How to Organize Your Closet Like a Pro

Last Updated on January 6, 2025 by Nell Marie

A well-organized closet can save you time, reduce stress, and make your space feel more inviting.

Whether you’re tackling a small closet or a walk-in, the process of organizing it can seem overwhelming at first.

But with the right strategy and tips, you can transform any cluttered space into a functional and stylish storage solution.

In this article, I’ll give you the steps to creating an organized closet and keep it that way.

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How to Organize a Closet

Organizing a closet might seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be both manageable and rewarding.

A well-organized closet not only saves you time but also creates a sense of calm and order in your daily routine.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps and tips to declutter, maximize space, and maintain a neat, functional closet.

Whether you’re working with a small wardrobe or a spacious walk-in, these ideas will help you transform your closet into a stress-free zone.

Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Declutter Your Closet

Before you can organize your closet, you need to clear out what you don’t need.

Take Everything Out
Remove everything from the closet, including clothing, shoes, accessories, and other items. Starting with an empty space will help you see how much room you actually have and what you’re working with.

Sort into Categories
Separate your items into categories such as tops, pants, dresses, shoes, and accessories. This makes it easier to evaluate what you have and what you truly need.

Purge Unwanted Items
Ask yourself these questions: “Have I worn this in the past year?” and “Does this fit or suit my current style?” Donate, sell, or toss anything that doesn’t pass the test.

Step 2: Clean and Prep the Space

Now that your closet is empty, take the opportunity to clean and prep it.

Dust and Vacuum
Wipe down shelves, dust off any surfaces, and vacuum or mop the floor. A clean space makes for a fresh start.

Install Lighting
If your closet is dimly lit, consider adding LED strip lights or battery-operated puck lights to brighten the space. This makes it easier to see everything and adds a touch of luxury.

Evaluate Your Storage Needs
Look at your closet layout and think about what additional storage tools might help, such as bins, baskets, or extra shelves.

Step 3: Organize Your Closet Like a Pro

It’s time to put everything back into your closet in a neat, logical, and visually appealing way.

Group Similar Items Together
Keep all shirts together, all pants together, and so on. Within each category, you can organize by color for a visually satisfying look.

Use Matching Hangers
Switching to matching hangers not only saves space but also makes your closet look more cohesive. Velvet hangers are slim and prevent clothes from slipping.

Invest in Storage Solutions
Utilize bins, baskets, and drawer organizers for smaller items like scarves, belts, or socks. Clear containers are great because you can see what’s inside.

Step 4: Maximize Closet Space

No matter the size of your closet, there are ways to make the most of the available space.

Add Hooks and Racks
Install hooks on the inside of the door or along the walls for bags, hats, or jewelry. Over-the-door racks can also hold shoes or accessories.

Use Vertical Space
Install additional shelves above the hanging rod for items you don’t use often, like seasonal clothing or storage boxes.

Double Your Hanging Space
Add a second rod to the closet for shorter items like shirts and pants. This effectively doubles your storage without taking up extra space.

Step 5: Maintain Your Closet Organization

Once your closet is organized, it’s important to keep it that way.

Adopt a One-In, One-Out Rule
For every new item you bring into your closet, remove one item you no longer wear. This keeps your wardrobe from getting out of control.

Seasonal Rotation
Store out-of-season clothes in bins or vacuum-sealed bags to free up space. Rotate them back in when the season changes.

Regularly Declutter
Set aside time every few months to evaluate your wardrobe and get rid of anything you no longer need.

Additional Tips for Closet Organization

Here are a few extra tricks to make your closet even more organized:

Label Everything
If you’re using bins or baskets, label them so you know exactly what’s inside. This is especially helpful for shared closets or kids’ closets.

Utilize Drawer Dividers
For drawers inside or near your closet, use dividers to keep items like underwear, socks, or jewelry neatly separated.

Store Shoes Strategically
Use a shoe rack, cubbies, or clear boxes to keep shoes visible and off the floor. This prevents them from getting damaged or lost in the mix.

Consider a Capsule Wardrobe
If you’re overwhelmed by too many clothes, try creating a capsule wardrobe—a small collection of versatile, essential pieces you love.

Add a Mirror
If space allows, include a mirror in or near your closet. It makes getting ready easier and helps reflect light, making the area feel larger.

Wrapping it Up

Organizing your closet doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. By breaking it into manageable steps—decluttering, cleaning, organizing, maximizing space, and maintaining your system—you can create a closet that’s both functional and beautiful.

With a little time and effort, you’ll transform your cluttered space into a haven of organization that saves you time and reduces stress every day.