The Ultimate Guide to Closet Organization

1. Declutter Your Closet First

Before organizing, reduce what you own. The average person wears only 20% of their wardrobe regularly. Use these criteria to decide what stays:

• Does it fit? - If not, donate or tailor it
• Have you worn it in the past year? - If no, let it go
• Is it damaged? - Repair or replace
• Does it match your current style? - Keep only what you love
• Do you have duplicates? - Keep the best one

2. Organize by Category

Group similar items together so you can see everything you own in each category:

3. Maximize Hanging Space

Most closets waste vertical space. Here's how to double your hanging capacity:

Double Hang Rods

Add a second rod below for shirts, skirts, and folded pants. Standard heights:

• Upper rod: 80-84 inches from floor
• Lower rod: 40-42 inches from floor
• Single rod (for dresses): 66-72 inches from floor

Matching Hangers

Switching to uniform hangers instantly makes your closet look organized:

• Velvet hangers: Slim, non-slip, space-saving (best for most closets)
• Wood hangers: Best for suits and heavy coats
• Plastic tubular: Budget option, but takes more space

4. Shelf Organization

Shelves are perfect for folded items, but they can quickly become messy. Use these tools:

• Shelf dividers: Keep stacks of sweaters from toppling
• Fabric bins: Corral small items and hide clutter
• Clear containers: See contents at a glance
• Drawer units: Add drawers to open shelving

5. Shoe Storage Solutions

The average woman owns 19 pairs of shoes; the average man owns 12. Here's where to put them:

• Floor shoe racks: Best for everyday shoes you wear often
• Over-door organizers: Great for flats and sandals
• Clear shoe boxes: Protect and display nice shoes
• Hanging shoe organizers: Maximize vertical space
• Under-bed storage: Perfect for off-season shoes

6. Accessories & Jewelry

Small items need dedicated storage to prevent tangling and loss:

• Belt hangers: Circular or pull-out styles
• Tie racks: Motorized or stationary
• Scarf hangers: Multi-loop designs
• Jewelry trays: Velvet-lined drawer inserts
• Hooks: For bags and hats on closet walls

7. Small Closet Strategies

Limited space requires creative solutions:

• Use the door: Over-door organizers for shoes, accessories, or cleaning supplies
• Go vertical: Stack to the ceiling with a step stool for access
• Slim hangers: Velvet hangers save 50% more space than plastic
• Seasonal rotation: Store off-season clothes elsewhere
• Declutter ruthlessly: Small closets demand minimal wardrobes

8. Closet System Options

If you want a complete closet makeover, here are your options:

DIY Wire Systems

Cost: $100-300 | Best for: Budget-conscious, renters

Brands like ClosetMaid and Rubbermaid offer affordable, adjustable wire shelving you can install yourself.

Modular Wood Systems

Cost: $500-2,000 | Best for: Homeowners wanting a custom look

IKEA PAX, Elfa, and similar systems offer a high-end look at mid-range prices.

Custom Closets

Cost: $2,000-10,000+ | Best for: Luxury homes, complex spaces

California Closets, Closet Factory, and local custom shops design and install to your exact specifications.