17 Genius Small Closet Organization Hacks You Need In Your Life
Last Updated on 11/06/2024 by Nell Marie
Having a small bedroom closet can feel like a never-ending battle against clutter and chaos.
It’s easy to get frustrated when it seems like there’s never enough room for all your clothes, shoes, and accessories.
But fear not!
With a little creativity and some clever organizing hacks, you can turn even the tiniest closet into a neat and efficient space.
Let’s explore some simple tips and tricks to overcome the challenges of a small closet, making it a joy to use every day.
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Small Closet FAQ’s
Q: How can I maximize the space in my small closet?
A: Use slim hangers, add shelves, and install hooks and over-the-door organizers. Think vertical—use all that wall space!
Q: What should I do with seasonal clothes?
A: Pack them away in under-bed storage bins or use vacuum-sealed bags. This frees up closet space for your current wardrobe.
Q: How do I keep shoes organized in a small closet?
A: Use a shoe rack, stackable shoe shelves, or hanging shoe organizers. Clear boxes can also help keep shoes visible and tidy.
Q: Any tips for organizing accessories?
A: Hooks, baskets, and drawer dividers are your best friends. Over-the-door organizers are great for scarves, belts, and jewelry.
Q: How can I keep my closet looking neat?
A: Label everything! Bins, shelves, and boxes should all have labels so you know where everything goes.
Q: What about small items like socks and underwear?
A: Drawer dividers or small bins work wonders for keeping these items organized. Rolling them can also save space and reduce clutter.
Q: How do I deal with deep shelves?
A: Use clear bins or baskets to keep items contained and easily accessible. A lazy Susan can also help you reach things in the back.
Q: Any tricks for keeping outfits organized?
A: A tension rod can create extra hanging space for planning outfits. Hanging shelves are also great for storing ready-to-wear outfits.
Q: How can I use the closet door for extra storage?
A: Over-the-door organizers are perfect for shoes, accessories, or even extra toiletries. Hooks can hold bags, hats, or jewelry.
Q: What should I do if I have too many clothes?
A: Regularly declutter your closet. If you haven’t worn something in a year, consider donating or selling it to make room for items you love.
Q: How do I organize my closet on a budget?
A: Get creative with DIY solutions! Use cardboard boxes for drawer dividers, repurpose old baskets, and shop at thrift stores for storage solutions.
Q: Any tips for staying organized long-term?
A: Make a habit of putting things back where they belong and regularly reassess your storage solutions to see if they’re still working for you.
17 Small Closet Organizational Tips
1- Slim Hangers
Maximize space by using thin, uniform hangers.
These hangers take up less room than bulky wooden or padded ones, allowing you to fit more clothes on the rod.
Slim hangers also help maintain a consistent look, making your closet appear neater and more organized.
Plus, many slim hangers have a non-slip coating, which keeps your clothes from sliding off and ending up in a heap on the floor.
By switching to slim hangers, you can instantly create more space and give your closet a tidy, streamlined appearance.
Shop Amazon:
- Stainless Steel Clothes Hangers 50 pack
- Thin velvet nonsleep hangers 30 pack
- Slim Natural Wood Hangers with Extra Soft Non-Slip Rubber Grips
- Metal Gold Coat Hangers
2- Add Shelving
Install additional shelves to make use of vertical space.
By adding shelves, you can create designated spots for folded clothes, shoes, and accessories, reducing clutter on the closet floor.
Adjustable shelves are particularly useful, allowing you to customize the height based on your storage needs.
Consider placing shelves above the hanging rod for items you don’t use daily, like hats or off-season clothing.
This not only maximizes your storage capacity but also makes it easier to keep everything organized and accessible.
With the right shelving, even the smallest closet can hold a surprising amount of stuff!
Shop Amazon:
- 6-Cube Storage Organizer
- Shelf organizer plus 3 hanging rods
- 5 tier hanging basket organizers (OMG I love these!)
- Mack daddy of closet organizers
3- Over-the-Door Organizers
Hang organizers for shoes, accessories, or small items on the inside of the closet door.
These versatile organizers can feature pockets, hooks, or shelves, making them perfect for storing everything from shoes and scarves to jewelry and small bags.
By utilizing the back of the door, you free up precious shelf and floor space, ensuring every inch of your closet is put to good use.
Over-the-door organizers are also easy to install and can be moved or adjusted as your storage needs change.
They provide a convenient and accessible solution, helping to keep your closet neat and ensuring that all your essentials are within easy reach.
Shop Amazon:
- Medium Pocket Over-the-Door Hanging Shoe Organizer
- Over The Door Hanger with Coat Hooks and 2 Baskets
- Wall Mount 6 Clear Window Pocket Organizer
4- Utilize Baskets and Bins
Store smaller items like scarves, belts, and hats in labeled baskets or bins.
These containers help keep your closet organized by grouping similar items together, making it easy to find what you need quickly.
Labeled baskets or bins also add a touch of style to your closet, giving it a more cohesive and tidy appearance.
Opt for stackable or collapsible bins to maximize space and keep everything in its place.
By using baskets and bins, you can prevent small items from getting lost or cluttering up your closet, ensuring that every piece has its own designated spot.
Shop Amazon:
- Recycled Wicker Storage Basket Set of 4
- Woven Baskets for Storage Set of 3
- Large Closet Shelf Organizer with Handles Set of 6
- Large Fabric Storage Baskets for Shelves 3 Pack
5- Install Hooks for Items
Add hooks to the walls or door for bags, jewelry, or hats.
Hooks are an excellent way to utilize vertical space that might otherwise go unused, offering a simple and effective solution for keeping items off the floor and easily accessible.
You can place hooks at varying heights to accommodate different types of items, from long necklaces to bulky handbags.
This not only helps to declutter your closet but also keeps frequently used items within arm’s reach.
By incorporating hooks, you can create a more organized and visually appealing closet while making the most of every available inch of space.
Shop Amazon:
- Wall Hooks for Hanging Coats
- 10-Pack Coat Hooks Wall Hooks for Hanging
- 20LB Sturdy Hanger for Backpack, Clothes, Towels, etc.
6- Use Double Hanging Rods
Use double hanging rods to create two levels for hanging clothes.
This clever setup maximizes your closet’s vertical space by allowing you to hang shorter items like shirts and pants on the top rod, while leaving the lower rod for longer items such as dresses or coats.
Double rods are especially useful in small closets where every inch counts, and they can make a significant difference in how much you can store.
This arrangement not only helps to keep your clothes organized but also makes it easier to see and access everything you have.
Installing double hanging rods can make your closet work harder for you, creating a more efficient and functional space.
Shop Amazon:
- Tension Curtain Rod Black Tension Rod 2pcs
- Adjustable 48-inch to 72-inch Closet Rod
- Spring Tension Curtain Rods 2pcs
7- Utilize Drawer Dividers
Keep drawers neat and organized with dividers for socks, underwear, and other small items.
Drawer dividers help to separate and categorize your belongings, preventing items from getting tangled or lost.
By creating compartments within your drawers, you can quickly find what you need and maintain order with minimal effort.
This system also makes it easier to keep your drawers looking tidy and ensures that everything has a designated spot.
With drawer dividers, you can transform a cluttered drawer into an organized space, making your daily routine smoother and more efficient.
Shop Amazon:
- 5 Pack Drawer Dividers Plastic 4″ High, 11-17″
- 6 Pack Drawer Organizers for Clothes
- Dresser Drawer Organizers 6 Pack
8- Store Off-Season Clothes
Pack away seasonal clothes in under-bed storage or bins to free up closet space.
Using storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags for off-season items not only declutters your closet but also protects your clothes from dust and damage.
Under-bed storage is a great option if you have limited closet space, making use of an area that might otherwise go to waste.
Label the bins clearly so you can easily find what you need when the seasons change.
By keeping only the current season’s clothes in your closet, you can create a more organized and accessible space, making it easier to find and store your wardrobe essentials year-round.
9- Use Clear Containers
Store items in clear containers so you can easily see what’s inside.
Clear containers eliminate the guesswork, allowing you to quickly locate what you need without having to dig through opaque boxes.
They also help maintain a tidy appearance by showing you exactly what’s stored inside, which can make it easier to keep your closet organized.
Clear containers can be stacked or arranged neatly on shelves, maximizing your storage space and making it easier to access and manage your belongings.
This simple solution ensures that everything is visible and within reach, reducing the time spent searching for items.
Shop Amazon:
- X-Large Plastic Storage Bins With Lids
- 6 Qt Clear Storage Box with Lids 20 pack
- Stackable Clear Storage Bins with Lids
10- Add Tension Rods
Install a tension rod for extra hanging space or to create a designated area for outfits.
Tension rods are easy to install and adjust, making them a versatile solution for expanding your closet’s capacity.
You can use a tension rod to hang items like scarves, ties, or even create a secondary hanging area for shorter garments, such as shirts or pants.
A tension rod can serve as a convenient spot to plan and hang outfits for the week, keeping them wrinkle-free and ready to wear.
Shop Amazon:
11- Use Hanging Shelves
Hang fabric shelves for additional storage of folded clothes, shoes, or accessories.
These shelves can be easily attached to your closet rod, instantly adding multiple compartments for neatly organizing items.
Hanging shelves are perfect for maximizing vertical space and keeping things like sweaters, purses, or hats accessible and off the floor.
They’re also a flexible solution that can be moved or adjusted as your storage needs change, helping you maintain an organized and efficient closet.
12- Install a Shoe Rack
Use a shoe rack or stackable shoe shelves to keep footwear organized and off the floor.
A dedicated shoe rack provides a specific place for each pair of shoes, preventing them from becoming a jumbled mess at the bottom of your closet.
Stackable shoe shelves allow you to take advantage of vertical space, accommodating more pairs without taking up additional floor area.
By organizing your shoes on racks or shelves, you can easily see all your options at a glance, making it quicker to find the right pair.
This setup not only keeps your closet tidy but also protects your shoes from getting scuffed or damaged.
Shop Amazon:
13- Label Everything
Label boxes, bins, and shelves to make it easy to find and return items to their proper place.
Clear labels eliminate confusion and help everyone in the household know where things belong, which is particularly useful for shared closets.
You can use printed labels, chalkboard labels, or even a label maker for a professional look.
Labeling ensures that items are consistently returned to their designated spots, reducing clutter and maintaining organization over time.
This simple step streamlines your daily routine, as you’ll spend less time searching for items and more time enjoying a tidy, efficient closet.
14- Maximize Corners
Use corner shelves or hooks to utilize every inch of space.
Corners often go unused, but with the right storage solutions, they can be transformed into valuable organizational areas.
Corner shelves can hold items like folded clothes, shoes, or decorative boxes, making it easy to keep your closet neat and accessible.
Installing hooks in the corners can provide a handy spot for bags, hats, or jewelry, ensuring that no space is wasted.
By making the most of corner areas, you can significantly increase your storage capacity and create a more efficient and organized closet layout.
Shop Amazon:
15- Roll Your Clothing
Roll t-shirts, pants, and other foldable items to save space and reduce wrinkles.
Rolling clothes is a great way to maximize drawer or shelf space, allowing you to fit more items neatly.
This method also helps prevent creases and makes it easier to see and access each piece of clothing, streamlining your daily routine and keeping your closet organized.
16- Incorporate a Lazy Susan
Place a lazy Susan on a shelf to easily access smaller items or accessories. A lazy Susan is perfect for organizing items that might otherwise get lost or buried, such as jewelry, cosmetics, or small containers.
By simply rotating the lazy Susan, you can quickly find what you need without having to move other items around.
This solution not only keeps your shelves tidy but also makes efficient use of space, ensuring that every item is within easy reach and visible.
Incorporating a lazy Susan into your closet organization can add both functionality and convenience to your daily routine.
Shop Amazon:
- Rotating Makeup Organizer for Vanity – SO beautiful!
- 2 tier lazy Susan in wood tone
- Lovely wooden lazy Susan
- White lazy Susan with edge to keep items in
17- Prioritize Frequent-Use Items
Keep the items you use most often at eye level and within easy reach.
This strategy ensures that your daily essentials are always accessible, saving you time and effort during your morning routine.
By placing frequently used clothes, shoes, and accessories in the most convenient spots, you reduce the need to dig through your closet to find what you need.
This also helps maintain an organized space, as items that are used less frequently can be stored higher up or lower down, freeing up prime real estate for your go-to pieces.
Prioritizing your closet layout in this way enhances efficiency and keeps your wardrobe streamlined and easy to navigate.
17 Genius Small Closet Decor Ideas
So the goal of this article is to help you maximize your space in your small closet with organizational ideas but I couldn’t stop there!
I had to offer you decorating ideas, too.
After all, who’s to say a gorgeous closet is only restricted to large closets?!
Add Wallpaper or Paint
Give your closet a pop of color or pattern by adding wallpaper or a fresh coat of paint to the walls. This adds a personal touch and makes the space feel more inviting.
Use Stylish Baskets and Bins
Choose decorative baskets and bins that match your style. These can add a cohesive look to your closet while keeping items organized.
Incorporate a Rug
Place a small rug on the closet floor to add warmth and texture. A soft, colorful rug can also make the space feel more luxurious.
Install a Chandelier or Pendant Light
Replace a basic light fixture with a chandelier or stylish pendant light to add a touch of elegance and improve visibility.
Add a Full-Length Mirror
Install a full-length mirror on the door or a wall. It’s both functional and can make the closet feel larger and more open.
Use Matching Hangers
Invest in matching hangers to create a uniform and tidy look. Wooden, velvet, or metal hangers can all add a touch of sophistication.
Decorate with Artwork
Hang small pieces of art or inspirational quotes to add personality and charm to your closet.
Incorporate Greenery
Place a small plant or two on a shelf or hang a plant from the ceiling to add a touch of nature and freshness to the space.
Install Decorative Hooks
Use stylish hooks for bags, scarves, or jewelry. Decorative hooks can add a design element while being practical.
Add a Valet Rod
Install a pull-out valet rod for planning outfits. It’s a convenient feature that can add a touch of sophistication.
Use Shelf Liners
Add decorative shelf liners for a pop of color and pattern inside your closet. This can protect your shelves and add a finished look.
Hang a Bulletin Board
Install a bulletin board or a pegboard for organizing accessories, jewelry, or even inspirational photos and notes.
Add Curtain Panels
If you have an open closet, consider adding curtain panels. Choose a fabric that complements your room’s decor to create a cohesive look.
Use Decorative Boxes
Store smaller items in decorative boxes that add a touch of elegance and help keep everything organized.
Personalize with Monograms
Add monograms or labels to bins and baskets for a personalized and organized look.
Install Glass Shelving
Replace standard shelving with glass shelves for a modern, sleek look that also reflects light and makes the space feel brighter.
Use LED Strip Lights
Add LED strip lights under shelves or along closet rods to illuminate your closet and highlight your clothes and accessories.
These ideas can help transform your closet into a beautiful, organized, and enjoyable space.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
When organizing and decorating a small closet, start by decluttering to ensure only essentials are kept, which makes the task more manageable.
Prioritize functionality by using vertical space with additional shelves and hanging rods, and consider incorporating space-saving solutions like slim hangers and drawer dividers.
Enhance the space’s visual appeal by adding personal touches such as stylish baskets, decorative hooks, and a fresh coat of paint or wallpaper.
Incorporating good lighting, like a chic chandelier or LED strips, can brighten up the area and make it feel more inviting.
By blending practical organization with thoughtful decoration, you can transform a small closet into a functional and charming part of your home.
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