20 DIY Closet Organization Ideas That Work for Any Style

In life, there are some things you just can never have enough of. We're, of course, talking about chocolate, shoes, and closet space. Regardless of anyone's current wardrobe situation, not having enough closet space seems to be a universal woe. But the truth is, the more space we have, the more we tend to fill it with. Limited space isn't the issue here—it's what we do with the space we have that requires a bit of reevaluating.

You'd be surprised what a few smarter storage solutions and organization tips could do for your current closet situation. Ahead, 20 ways to work with what you have, because quality is always greater than quantity.

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See the Light

It's impossible to organize a closet if you can't see what you have inside. Since lighting is everything, consider infusing some bright solutions that make for better accessibility and a more custom look. And you don't need to be an electrician to DIY your own shelf lighting. Instead, look for a battery-powered light strip with a stick-on backing for easy installation.

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Through the Looking Glass

Glass doors are more than just a beautiful addition to a closet—they keep your clothing safe from dust, while also creating a retail feel. But before you go hiring a contractor, look into the cult-favorite IKEA Billy bookcase and glass-front doors.

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From Front to Back

When you're strapped for space, every inch matters, and sometimes the solution is some smart placement. Instead of placing the soles of your shoes side by side, alternate the placement to include one facing forward, and the next facing back. This allows the arches to interlock and utilize otherwise unused space.

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Shelve Your Sweaters

Sweaters can be bulky and eat into precious closet rod space. Plus, hangers can damage sweaters, so it's best to store them folded. Stacking folded sweaters on shelves is best for knit longevity, and it makes them much easier to access than piled in a drawer.

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Combine Solutions

If you're refreshing the composition of your shelves, consider the items you'd like to keep front and center and build around them. We love how this closet utilizes straight shelves on the left for shoes and squared-off cubby-style shelves on the right for handbags.

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Figure Out a Filing System

Evening clutches are special pieces, and they should be treated as such. Store them standing up, facing the same way—almost like your own fashion-forward filing system—to keep them organized and avoid damaging them.

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Switch Things Up

Just like you can't store everything you have on a rod, you can't rely on solely shelving to create a functional closet. A good mix of shelves, rods, and drawers will ensure everything has its place. When everything has its place, it's easier to stay organized in the long run.

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Keep Everyday Items Within Reach

Part of the battle of creating a functional closet is placing things in a way that's easy to navigate and makes sense. Place items that you use every day within your eye line and lower down below. Seasonal items, special-occasion pieces, and accessories you rarely use are best stored on shelves overhead.

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Slide in Slim Hangers

If you have clothes bursting through your closet doors, space-saving velvet hangers are a godsend for maximizing your space. And the uniform look alone instantly elevates the look of your closet. If you prefer wooden hangers, opt for some slim wood hangers to match your aesthetic without the bulk.

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Label Everything

Whether you're working with bins, baskets, or drawers, labeling everything will keep your items organized and make getting ready so much easier. Plus, it'll hold you accountable when putting things away, ensuring your closet stays organized.

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Create Categories

No matter how much you love an item in your closet, if you can't find it, you won't use it. Dividers labeled tunics, tanks, dresses, skirts, and pants, for example, will make finding exactly what you're looking for so much easier.

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Break Out the Bins

If we're being honest, all the organizing tips in the world won't stop us from occasionally throwing things in the closet when we're in a hurry. The good news is that some decorative bins, containers, and baskets will act as a catchall while creating the illusion of a pristine closet.

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Raise the Bar

Raise the clothing rod in your closet above standard height to free up usable space. Next, install a second rod below, and just like that, you've doubled the storage potential in any size closet.

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Open the Door to More Space

Every inch of space is an opportunity to create more storage solutions. That being said, don't overlook the space behind your closet door. This railing with adjustable baskets adds tons of storage in an area that easily could have been wasted space.

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In the Bag

Stuffing your handbags with more handbags and cramming them on a shelf will only lead to damaged straps and creased materials. Preserve your designer (and non-designer) purses by hanging them up. And the best part is they'll all be at eye level, making it easier to select the best bag for your outfit.

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Hang in There

Rolling your belts can cause creasing and compromise the shape. Instead, hang them by the buckle to maintain their integrity and avoid damaging them forever. Add hooks to your rod, or install a set on a free wall or behind a door.

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Divide and Conquer

Nothing will ruin the look of your pristine closet quicker than the sight of toppling clothing. Avoid the inevitable when you install shelf dividers between folded items, keeping your stacks of clothes standing upright and orderly.

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Coordinate by Color

Organizing your clothing by color (in a rainbow spectrum like this one) not only looks visually striking, it makes picking outfits fun and easy. You'd be surprised how much more you can find when you search by color and how many color combinations you'll get to mixing.

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Play With Proportions

When it comes to shoes, shelving is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Whether you're working with a contractor or are customizing pre-made closet organizers, consider the height of the shoes you plan to store. Create more narrow shelving for flats, taller compartments for boots, and accommodate for heels in between.

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Hang Your Scarves

If you have a large scarf collection, consider installing a series of towel racks to create a DIY display for your favorite silky squares. Drape them over the rack to keep everything within reach and neatly displayed.

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