This Is Exactly How Martha Stewart Would Organize Your Closet

How would Martha Stewart organize your closet if she walked into your home? The media mogul has built an empire on perfecting the art of decorating, entertaining, and, yes, organizing—so it's no surprise that her own closet in Bedford, New York, is essentially perfection. Beyond the fact that it's obviously ultra-organized, it features small details designed to make life easier, including valet bars with laminated hanger tags like "launder by hand," "TV appearance," and "upcoming trip." Delicate items have their own dedicated drawers—each piece individually wrapped in acid-free tissue paper. Labels on every drawer help keep the system in check.

Not everyone could maintain this level of immaculate organization, but that doesn't mean we should throw in the towel altogether and let our clutter run rampant. To help with your own closet organization, we asked Martha Stewart herself how she would organize your closet. To do so, we had members of a private Facebook décor group ask Stewart all their burning closet-storage questions. Ahead, the organization queen shares all her secrets. All you have to do is take a few hours out of your weekend to implement the system.

"It's important to use every inch of space as resourcefully as possible, so efficiency is key. I also like knowing that I have enough space to properly store my out-of-season clothes when I'm not using them. I like a nice mix of different storage containers and areas—an area for towels and sweaters at eye level, some clear boxes for shoes and boots on the floor, and open compartments above for handbags and lesser-used items. It's all about function and ease."

"I'm a big fan of labeling everything so there's no confusion as to where something should go. If I have a section of the hanging area of my closet labeled 'sweaters' and another 'pants,' then there's no excuse to ever mix up the two. Otherwise, you're just asking for a mess. If you don't have space for everything, get clear boxes and label them. That way, you can see what's inside, which makes grabbing items simple."

"I always fold everything fresh from the dryer. If they sit out for too long, there's a higher chance of wrinkles forming."

"I like to store my shoes in clear containers, paired together, and labeled (for instance, 'brown walking shoes') so I can easily see and decide if I want to wear them. It also helps to stuff shoes with tissue paper (or cardboard if they're sturdier boots) to preserve their shape."

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"I think that you need to first set a great example for them. If you're getting home from work and leaving clothes out and not away and organized, it will give them the wrong idea. Always lead by example when it comes to cleaning."

"Probably plastic, but I prefer not to use those. Instead, I use good quality wooden hangers, so if you can find thin but sturdy wooden hangers, I imagine those would be best."

"Definitely clear boxes for shoes and any other items you see fit. They will make your life so much easier. I would also say the mindset that the conventional in-line closet arrangement isn't necessary—you can create dedicated sections for clothing rods, shelves, drawers, and more to really make your space work for you."

"People should think outside the box about where to install shelving, areas for boxes, a spot to store accessories, etc. You'd be shocked by how much you can fit into a small space if you really strategize the layout."

Ready to tackle your own closet storage system? Tag us on social media using #InMyDomaine to show us your results.