How to Organize a Closet


Friday June 27, 2025

An organized closet is more than just a tidy space; it’s a game-changer for your daily routine. If you’re struggling with overflowing clothes, mismatched shoes, or no idea where to find that one sweater, then it’s time to consider how to organize a closet effectively.

A well-organized closet makes it easier to find your favorite outfits, saves time during your busy mornings, and even reduces stress by eliminating clutter.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive guide on how to organize a closet. Whether you’re dealing with a small closet, a walk-in wardrobe, or even business storage needs, these tips will help you make the most of your space. 

For those in need of additional storage space, BigTex Self Storage provides a range of convenient solutions to help you free up more room in your home.

Why Closet Organization is Important

Maximizing Your Space

When you know how to organize a closet properly, you’ll be amazed at how much space you can free up. Closets are often one of the most underutilized spaces in a home, but with a little creative thinking and the right strategies, you can make every inch count. 

Whether you have a small closet, a large walk-in wardrobe, or just a closet for seasonal items, maximizing your closet space will allow you to store more, keep it tidy, and access everything with ease.

There are a variety of closet storage solutions that can optimize your space. For example, shelves, drawers, and hanging racks can help keep your belongings organized and prevent overcrowding. You can also make use of vertical space by adding extra shelves or hooks to store things like hats, bags, and scarves.

With just a few simple tweaks, you can transform your closet into a spacious, functional area that enhances your daily life.

Saving Time and Reducing Stress

Have you ever found yourself searching through a cluttered closet for 10 minutes before heading out the door? One of the biggest benefits of knowing how to organize a closet is that it saves time and reduces stress. 

When everything is in its place, you no longer have to worry about searching through piles of clothes to find what you’re looking for. Instead, everything will be neatly arranged, allowing you to grab what you need quickly.

Moreover, the process of organizing your closet brings a sense of calm. A cluttered closet can overwhelm you, while an organized one creates a sense of order and peace. It’s not just about tidying up; it’s about making your life easier and reducing the mental load of dealing with clutter every day.

Essential Closet Organization Tips

Declutter First

Before diving into any storage solutions, the first thing you need to do is declutter the closet. It’s impossible to organize a closet that’s filled with items you no longer need. 

Start by pulling everything out of your closet and assessing each item. Does it still fit? Do you wear it? Is it still in good condition? If the answer is no, it’s time to part ways with it.

You can sell, donate, or recycle your unwanted clothes. A great rule of thumb is the “one in, one out” principle. For every new item you buy, make sure to get rid of something old. This will help keep your closet from overflowing in the future. By decluttering first, you’ll create a clean canvas for implementing organizational solutions.

Additionally, decluttering helps you assess exactly what you have in your closet. This makes it easier to sort your items into categories (like clothes, shoes, accessories) and determine how much space you need for each category.

Sort by Category

One of the most effective closet organization tips is sorting your clothes by category. Instead of grouping everything together haphazardly, break your closet down into sections such as tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, and accessories. This helps ensure that everything has a designated spot, making it easier to find what you’re looking for.

You can also sort by season, which is especially helpful if you have limited closet space. For example, store winter clothes in the back of the closet or in separate storage bins, and move summer clothes to the front during warmer months. 

This seasonal rotation ensures that you’re always working with clothes that are appropriate for the current weather.

Use Storage Solutions

When you ‘re thinking about how to organize a closet, consider investing in storage solutions. The right storage can make a huge difference in how much you can fit in your closet without sacrificing accessibility.

For example, clear plastic bins or woven baskets are great for storing items like scarves, hats, or extra bedding. Not only do these bins keep your items organized, but the clear material makes it easy to see what’s inside. Drawer organizers can be used for smaller items such as belts, socks, and jewelry, while hanging organizers are perfect for shoes or folded clothing.

Investing in high-quality hangers is another simple yet effective closet organization tip. Using slim, non-slip hangers for your clothes can help maximize hanging space and keep your clothes in place.

Invest in Quality Hangers

Speaking of hangers, choosing the right type is a crucial part of closet organization. If you’re using mismatched or flimsy hangers, your closet will look cluttered, and your clothes may not be hanging properly.

For example, padded hangers are great for delicate items like silk blouses, while non-slip hangers are perfect for keeping pants or skirts in place. Wooden hangers are ideal for heavy coats, as they can support the weight without bending.

By investing in quality hangers, you’ll make your closet look more organized and your clothes will remain in top condition. Plus, you’ll be able to store more in your closet since quality hangers take up less space than bulky ones.

Utilize Vertical Space

When you’re considering how to organize a closet, don’t forget about the potential of vertical space. This is one of the most overlooked areas of a closet, but it’s essential for maximizing storage. Add extra shelves, hooks, or a second hanging rod to use your closet’s full height.

Vertical space can be used to store shoes, accessories, or even seasonal clothing that doesn’t need to be accessed frequently. Hanging baskets or organizers can be used for smaller items like hats, scarves, or bags. By utilizing every inch of vertical space, you’ll be able to fit more in your closet without overcrowding the shelves.

Seasonal Closet Organization

Organizing for Seasonal Transitions

A critical part of closet organization is preparing for seasonal changes. As the weather shifts, so do your clothing needs. During the warmer months, you may not need heavy coats and scarves, but in winter, those items are essential. When you’re organizing a closet for seasonal changes, it’s helpful to store off-season clothes in bins or storage bags until you need them.

Consider using BigTex Self Storage for your off-season items. By placing your winter or summer wardrobe in a climate-controlled storage unit, you free up space in your closet for the current season’s clothing. This also protects delicate items from extreme temperatures or humidity.

Use Seasonal Storage

Seasonal storage is a game-changer when it comes to keeping your closet organized year-round. 

Instead of stuffing everything into your closet, use bins or vacuum-sealed bags to store off-season clothing, holiday decorations, or outdoor gear. For instance, if you don’t need your heavy winter coats during the summer, pack them away and make room for your warm-weather wardrobe.

By rotating seasonal items in and out of your closet, you’ll keep your closet neat and your wardrobe manageable. And when the season changes again, it’ll be easy to swap out your clothing without creating a mess.

Closet Organization for Different Needs

Organizing a Small Closet

If you have a small closet, the challenge of organizing it becomes even greater. But don’t worry; small closet organization can be just as efficient as larger spaces with the right techniques. Start by making use of all available space.

Use slimline hangers to maximize hanging room and invest in under-shelf baskets or hooks for accessories.

You can also use vertical space in small closets, just like in larger ones, by adding additional shelves or an over-the-door organizer. The key to small closet organization is to think creatively and make every inch count.

Organizing a Walk-In Closet

A walk-in closet offers a lot of space, but without proper organization, it can become just as chaotic as a small closet. The first step is to dedicate specific sections for different types of clothing; suits, dresses, shoes, accessories, etc. 

Use adjustable shelving to accommodate different item sizes, and install hanging rods at varying heights to accommodate both long and short garments. Make use of storage containers for accessories and smaller items, and consider custom shelving or drawers to keep everything in order. A well-organized walk-in closet can feel like your own personal boutique.

Business Closet Organization

Businesses often need closets for storing supplies, documents, or uniforms. If you’re organizing a business closet, consider using labeled bins for different categories of items, like office supplies, promotional materials, or personal protective equipment. You can also use file cabinets or shelving units to store important documents and folders.

For business owners with limited space, BigTex Self Storage offers flexible storage solutions for inventory, documents, or any other materials that need to be stored securely. This ensures your business closet remains uncluttered and organized.

Advanced Closet Organization Techniques

Color Coding and Labeling

Color coding your clothing or labeling your storage bins can dramatically improve closet organization. When you color-code your items, you can quickly spot what you need, whether it’s a red sweater or a pair of black shoes. Labeling bins or shelves will also ensure that everything stays in its place, and you won’t waste time searching for items.

Color coding and labeling are particularly useful for keeping your closet neat and making the organization system easier to maintain.

Closet Zoning: Creating Areas for Specific Items

One advanced technique for organizing a closet is creating specific zones for different types of items. For example, designate one section of the closet for shoes, another for jackets, and another for scarves and accessories. 

Zoning ensures that you know exactly where each item belongs and prevents everything from blending together.

Creating zones can be especially helpful in walk-in closets, where it’s easy for items to get jumbled together without a clear system.

Custom Closet Solutions

If you’re looking to take your closet organization to the next level, consider investing in custom closet systems. These systems can be tailored to fit your space perfectly, whether you’re working with a small closet or a spacious walk-in.

Custom shelves, drawers, and hanging rods can be designed to suit your exact storage needs, and built-in features can make the most of your available space.

Common Closet Organization Mistakes to Avoid

Overstuffing the Closet

One of the biggest mistakes people make when organizing a closet is overstuffing it. It’s tempting to shove things into every nook and cranny, but this only makes it harder to keep everything organized. Overstuffed closets create chaos and prevent you from accessing your items easily.

Instead of overstuffing, take the time to declutter and sort your items carefully, making sure you only keep things that you use or love. This will make it easier to maintain a tidy closet over time.

Ignoring Maintenance

Closet organization isn’t a one-time task. Over time, things can get out of order again if you don’t maintain your system. Regularly go through your closet and ensure that everything is in its place. A quick tidy-up session once a month will keep your closet organized without taking up too much time.

How BigTex Self Storage Can Help With Closet Organization

When to Consider Self Storage for Your Closet

When your closet is overflowing and you need more space, it might be time to consider self storage. BigTex Self Storage offers various storage options to help you manage your closet overflow.

From climate-controlled units for delicate items to spacious storage for seasonal clothing, self-storage can be a great solution for keeping your closet organized.

Benefits of Self Storage for Closet Organization

Self storage offers several advantages when it comes to closet organization. You can store seasonal items, excess clothing, or business supplies without cluttering your home. With flexible storage options, you can choose a unit that suits your needs, whether it’s for short-term or long-term use.

Conclusion

A well-organized closet is essential for creating a more efficient and stress-free life. Knowing how to organize a closet properly; whether by decluttering, sorting your items, or utilizing smart storage solutions can dramatically improve both the functionality and aesthetics of your space.

When everything is in its place, you save time, reduce stress, and make better use of your available storage.

If you’re running out of space or need to store seasonal items, BigTex Self Storage offers the perfect solution. With a variety of storage options, including climate-controlled units for delicate items or larger spaces for business storage, it helps you keep your closet and life organized.

Start organizing your closet today, and experience how a little extra space and organization can make all the difference in your everyday routine. Let us help you create a clutter-free, functional space with our convenient storage solutions.

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