The goal of closet organization is simple: Get your clothing, shoes, and accessories in order so that you can get dressed quickly and easily, wearing outfits that you love! 

    For most people, figuring out what steps to take is difficult. Try these ten easy steps designed to get even the most disorganized closet in order.



    1. Try on Everything in Your Closet

    This first step is tedious — however, it is the only way you will really know what fits, flatters your figure, and is still in good condition. Trying on every item will help you make decisions about what to keep and what to part with.

    As you go through each garment, ask yourself:

    • Do I absolutely love this piece and reach for it often?
    • Do I feel great wearing this?
    • Does it fit well and flatter my body?
    • Is it free of stains, tears, or other damage?
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    If you answer “no” to any of those questions, consider donating or consigning the item. Be brutally honest with yourself during this closet organization process. The goal is to only keep pieces you feel amazing in.


    2. Face All Hangers in One Direction

    After trying everything on, return each garment you’re keeping to a hanger in your closet. As you do, make sure all of the hangers are facing one direction.

    Over the next few weeks, pay attention to what you wear. Each time you wear and launder something, place it back in your closet with the hanger facing the opposite direction.

    This trick makes it easy to visually spot items you rarely or never wear. If something has been in your closet for months and the hanger is still facing the original direction, it’s likely time to remove it from your wardrobe rotation.


    3. Ask the Right Questions

    As you decide which items to keep and which to part with, ask yourself these key questions about each garment:

    • Could someone else use this more than I do?
    • Do I love it?
    • Does it make me feel great about myself when I wear it?
    • Is it comfortable and flattering for my body?
    • Is it in good condition?

    Being mindful and intentional as you make keep or toss decisions will help you end up with a closet full of pieces you actually wear and enjoy.


    4. Maximize Your Closet Space

    Take a look around your closet to spot any wasted space. Is there room for an additional hanging bar or sturdy shelves? Could you add a higher bar for items worn infrequently? Even small tweaks like these can add usable space.

    Consider your lifestyle and how you use your closet when looking for areas to maximize. For instance, fold-up shelves near the floor are great for housing shoes. A higher-hanging bar is perfect for out-of-season clothing.

    Get creative with custom storage solutions to make the most of every inch. Just be sure any additions are secure and won’t collapse under the weight of your belongings. Even more, consider combining spaces into a closet (like a water heater closet or utility space).


    5. Upgrade Your Hangers

    An easy way to instantly elevate your closet is to ensure all garments are hanging on uniform hangers. The visual impact is amazing.

    wooden uniform hangers in a closet
    Canva

    While you can certainly use any type of hanger, wooden hangers are attractive and help clothing keep its shape. Slim velvet hangers are another great choice if you have delicate fabrics.

    The key is consistency. All your tops, dresses, pants, etc., should hang at the same height on hangers of identical shape and width. This prevents “hanger bump” and makes locating items easy.


    6. Add Lighting

    Unless you have a big walk-in closet, chances are you’re fumbling around in dim lighting while getting dressed. This makes it difficult to see what you have. Adding lighting is one of the first steps to creating a custom closet space that works for you.

    Battery-operated LED closet lights are an easy upgrade. Stick-on battery packs and magnetic strips mean no wiring is required — just position several lights inside your closet to fully illuminate everything.

    Proper lighting makes getting dressed a breeze. It also keeps you from missing out on pieces that get buried in dark corners of your closet. 


    7. Paint the Inside

    The walls of your closet probably don’t get much attention. Over time, scuffs and dirt can make the inside dingy.

    Take a couple of hours to paint the interior walls a light, bright color. White is classic, but you can also use this as an opportunity to incorporate a fun color you love.

    Painting is an inexpensive refresh that makes your closet feel clean, new, and inviting. Having walls you love encourages you to keep your space neat and organized.

    closet with light blue interior walls
    Canva

    8. Use the Door

    An overlooked space in many closets is the back of the door. This out-of-sight spot is actually prime real estate for extra storage. Making the most of the back of your closet door goes a long way in creating a highly functioning closet space.

    Install over-the-door storage specially designed for closets. Options include hanging clear pouches for accessories, racks for shoes, and pocketed organizers for folded pieces.

    You can also mount floating shelves on the door for folded clothing and smaller items. These organizational additions will keep frequently used items handy.


    9. Edit Your Shoes

    Just like you sort through your clothing, it’s important to edit your shoe collection. This prevents a messy pile-up on the floor of your closet.

    Designate a shelf or bin for shoes you rarely wear, such as specialty heels or seasonal boots. This keeps them protected and out of the way. If you have athletic shoes, use storage cubes, stackable shelves, or under-bed containers to neatly store them someplace else, like a mudroom.


    10. Group Items How You Want

    Some experts suggest grouping closet items by color, season, or type. Others recommend grouping complete outfits together.

    Canva

    At the end of the day, organize your closet in whatever way makes the most sense for you and your lifestyle — there’s no universal right or wrong way.

    The goal is to have a system that allows you to quickly find what you need to pull an outfit together. If seasonal grouping works for you, do it. If you prefer organizing by item type, that’s great too.

    In addition, consider hosting a clothing swap if you want to make the most of the old stuff taking up your much-needed closet space.


    So, Is Having an Organized Closet Worth It?

    Absolutely! An organized closet that houses only pieces you truly love and wear makes getting dressed each day so much easier — no more trying on multiple outfits or running late because you can’t find what you need. You’ll also reduce wasted spending on new clothes when you can see (and wear) everything already in your closet.

    Just be prepared — once your closet is organized, you’ll want to keep it that way. Maintaining the system is much simpler than the initial overhaul.

    Take time once or twice a year to edit your closet again. Remove anything you didn’t wear and replace items that are worn out. Do this routinely, and you’ll reap the ongoing rewards of a closet that never gets out of control again.


    FAQs About Closet Organization

    What are the benefits of an organized closet?

    An organized closet allows you to see all your belongings, find exactly what you need, and get dressed faster. It also reduces stress and clutter.


    How often should I declutter my closet?

    Plan to declutter your closet at least twice per year — such as when changing seasons from summer to winter. Editing seasonally prevents the buildup of unworn pieces.


    What are the best organizational systems?

    Consider grouping items by type, color, season, or outfit. Choose whatever system makes the most sense for your needs and lifestyle. Uniform hangers and proper lighting also help.


    How long does it take to organize a closet?

    Expect the initial overhaul and reorganization of a medium or large closet to take 15 to 20 hours. Maintaining an organization after that initial investment takes far less time.


    What storage solutions maximize closet space?

    Add shelves high or low, use over-the-door storage, edit shoes into containers, and install closet rods at different heights to get the most use from every inch.


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    Jordan Tyler Quinn Farkas

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    Jordan Tyler Quinn Farkas is a globetrotting content writer hailing from the USA. With a passion for pest control, he brings a unique perspective to his writing from his early years working for one of the largest pest control companies in America. Throughout his early 20s, Jordan gained valuable experience and knowledge in the field, tackling pest infestations head-on and ensuring the well-being of countless homes.

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