Introduction
Small closet organization ideas can turn a crowded closet into a space where you can actually find what you need. When every inch counts, a few smart changes, like open shelving, labeled bins and drawers, can make a big difference without a remodel. In this guide, you’ll find seven ideas to try, plus a safety tip for tall shelves and drawer units.
Small Closet Organization Ideas to Try
You don’t need to use every one of these small closet organization ideas. Pick the two or three that fix your biggest frustration, whether that is lost items, piles on the floor or a crowded rod.
Create An Open Closet
If you are a master at organization, an open closet can help you display your everyday essentials as works of art. Small closet solutions such as a free-standing bookshelf can put your nightwear or the books you are currently reading on display.
An open closet is one of the simplest small closet organization ideas if you like to keep things tidy and in sight.
Make A DIY Closet Organizer
Impart a complete makeover to your small closets without blowing up the budget by using lidless bins to store your items. Get the ones with handles so that you can carry them easily out of the closet for hassle-free cleanups.
Lidless bins are budget-friendly small closet organization ideas that you can set up in a few minutes.
Use Storage Containers
If you find it difficult to find items, then labeled storage containers can come to your rescue. This is an excellent way of organizing loose items you might require randomly.
Add Drawers Between Clothes Racks
If you have limited storage space, then adding a closet system with drawers can be an excellent alternative to a full-fledged dresser. This is perfect for keeping small items and accessories organized while nailing a decluttered look. Drawers between hanging rods are small closet organization ideas that can replace a bulky dresser, so measure first and leave room for the drawers to open.
Use a Hanging Organizer
If you are a shopaholic who is guilty of buying handbags now and then, then you can add hangers to your small closets to store the bags neatly. These hangers are perfect for storing multiple handbags in a limited space while preventing the bags from getting creased.
Install a Modular System
Did you know that a combination of shelves and pull-out drawers are excellent closet ideas for small closets? Talk to your designer or seek inspiration from countless ideas available on different Pinterest boards to store your accessories and other small items easily.
Store Shoes
If your closet has floor space, then it can be the ideal space for storing items that you keep on the floor such as your shoes. But make sure to clean your shoes before storage so that your closet doesn’t get untidy on the whole.
When it comes to shoes, one of the easiest small closet organization ideas is to use the floor space or an over-the-door rack. Make sure shoes are dry and clean before they go in, because damp items in a closed closet can lead to musty smells and mold.
How to Organize a Small Closet Step by Step
If you are not sure where to begin, these small closet organization ideas work best when you follow a simple order. Set aside an hour or two, put on some music and work through the steps below.
- Empty the closet completely. Take everything out so you can see what you own, and wipe down the shelves, rod and floor.
- Sort everything into three piles: keep, donate and throw away. Be honest about what you have not worn or used in the past year, and donate clothes and accessories that are still in good condition.
- Measure the space. Write down the width, height and depth of the closet and the length of the rod before you buy bins, hangers or shelves, so nothing you buy turns out to be the wrong size.
- Group similar items together, such as shirts, pants, handbags and shoes, so every item has a clear home.
- Use the vertical space. Add a second rod, stackable bins or wall hooks, and keep the things you use most at eye level.
- Label bins and shelves so everyone in the home can put things back in the right place.
- Check the closet every few months. A quick tidy keeps these ideas working long after the first big clean.
Once the closet is organized, a small habit makes it last: when something new comes in, let something old go out.
Conclusion
These small closet organization ideas work for almost any closet. Start with one or two, measure before you buy anything, and anchor any tall shelf or drawer unit to the wall. For more storage ideas, see our guides to pantry organization and kitchen storage.
