Ever feel like your small closet is a black hole of clutter? With two small girls and a husband, I totally get it!
A messy closet can turn mornings into frantic searches for what you need and add unnecessary stress to your day.
But what if you could start your day with everything in its place, easy to find, and neatly arranged?
Getting your small closet organized can really save space, make your mornings smoother, and give your home a more open, relaxed vibe.
Ready to turn that cluttered small closet into a neat, functional space? Let’s check out some super easy and effective small closet ideas to help you.
Key Takeaways
- Everyone should learn to organize a closet– because they’re often a mess and are so overstuffed!
- An organized small closet makes the most of your space, helping you find things quickly and avoid buying stuff you don’t need.
- Decluttering is key. Keep what you love and use, donate or toss the rest, and try the reverse hanger trick to spot clothes you never wear.
- Use a closet system with space-saving organizers and smart storage solutions, such as multi-use hangers and clear bins, to keep every inch of your small closet tidy and functional.
How To Organize A Small Closet
Organizing a tiny closet can feel like a big job, but with the right approach, you can turn it into a neat and functional space.
The goal is to use every inch efficiently so even a tiny closet can feel roomy and organized!
I’ve got some smart small closet ideas to help you maximize space and create more room for all your stuff.
Remove Everything Inside
The first thing to do is remove everything. Yep! You read that right – everything!
Pulling everything out helps you see what you’ve got and how much space you really have in your bathroom closet, guest room closet, or bedroom closet.
It might seem like a lot of work, but it’s a key step to getting organized. Plus, you might be surprised by what you find hiding in there!
Your small closet probably contains more than clothes. You might find a vacuum, kid toys, gift wrapping paper, and all sorts of random stuff.
Once you’ve got everything out in the open, you can start fresh and figure out the best small closet organization method.
It’s a great way to hit the reset button and get your closet looking neat in every nook and cranny.
Clean The Closet Top To Bottom
Now that your small closet is empty, it’s time to give it a good clean from top to bottom.
Giving your small closet a thorough clean not only makes it look better but also helps keep your clothes and items in better condition. Plus, it’s so much nicer to organize a fresh, clean space!
Grab your cleaning supplies, and let’s get to work!
Start by dusting the shelves and wiping down any high-up surfaces (even the top shelf and closet doors).
Remember to clean the floor after dusting the high spots—a quick vacuum or sweep will make a big difference.
While you’re at it, check for any damages or areas that might need a touch-up. A little repair now can save you a headache later.
If you have any hooks or rods, make sure they’re secure and in good shape for everything that will be put back on them.
Declutter: What To Keep Or Not
The next step to making the most of the space in your small closet is decluttering all of the things you took out.
Ask yourself: Do I use this regularly? Does it belong here? If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s probably time to let it go.
Donate or recycle anything in good shape that you don’t need anymore. The goal is to create a functional space where everything has its place and is easy to find.
By sorting through and decluttering, you’re setting up your small closet to work for you, not against you. Too much stuff and not enough space are often the problems, and we have to stop it here!
Decide What Belongs In This Closet
With your small closet clean and empty, it’s time to decide what actually belongs in there. When space is limited, every item needs to earn its keep.
Start by thinking about the main purpose of this specific closet. Is it for clothes, linens, cleaning supplies, or something else?
Focus on keeping things that fit the closet’s main purpose and that you use often.
A small closet might not be the best place for bulky items like a vacuum if you can store them somewhere else.
Remember, a small space works best when it’s not overloaded. This will keep your closet organized and functional, making it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Less is more, and even with decluttering, you may find that stuff that was in there is stuff you want to keep but not keep in this closet per se.
Find Organizational Systems To Utilize Your Space
Once you’ve cleared out the clutter and figured out what belongs, it’s time to do a little interior design and figure out how to make the most of the space in your small closet.
When I cleaned out our small closets, I asked myself: Do I need more shelf space? Is there enough hanging space? Can I hang something on the closet door?
You want to use every inch of your closet’s square footage in the best way. Using organizational systems can help you make the most of your small closet.
Start with the top shelf. This often overlooked spot is perfect for storing items you don’t need to access every day. Use bins or baskets to keep things tidy and take advantage of the height.
Remember your closet doors. Over-the-door organizers can add function by providing extra hanging rod space for shoes, accessories, or even cleaning supplies.
Think about adding an extra hanging rod. It can double your hanging space, which is especially useful for shorter items like shirts and blouses.
Built-in shelving is another great way to add function and keep things organized. If you don’t have built-in shelves, look into a modular system.
Use Space Saving Organizers
To really make the most of your small closet space, you’ll want to use space-saving organizers. These can help you maximize every bit of your closet space and turn wasted space into useful storage.
Start with matching bins. They not only look neat but also make it easy to group similar items. Clear storage boxes are great, too, because you can see what’s inside at a glance.
Don’t forget to use your vertical space. Stackable shelves or shoe racks can free up valuable shelf space.
Acrylic dividers are perfect for keeping things tidy on shelves and can be a real game-changer for small spaces.
Think about your wall space as well. Hooks, pegboards, and hanging racks can add a decorative element while also giving you extra spots to hang bags, scarves, or hats.
Using these organizers helps you effectively use the space in your small closet, making it easier to find what you need and keeping everything in order.
FAQs
What’s the best way to organize my small closet?
Organizing a small closet can be a breeze if you follow a few simple steps. Here’s a casual guide to get you started:
- Take everything out of your closet, declutter, and give it a good clean.
- Decide what belongs in the closet based on how often you use it and if you really need it there.
- Invest in organizational systems and space-saving organizers that fit your needs.
By following these steps, you can effectively organize your small closet and make the most of the space you have.
Consider using a customizable closet system like IKEA’s BOAXEL system. It lets you adjust the setup based on your possessions and closet measurements.
You can change the rod heights and shelf placements to perfectly fit your stuff.
You might also want to add hanging drawers to make up for the lack of a traditional chest of drawers in your bedroom. These can give you extra storage and help keep your closet tidy.
How can I declutter stuff in my closet?
Decluttering is key to organizing your small closet. Start by making piles of things you want to keep, donate, and toss.
This method helps you sort through your stuff quickly and keep the momentum going.
Try the reverse hanger trick to spot clothes you don’t wear. Hang everything with the hangers facing one way, then turn the hanger around when you wear it.
After a few months, you’ll see which clothes you haven’t touched, and you can start weeding out the pieces that are wasting space.
Another good habit is the one-in-one-out policy. Get rid of one old item when you buy a new item. This way, you can keep your closet manageable and avoid new clutter.
How do I fit more stuff into a small closet and maximize my space?
To fit more stuff into a small closet, you need to make the most of every inch of the entire space.
Start by tackling any messy areas, like disorganized shoe storage or hard-to-reach high shelves. Replace them with practical solutions that work perfectly for your needs.
Standard shelves are great, but you might want to add vertical strips so you can adjust shelves, racks, and other storage components to use every bit of space from floor to ceiling.
Use special hangers that can hold multiple items. These hangers can increase the number of clothes that can be hung in a small space, effectively maximizing your small closet capacity.
Consider using multiple tension rods to create extra hanging space for clothes or other accessories. You can even use them for things like scarves or belts.
To save space, keep cleaning supplies under the kitchen cabinets (with child safety locks) instead of in the closet. Gift wrap and other items that aren’t used daily can be stored in bins on high shelves.
Stacking shoe boxes is another great way to organize even shoes and make the most of your vertical space.
How can I store more clothes in my closet?
Fitting more clothes into your small closet can be tricky, but with a few clever hacks, you can make it work.
- Switch to Slim Hangers: Ditch those bulky hangers and go for slim ones. They save a ton of space and let you hang more clothes.
- Double Up Your Hangers: Use hanger connectors to link hangers together vertically. This way, you can hang several items in the space of one.
- Extra Rods: Add a second adjustable rod below the primary clothing rod, creating a hanging system that can double the hanging space in your closet.
- Use Drawer Organizers: If you have drawers or bins, use dividers to keep things tidy and maximize space. Don’t fold your clothes; roll them and put them in the drawer.
- Add Hooks and Racks: For bags, hats, and jewelry, put hooks on the inside walls or back of the closet door. This clears up more room on your shelves and hanging rods.
- Try Under-Shelf Baskets: These slide onto your existing shelves and add extra storage underneath. They’re perfect for smaller items like t-shirts or leggings.
- Seasonal Rotation: Store off-season clothes in vacuum-sealed bags under the bed or somewhere else. Rotate them out as needed so you only have current season clothes in your closet.
How do I organize my coat closet to make it more usable?
Making your coat closet more usable is all about smart organization. Here are some easy tips:
- Rotate by Season: Keep your closet functional by rotating clothes based on the season. Store away off-season items so your closet isn’t overstuffed.
- Declutter: Donate items you rarely use. This frees up space and makes it easier to find what you actually wear.
- Install Shelf Dividers: These are great for keeping stacked items like sweaters and sweatshirts neat and organized. No more messy piles!
- Use Sturdy Hangers: Invest in good-quality hangers for your coats and jackets. This way, they stay put and don’t fall off, preventing a cluttered mess.
What organization items would be good for a small closet?
If you’re like me and trying to make the most of your small closet space, here are some great organization items to consider:
- Shelves: I love using these for stacking clothes, shoes, or other small accessories neatly.
- Shoe Racks: They keep all my footwear organized and easy to find.
- Pants Hangers: These save space and keep my pants wrinkle-free.
- Adjustable Storage Systems: Customizable pieces can be tailored to fit your specific needs.
These items work well not only in small closets but also in bathroom and bedroom closets. Adding them can make your space more organized and functional.
Other handy small closet ideas that I find useful include:
- Clear Shelf Dividers: These keep stacks of clothing tidy and easy to manage.
- Wall Hooks: Perfect for hanging hats, robes, bags, and more.
- Clear Storage Bins: They make it easy to see what’s inside at a glance, helping you find what you need quickly.
Final Thoughts
Organizing a small closet doesn’t have to be a huge task. With the right planning and some handy organization tools, you can turn that cluttered mess into a neat, organized, tidy space.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to make your closet look better but also to make your life easier.
An organized closet can save you time, save you money, and bring calm to your daily routine. I’m so thankful that I went through our closets for a total revamp!
There’s less chaos and less looking around- and, of course, less, “Honey, where is ___?” or “Mom, I can’t find ___?”
And that’s worth its weight in gold, right, Mama??
So, don’t put it off any longer. Start organizing your closet today and turn your small closet into a functional, well-organized space!
