How to Organize a Tiny Closet
Whether you own a walk-in closet the size of a small bedroom or one the size of a shoebox, it’s possible to maintain an equally tidy, functional space. In fact, people often assume that if only they had a bigger closet, they would be more organized. But larger closets can sometimes lead to more clutter, so having a smaller one forces you to be more deliberate with your belongings.
The key to maintaining a tidy closet is to create zones in your space. If you have enough closet rod space for your entire wardrobe, I recommend devoting one half of the closet to in season items, and the other half to off season items. If you don’t have enough room to hang your entire wardrobe, consider storing off season clothing in breathable canvas cubes on your upper closet shelf.
I’m also a big fan of using the upper closet shelf to store sweaters and purses. To avoid the dreaded avalanche that comes from removing sweaters and purses from their perch, the solution is to invest in durable shelf dividers. These will keep your purses upright and your sweaters neatly stacked (just make sure not to pile on more than five to six at a time!).
Another excellent and underrated way to keep your closet organized is with the back of the door. Use this area to hang robes and everyday totes/purses (I recommend 3M adhesive hooks with are damage-free and super easy to use). Alternatively, if you have a large shoe collection, consider hanging sandals and less-frequently worn shoes in an over the door shoe bag.
If you’re eager for more space in your closet, I recommend using a tension rod to double your hanging space. Use the bottom rod to hang pants, skirts, and even off-season items. Just make sure that the tension rod is the same finish as your closet rod (e.g., chrome, nickel, stainless steel), otherwise it can end up looking a little unpolished.
Finally, this tip is less obvious but using only one kind of hanger instead of a hodge-podge makes all the difference in the aesthetics of your closet. This uniform look ties all your clothes together into a cohesive wardrobe, and makes you much more likely to maintain your space from the get-go.