offer bright and energy-efficient illumination under shelves or around closets, while battery-powered LED lights are convenient as they are motion-activated and do not require wiring.
Motion sensor lighting simplifies finding items by automatically turning on when someone enters the closet, offering energy savings and ease of use. In cramped closets, recessed lights can make it easier to find items and are suggested to have 20 to 30 lumens per square foot for sufficient lighting. Effective lighting solutions for your closet include:
Chandeliers
Pendant lights
Under-cabinet lighting
Natural light
These lighting options can not only provide sufficient illumination but also add a touch of luxury and create a cozy atmosphere in your closet.
By choosing the right lighting, you don’t just illuminate your closet - you illuminate your style.
Utilizing Door and Wall Space
With the closet now well-lit and organized, let’s aim for maximum efficiency by utilizing every available space, beginning with the door and wall. Here are some ideas:
Install over-the-door hooks to keep daily items vertically placed for easy access.
Use customizable rack organizers for small purses and fabric care items.
Use over-the-door shoe organizers to store not just shoes but also small accessories, beauty products, and electronics.
These ideas make excellent use of door space and help maximize storage in your closet.
Maximize wall space by installing hooks and shelves to hang hats, bags, and jewelry, clearing shelf space for other items. Floating shelves can be mounted at various heights to take advantage of awkward spaces such as behind doors, under windows, or slanted ceilings. For closets where the door restricts access or organization, consider removing the door and using a curtain to cover the space for ease of use and a more open feel.
By utilizing door and wall space effectively, you’ll be surprised at how much extra storage you can create in your closet to maximize space.
Small Closet Solutions
Although we’ve discussed extensively about organizing larger closets, small closets should not be overlooked. Small spaces can pose a unique set of challenges, but with the right strategies, you can optimize even the tiniest closet.
Install adjustable shelving such as freestanding units that reach the ceiling to fully utilize vertical space. Consider vertical shoe storage solutions, like stacking shoe shelves or shoe risers, to increase capacity and ease of access.
Add multipurpose shelves on any available wall space, including slanted walls, to create additional storage areas. Utilize a short dresser within the closet to act as storage and a display surface, capitalizing on available space efficiently.
Using dividers and organizing accessories can keep clothes separated by type or size, and incorporating fun, bright colors, or themed storage bins can make the organizational process more enjoyable for children. With these small closet solutions, you’ll soon realize that size doesn’t matter when it comes to having a functional closet.
Walk-In Closet Design Ideas
For those lucky enough to possess a walk-in closet, there’s a world of endless opportunities for customization and organization. Here are some ideas to consider:
Consider a bold paint color or an unexpected wallpaper to personalize the wall of the closet
Use neutral colors and hardware-free drawers for a modern look
Create a cohesive atmosphere with coordinating wall fabrics
Enhance the closet’s utility with closet islands offering drawers for accessories, a convenient beverage station for indulgence, a rotating storage system with a hidden mirror, and an elegant vanity setup for organizing essentials. Introduce comfort into the closet with a bench for relaxation, seating areas like an ottoman or chair for dressing, and carpeting for a warm underfoot feel especially in cold mornings.
Optimize the closet lighting with skylights, a statement chandelier, or overhead recessed lighting combined with a full-length mirror or a three-paneled mirror to enhance outfit viewing and space perception. With these design ideas, your closet won’t just be a place to store clothes, but a personal sanctuary that reflects your unique sense of style.
Seasonal Closet Swaps
Your closet should evolve with the changing seasons. Regularly rotating your closet ensures that current-season items are readily accessible, making your day-to-day dressing routine a breeze. Under-the-bed bins and stacked open-front bins utilize underutilized areas and make it easy to separate clothes by season.
Using woven baskets and fabric bins on top shelves and installing a high shelf in your closet keeps unseasonal items out of sight but within reach. For the best visibility and protection of off-season clothing, use clear plastic storage containers with secure lids and label them appropriately.
Approach closet swapping as a manageable task, dedicating a couple of hours and integrating entertainment, such as music or audiobooks, to enhance the experience. By adopting a routine for seasonal closet swaps, you’ll not only have a well-organized closet year-round but also a closet that’s always fresh and in tune with the season.
Kid-Friendly Closet Organization Ideas
As a parent, you might find the task of keeping a child’s bedroom and especially their closet tidy quite challenging. But fear not, as there are ways to design a kid-friendly closet that’s both fun and functional. Adjustable hanging rods and shelving that can be moved or expanded are essential for a child-friendly closet to adapt to their growth and changing wardrobe needs.
Closets with lower rods and hangers positioned at an appropriate height allow children easy access to organize and select their clothes independently. Customized storage options like drawers, cubbies, and bins tailored for children along with big, bold labels aid in keeping closets tidy and accessible. Personalized touches, such as themed hooks or baskets and color-coordinated containers, foster a child’s involvement in and enjoyment of maintaining a functional closet.
With these kid-friendly closet organization tips, you’ll empower your children to take ownership of their space, teaching them valuable organizational skills along the way.
Quick Closet Fixes
Even the neatest closets can occasionally get disorganized. Hence, having some quick solutions at hand to maintain order and prevent clutter is crucial. Here are some tips to help you keep your closet organized:
Use inserts or dividers to keep drawers in a closet tidy, allowing for a clearer view and better categorization of contents.
Add shelf dividers to keep top shelves orderly.
Utilize closet dividers to categorize clothes by type and season for easy retrieval.
These simple solutions will help you maintain a well-organized closet.
Attach a specialized trash can to the back of the door with hooks or heavy-duty adhesive for an unobtrusive storage of tall, slender items. By implementing these quick fixes, you’ll be able to maintain a streamlined, tidy closet, even on those hectic days when life gets in the way.
Maintaining an Organized Closet
We’ve made significant progress on the journey to an organized closet. However, the secret to sustaining this order is the establishment of routines. Spending just five minutes each evening to tidy up the closet, such as hanging clothes and organizing shoes, can maintain its neatness. Designating a regular day, like ‘Put-Away-Friday,’ encourages a routine for organizing and storing items away.
Proactive steps like using bins labeled ‘Donate’ and ‘Toss’ facilitates easier future decluttering efforts. Add a ‘Donate’ bin and a trash can inside the closet to encourage regular sorting and immediate disposal of unneeded items. Use labels to easily identify the contents of bins, drawers, and shelves, helping to keep the organization system maintained.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to create an tidy closet, but to maintain it. Be realistic about your needs and avoid accumulating unnecessary items. Understand that an unworn piece, whether it hangs in your closet or someone else’s, is still clutter. Stick to the ‘one in, one out’ rule to manage the quantity of items in the closet, donating an old item with each new purchase.
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to maintaining a streamlined and functional closet that will serve you well for years to come.
Summary of Best Closet Organization Ideas
As we conclude our journey, let’s take a moment to reflect on the key points we’ve covered. We’ve learned that transforming a chaotic closet into a streamlined, functional space is possible with the right strategies. From maximizing your space with adjustable rods and shelves to maintaining your closet with regular tidying routines, the journey to an organized closet is a rewarding one.
Remember, your closet is a dynamic space that should adapt to your evolving fashion preferences. Whether it’s a small closet that’s bursting at the seams or a walk-in closet that’s become a dumping ground, you can breathe new life into it with a bit of organization and creativity. So, go ahead and transform that cluttered closet into a stylish space that not only stores your clothes but also reflects your unique sense of style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a closet system?
A custom closet system can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000, but the average price for most customers falls between $3,500 to $5,000, depending on the size and customizations.
How do you install a closet organizer?
To install a closet organizer, first, fasten cleats to the wall, then add hanging rods and adjustable shelves. Alternatively, choose the right closet kit, add accessories as needed, and follow steps to hang uprights, add brackets and shelves, and place clothing rods and accessories.
How long does it take to install a closet organizer?
It typically takes just one day to install a custom closet or organization solution once the design and accessories have been chosen.
How can I maximize my closet space?
Maximize your closet space by using adjustable closet rods, shelves, and compartments, as they optimize vertical space and adapt to your changing wardrobe needs.
What are some efficient hanger solutions?
Choose fabric, satin, or velvet hangers for delicate clothing, strong wooden hangers for jackets and coats, and specialty hangers for different types of clothing and accessories to find efficient hanger solutions.
Keli Jakel At Organized by Keli & Co we have a dedicated team that specializes in managing moves and providing comprehensive home decluttering and refreshing services, based in Denver, Colorado. We understand that many busy clients simply don't have the time or energy to get organized!
