Surprising Closet Organization Tips – And How to Design Your Own Closet

What is an Organized Closet?

A well-organized closet can be defined as having a place for everything, and room for anticipated future needs. Well-organized closets will mean different things to different people because needs are different from person to person. Closets should be able to accommodate your needs today and into the future too. Ideally, the closet should offer adjustable components so it’s future-proof.

There are lots of ways to help improve the organization of your closet and we’re going to focus on some general design rules to follow next!

General Design Rules for an Organized Closet

First and foremost I ask my clients how they handle their laundry before designing their closets. I have some clients who love to put their jeans in drawers, while others may prefer to hang them. I provide drawers for those with a drawer preference and hanging space for those who prefer to hang. 

Ideally the closet organization works with your lifestyle. For example, if everything is getting dry-cleaned weekly, then more hanging space would be needed.

Items that are used most frequently should be easy to see and reach. Jewelry and small items should be located close to eye level. Shoes should be on angled shelves to best see them, and items that are on hangers should be easy to access as well.

How to Approach Small or Awkward Closets

Small closets can be maximized by introducing multiple levels and layers. Two rows of short hanging with a little jewelry drawer under the middle shelf, and shelving on the bottom for bags and shoes can really stretch the real estate available. 

I also like introducing valet pull-out hooks inside closets. These can be tucked back even with the shelving when not in use, but are great for hanging scarves or other small items when pulled forward. I even put a couple of these in my own closet for this purpose and love them! 

Odd shaped closets can be fun to work with too – don’t be afraid of an awkward space! Angled walls can be leveraged for storage in unique ways. Shoe shelving, hooks, and shallow shelves can all be snuck into an odd shaped closet. Sometimes little nooks and crannies help to maximize storage!

Storing Accessories

Accessories and larger items can be organized on shelves, in pull-out drawers built into the closet system, and in baskets. Heavier items should be lower to the floor to prevent injury, while lighter items can be higher up.

Drawers can be almost any size, so strategically positioning them helps to maximize odd-shaped items too.

Organizing Your Closet for Best Results

Many people look at pretty pictures online and decide on a style for their closet. Instead, start with what you have that needs to be stored. 

Take note of how much space is being used currently and anticipate how much space will be needed in the coming years. Will you be reducing the number of items you have? Do you plan on having a big shopping spree? These things matter. 

Many people like to store shoes in their closets. If this is you, then note how many pairs and styles should be accounted for. Once the capacity is known, then the closet can be planned out. Shelving and specialty hooks for handbags can be incorporated, jewelry storage, and of course clothing storage.