If you have a closet with less space than you need then you probably wish you could fit everything in. You may even be considering getting a second closet to hold all your clothes. Before you spend money and floor space on an extra closet you should take a look at your existing closet storage. See if you can stretch it a bit further! Here are ten closet organization ideas that will help you maximize your closet’s storage capacity.
19 Genius closet organization ideas just for you
1. Use Double Hangers For Closet Storage
Most of your hanger space is probably empty air. You can double the value of this space by buying double hangers. They let you hang two items in place of one. If you don’t want to spend money and have plenty of hangers to spare then here’s what you could do. Place a soda can tab around the hook in the top hanger and hang a second hanger from that. Voila!
2. Use Door Hooks For The Best Closet Organization
Image: HAUTE OFF THE RACK
If items like belts, ties, and scarves are taking up much space, then get some hooks and screw them into the inside of the closet door. Now you can hang them from there instead. For belts and other items that are less inclined to accumulate dust you might even want to put the hooks on the outside of the door. Obviously this isn’t a good idea on a sliding door.
3. Use Storage Containers For Closet Floor Items
Most people have items strewn over the floor of their closet in an inefficient mess. Get some plastic storage containers that will fit in your closet and some adhesive-backed labels. Organize your loose items into those storage containers placed onto the floor of the closet. Use the labels or a marker pen to label the containers. It is a good step so you don’t have to guess what’s in them when you are looking for something. Sounds like a good closet organization idea? Try it out!
4. Put Shoes Under Your Bed
Do you have spare shoes taking up space on the floor of the closet? Then consider removing them and placing them under your bed instead. This makes the shoes you commonly wear quicker to get at when you need them. For shoes you use less frequently get a storage container that fits under the bed to store them in. You can place individual shoes into cloth bags if there is a risk of them becoming scuffed in the container. Either way, many people have tried this and became better at organizing their space!
5. Put Hooks On The Side Walls
The brackets on the hanging rail may not let you slide hangers all the way to the side, so there may be some empty space there that you can take advantage of. Get some hooks and screw them into the side walls at strategic points where you can hang items from the hooks.
6. Put Shelves In Unused Space Where You Can Anchor Them
If you’ve got space in the closet that isn’t being used then look at whether you can put some shelves there to make better use of it. The space above the main hanger rail and below the hanging clothes is probably worth investigating for this purpose.
7. Add Hooks For Hangers At The Back Of The Closet
Image credit: IKEA
There’s likely some free space between the hanging clothes and the back wall of your closet. Get some hooks and screw them into the back wall at a height suitable for hanging clothes from. You can then place hangers on those hooks and hang clothes at a right angle to the clothes on the main hanger rail.
8. Get An Over-the-door Rack
You can buy cheap over-the-door racks that hook over the top of the closet door and let you store items against the door. These are best for hinged doors. You can also buy two of these and use one on the inside of the door and one on the outside, but be careful that you don’t place too much weight on the door hinges and damage them in the process. Buy here.
9. Use The Space On Top Of The Closet
If your closet is a stand-alone rather than a built-in design then the top of the closet is prime real estate for storing less frequently used items. Get some plastic containers that will fit on top of the closet and move appropriate items into those containers. The containers will keep the dust off the stored items and will also let you organize them. Get a marker pen or some adhesive backed labels and label the containers so that you know what’s in them.
10. Stackable Closet Storage Baskets
Open-faced, stackable baskets = major game-changer. These let you use vertical “air space” for folded items, handbags, accessories, or even linens. The key? Make sure the baskets are uniform (so it doesn’t look chaotic) and labeled (yes, the label game matters). Buy one here
Design tip: Choose a basket colour/material that complements your closet finish so it doesn’t feel like bins piled up — it feels curated.
11. Hanging Shelves
Turn your rod into more than just hanging space. These hanging shelf systems give you cubbies for sweaters, shoes, bags — and take very little installation. Buy here
Design tip: Use these for the items you wear most but that don’t need to be hung (hello bulky knits). They free up hang-space for the pieces that do need to hang.
12. Roll, Don’t Fold
Here’s a little secret: rolling clothes saves space and makes them easier to see. Instead of a deep stack of folded tees where you forget what’s at the bottom, you’ll have a “filed” drawer of roll-ups.
Design tip: Use for tees, leggings, scarves. Then you’ll stop saying “I have nothing to wear” when you really do.
13. Drawer Organizer
Drawers are often the messy middle-child of closets. Solve it with dividers or pretty drawer organizers. These help separate underwear, socks, accessories, or even your “favorite t-shirts” section. Buy one here
Design tip: Use clear or light-coloured dividers so you can see into them easily — the “out of sight = out of mind” rule does not apply here.
14. IKEA KOMPLEMENT Pull-Out Tray
For those of you with an insert system (or thinking about one), the IKEA KOMPLEMENT pull-out tray is genius. Hidden storage, easy access, minimal footprint.
Design tip: Use it for accessories, or even your morning-go box (sunglasses, keys). When accessories live in your closet (not on the dresser), your whole morning routine flows better.
15. Purse Hanger Organizer for Closet
If you’re a bag person (and let’s be honest — who isn’t at least a little bit), stop stacking purses like Jenga. Use a hanger organizer that gives each bag its own spot — no flattened straps, no lost cross-body. Buy here
Design tip: Hang it on the side of your closet or inside the door so the bags become part of the décor, not hidden chaos.
16. Legging Organizer for Closet Hanging
Workout gear, lounge wear, extra leggings — they multiply like rabbits. Use a slim hanging organizer specifically for them and reclaim drawer or shelf space for other items. Buy here
Design tip: Sort by colour or use one section for “run errands” leggings, another for “gym-only” — this little distinction makes your closet feel like you have a plan.
17. Lighting Is Everything
Closets don’t need to be dark, sad spaces. Add motion-sensor LED strips, puck lights, or a simple plug-in sconce. The difference? You’ll see what you own, which means less impulse shopping, more intentional dressing. Buy Motion Sensor Light here.
Design tip: Choose warm light (not harsh fluorescent) so your clothes’ true colours show — this helps you pick outfits faster and better.
18. Store Off-Season Clothes Elsewhere
If you’re tight on space, move the off-season items out. Use vacuum-seal bags under the bed, or keep a labelled bin on a top shelf. When your closet is only filled with what you’re currently wearing, it instantly feels larger and more usable. Buy Clothes Storage Bins here.
Design tip: Colour-code the bin (for example: “Winter coat / scarves”) so you can find what you need quickly when the season changes.
19. Toss Out Items You Never Use
An unused item is just wasted space. Take inventory of all the items in your closet and ask yourself if you have used a given item recently and if you think you are likely to use it in the future. If the answer is no then that item may be better off finding a new owner at the local charity store. At the very least consider moving it into separate storage where it won’t be adding to the clutter in your closet.
For more Organizing Tips, check out:
Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Every Inch
A small closet doesn’t have to mean small style. With a few smart closet organization ideas and the right tools — like stackable baskets, hanging shelves, and clever organizers — you can maximize closet space and make getting dressed feel effortless. The secret is using every inch intentionally: go vertical, stay consistent, and make it beautiful enough that you’ll actually want to keep it tidy.
Whether you’re dealing with a tiny apartment closet or just need better small space storage solutions, these practical upgrades will transform clutter into calm and give your wardrobe the showcase it deserves. Remember: an organized closet isn’t just about saving space — it’s about creating a daily moment of ease and inspiration.
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