20 Ideas That Will Give You the Organized Closet of Your Dreams

Closet organization

Design: Danielle Wurth, Photo: Diana Elizabeth

It doesn't matter if your closet is teeny tiny or a sprawling space, chances are you're constantly looking for ways to maximize storage. Whether you're in search of ways to fit more clothes in your closet or Instagrammable solutions for storing your accessories, we have all the inspiration you need to gain control over your wardrobe.

Ahead, 20 organizing ideas, and the items you need to save space (and your sanity). You can thank us later. 

01 of 20

Use Clear Containers

closet organizing

 Courtesy of The Home Edit

By now, you know storing items in bins keeps things tidy, organized, and dust-free. Be sure everything is visible and at your fingertips when you opt for clear containers. Score extra points by going the extra mile and labeling everything.

The Home Edit Large Drawer
The Container Store The Home Edit Large Drawer $30.00
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02 of 20

Use Space-Saving Hangers

closet organizing

Design: Danielle Wurth, Photo: Diana Elizabeth

Not all hangers are created equal. Ditch those plastic, wooden, or wire hangers and opt for a sleek, velvet version instead. The thin, no-slip design will double the amount of hanging space in your closet and help keep clothes off the floor. Plus, the streamlined look will make your wardrobe look straight out of a magazine.

03 of 20

Conceal Clutter In Pretty Containers

Closet Organizing

Design: Stephanie Hoey Interiors, Photo: Ale Santana 

Let's get real; all the organizing tips in the world won't stop you from occasionally throwing things in your closet when you're in a hurry. Some decorative bins, containers, and baskets will act as a catchall while creating the illusion of a pristine closet. 

BRANÄS Basket in Rattan
Ikea BRANÄS Basket in Rattan $13.00
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04 of 20

Make Use Of Corners

closet organizing

 Design: Finding Lovely, Photo: Ruth Eileen Photography

Don't underestimate the lost space hiding in your corners. Rather than avoiding the space altogether, embrace the seemingly awkward corners, and you'll be surprised how much more you can store. Look for L-shaped shelving units and consoles made especially for this space. 

05 of 20

Raise Your Bar

closet organization

Courtesy of The Home Edit 

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. 

06 of 20

Display Your Shoes At A Tilt

Closet organization

Design: Kendall Wilkinson Design, Photo: Bill Rietzel 

Simply installing your shoe shelves at a forward tilt will make such a difference in the overall feel of your closet. Your shoes will remain organized, which makes getting ready in the morning a breeze. But a slight incline creates a display that makes you feel like you're shopping your closet, and nothing beats that.

Impressions 3-Shelf White Shoe Organizer
ClosetMaid Impressions 3-Shelf White Shoe Organizer $60.00
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07 of 20

File Clutches Upright

closet organization

Design: Danielle Wurth, Photo: Diana Elizabeth

Store clutches and wallets in a filing system of sorts to keep them on display and within easy reach. Storing them upright will also help them retain their shape.

08 of 20

Display Your Favorite Items

closet organization

Courtesy of The Home Edit 

Reserving a few extra shelves to merchandise your favorite items will constantly inspire new looks. Use this space as storage that doubles as a fashion vision board IRL and believe us when we say this will change the way you get dressed in the morning.

09 of 20

Name That Basket

closet organization

Courtesy of The Home Edit 

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.

The Home Edit General Storage Labels
The Container Store The Home Edit General Storage Labels $7.00
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10 of 20

Create Categories

closet organizing

Design: Danielle Wurth, Photo: Diana Elizabeth

Now that you've separated your tops and bottoms, create subcategories of specific silhouettes. Dividers labeled tunics, tanks, dresses, skirts, and pants, for example, will make finding exactly what you're looking for so much easier. No matter how much you love an item in your closet, if you can't find it, you won't use it.

11 of 20

Separate Tops And Bottoms

closet organization

Courtesy of The Home Edit 

The best thing you can do to organize your wardrobe is to separate your clothing items into categories. Hang blouses and jackets on the top rod and shorts, pants, and skirts on the bottom. This makes finding a specific item so much easier, plus it keeps things looking uniform and tidy.

12 of 20

Put Your Jewelry On Display

closet organizing

 Courtesy of The Home Edit

Invest in jewelry organizers that double as displays to free up drawer space and keep jewels in pristine condition. Hang necklaces to avoid tangling, store earrings in pairs to make accessorizing a breeze, and display bangles and bracelets to keep them from losing their shape. 

earring stand
Muji Acrylic Storage Earring Stand $24.00
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13 of 20

Utilize Every Inch Of Unused Space

closet organizing

 Design: Danielle Wurth, Photo: Diana Elizabeth

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've been wasted space. 

14 of 20

Hang Your Handbags

closet organization

Courtesy of The Home Edit

Stuffing your handbags with more handbags, then stuffing 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.

Acrylic Handbag Hanger
Luxe Bag Care Acrylic Handbag Hanger $15.00
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15 of 20

Hang Belts On Hooks

closet organizing

Desig: Danielle Wurth, Photo: Diana Elizabeth

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. 

16 of 20

Use Drawer Organizers

closet organizing

Courtesy of Ikea 

Drawers can become a black hole of socks, underwear, baubles, and loose change. Using drawer organizers makes it easier to designate a place for everything and keep everything in its place. 

17 of 20

Store Away Seasonal Items

closet organizing

Design: Danielle Wurt, Photo: Diana Elizabeth

Items, such as scarves, swimsuits, hats, and coats are only used seasonally for the most part. Store those items in airtight containers and place them on hard-to-reach shelves during off-seasons, thus freeing up space for the items you're sure to use this time of year.

Extra Large Stacking Drawer White
Iris USA Extra Large Stacking Drawer White $27.00
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18 of 20

Try Shelf Dividers

closet organizing

Design: Danielle Wurth, Photo: Diana Elizabeth

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.

19 of 20

Color Coordinate Your Clothes

closet organizing

Courtesy of Rachel Rosenthal

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 shade combinations you'll get to mixing.

20 of 20

Make It Look Beautiful

closet organizing

Design: Danielle Wurth, Photo: Diana Elizabeth

When your space looks beautiful, you'll stay motivated to keep it looking that way. Paint the inside of your closet or hang a cheery wallpaper and install a luxe lighting fixture for an Insta-worthy wardrobe you'll love getting dressed up in every day.

wallpaper
Artemis Walls Black Spot Peel and Stick Wallpaper $7.00
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