Best Coat Closet Organization Hacks for Busy Homes

Is your coat closet a source of daily frustration? Discover our step-by-step guide to coat closet organization and turn chaos into calm.

Better home management covers every nook and cranny, so let’s explore practical decluttering, smart storage solutions, and quick-access strategies to maximize your closet space.

Expect a transformation that suits your bustling lifestyle, starting right inside your closet door.

Key Takeaways

• A well-organized coat closet is about having a system where everything has its place. Your entryway closet should be for the important stuff only!
• Prioritize accessibility for frequently used items, and use that hanging space for more than just coats.
• Maintaining an organized coat closet requires decluttering and cleaning, selectively keeping only necessary items to avoid clutter and disorganization.
• Clever use of organization aids such as shoe shelves, baskets, door hangers, space-saver hangers, and wall hangers can maximize closet space and improve functionality.

Coat Closet Organization

Coat closets can sometimes be overwhelming with the amount of stuff we throw in them- umbrellas, coats, shoes, hats, gloves, purses, winter gear, etc. The list goes on!

Let’s give your entire closet a makeover so it’s more usable, and you can find what you need!

Here is a breakdown of the steps I use to organize my closets (and so much more!):

Declutter

Decluttering is a crucial first step in any organization process, and it’s the only way to get things under control before we consider storage bins or organizing anything!

It involves evaluating and sorting categories of items and then deciding which ones to prioritize based on frequency of use.

You’ll remove everything, decide what to keep, donate, or trash/recycle, and organize what remains.

Consider removing items you don’t frequently use or don’t fit well. Include old coats that no one wears anymore or shoes that have seen better days.

My rule of thumb is that if I haven’t used it in six months or more, I probably don’t need to keep it. Seasonal items are a little different, but why keep what I don’t use and waste that space?

Regularly reviewing and taking inventory of the coat closet contents is key to maintaining organization, so don’t think this is one and done, Mama!

Clean The Closet

With decluttering done, the next step is a thorough cleaning. Despite seeming like a challenging task, cleaning your closet is fundamental to ensure a neat and refreshing space.

We’ve already moved everything out of the space, which allows you to reach all corners and crevices and remove any grime or buildup.

Once everything is out, follow these steps to clean your closet:

1. Dust ceiling, light fixtures, walls (start top down!)
2. Dust and wash shelves
3. Wipe down rods
4. Sweep/mop or vacuum the floor
5. Wash the door and the handles, too!

Only Put Back What Belongs!

With a clean and empty closet, the organization process can now begin. But wait! Don’t just put everything back in yet.

Be selective when returning items to the closet, ensuring only necessary and relevant items are stored there. Does everything belong in this space, or do things need new homes for usability?

Making your closet more usable means making sure it’s less full, whether it’s stuff you don’t need or stuff that needs a new place to hang out.

For example, in our house, seasonal clothes can’t stay- they just don’t fit! Snowsuits, snow boots, etc., get boxed and included in my basement organization so that my closet is decluttered.

Organize Coats

Coats are the primary items in the coat closet, so it’s important to focus on their organization first since they’re what you grab day in and day out.

Start by exploring coat closet organization ideas, like storing them by usage or length. This not only makes it easier to find what you need but also makes your closet look tidy.

Investing in quality, durable, slim-profile coordinating hangers can help maximize rod space and maintain an organized appearance.

Also, consider how you can better hang them- for hoodies and light jackets, you could use space-saving hangers that fit 5+ hangers and then dangle sideways to utilize the height of your closet.

That way, you have more hanging space on your rack and easy access to plenty of your coats.

Organize Shoes

Organizing shoes, with their various sizes and shapes, can be a challenge. However, I have some helpful tips.

A quality shoe rack or a sturdy basket system at the bottom of the coat closet can help keep shoes organized and out of sight.

Assign each family member a basket to neatly contain their shoes and prevent clutter on the closet’s floor space.

You could also consider cubbies on the floor of the coat closet for shoes, with options for both small and large compartments.

Also, don’t forget about the inside of the door and floor space – these can be used for additional storage solutions like hanging shoe racks.

Organize Accessories

Though accessories in a coat closet can easily become disorganized and lost, the right organization tools can simplify the task.

Utilizing storage bins and baskets is an effective way to organize small accessories like scarves, gloves, and hats.

Also, labeled containers can help keep smaller items organized and teach children where to place their belongings.

Assign a specific basket or bin to each family member for their accessories to prevent mix-ups and keep personal items organized in the coat closet.

Over The Door Storage Ideas

Finally, remember to utilize the back of the door!

Adding over-the-door storage solutions is an easy way to gain more storage space, ideal for items like hats, scarves, and umbrellas for easy grab-and-go.

I mentioned above that over-the-door organizers can be used for shoes, but you could use them for hats, gloves, lint rollers, and whatever else you need before rushing out of the house.

If you have some extra wall space, you could even have some hanging areas for other storage pieces, too!

Seasonal Closet Rotations

With your coat closet impeccably organized, how can you maintain this order throughout the year? The answer is seasonal closet rotations.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Start the seasonal rotation by sorting clothes into separate piles for each season.
2. Remove items that weren’t worn during the past season, or your kids may have outgrown.
3. Put unworn items in piles for resale, donation, or trash/recycling.

By following these steps, you can keep your closet organized and make sure you only have the clothes you need for each season.

When storing off-season clothes, use plastic storage containers instead of cardboard boxes or garbage bags, as they have better protection against moisture and pests.

Store clothes in a climate-controlled area to protect them from temperature fluctuations that could damage the fabric.

Items For Organization

While we have focused heavily on organization strategies, what about the tools to get organized?

I’ve talked about many functional storage items that you could pick up and use at most local stores, even thrift stores, or get on Amazon.

Plus, they’re versatile enough to be used in other areas of your home, like the entryway closets or even other bedroom closets.

Shoe Storage Shelves

When it comes to closet organization, shoe storage shelves can significantly transform the space, especially when utilizing upper shelves.

Shoe racks are recommended for stability, easy assembly, and versatility. They can hold a wide variety of shoe sizes and styles and come in many sizes and shapes to fit most closets!

You can use them with storage bins or just store your shoes in them- the cubbies for shelves can be large or short, depending on what you get.

Baskets For Shelves

Baskets, due to their simplicity and versatility, are effective tools for closet organization. They’re perfect for storing small items that might otherwise get lost in the shuffle.

I’m a huge fan of Dollar Store organizers– their baskets can be so inexpensive, and the big Dollar Tree by our house has so many size options.

Not only that, I find tons of baskets while thrifting, so you don’t have to spend tons of money getting stuff to organize your closet!

Door Hanger

To maximize your closet space, consider using door hangers.

Most are “bag” style, with hooks at the top to anchor to the door and individual pockets to hold shoes, gloves, hats, sunglasses, and more.

Not only does this provide additional storage, but it also keeps your shoes off the floor and gives you that space back, making it easier to clean and maintain your closet.

Space-Saver Hangers

Velvet space-saver hangers are popular for their non-slip properties, space-saving design, and lack of hanger marks on clothing.

They are thin, so they can get close while you dig through the closet and move things side to side.

You can also check out extended space-saving hangers, which are long pieces with notches. You can hang 5+ hangers on them, and then they dangle sideways to use your vertical space and free up your closet rack.

Wall Hangers

Finally, remember to consider wall hangers for those who have a little bit of a walk-in coat closet.

Wall hangers can be used for additional storage options, such as hanging umbrellas or cleaning tools. (I used a bathroom example to show the full thing!)

They can also be used to hang items that are frequently used while keeping them off the closet rack and away from your coat space.

FAQs

Should I declutter before organizing my closet?

Yes, decluttering should always precede organizing. It allows for the removal of unnecessary items, creating more space and reducing clutter.

It’s how you get more room and organize a small closet to the max.

Attempting to organize before decluttering may result in a false sense of order and can lead to frustration, as organizing the same clutter repeatedly is inefficient and stressful.

Sooner or later, having too many things leads to overloading and not having room to stay organized!

What products should I use to clean my closet?

While there are many cleaning products available, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water as an eco-friendly cleaning solution for wiping down shelves and surfaces in your coat closet.

You can also use a vacuum with an attachment for corners and edges to remove dust and debris from the floor and hard-to-reach areas.

What are some affordable organization storage items?

There are many affordable organization storage items that you can consider, such as:

• DIY shoe shelves
• Tension rods for additional hanging space
• Fabric bins and cube organizers for storing accessories
• Drawer organizers like silverware dividers for small items
• Over-the-door organizers

You can even use some of these organizers in other areas, like your linen closet, bedroom closet, kitchen cupboards and furniture, and more!

Final Thoughts

I’ve covered a lot of ground, from decluttering and cleaning your coat closet to organizing coats, shoes, and accessories, to rotating items seasonally, and finally, to utilizing specific organization items.

Implementing these strategies will transform your coat closet from a source of stress into a well-organized space that supports your busy lifestyle.

Remember, an organized closet isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making your daily routines smoother and your life a little bit easier.

So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and transform your coat closet today! It’s time to get organized!