9 Closet Hacks to Organize Your Space

3. Double up on hangers 

Instead of hanging a blazer and skirt, or a jacket and pants, on separate hangers, attach clips (even inexpensive wooden clothespins will do the trick) to secure the skirt or pants to the hanger, and place the blazer or jacket on top. Using one hanger saves space and keeps your coordinated articles together.

Spend more time in sweats than suits? Your zip-front hoodie and favorite sweats can be paired and hung in the same fashion.

4. Toss the shoeboxes 

Stop stockpiling shoeboxes on the closet floor. The flimsy opaque ones will lose their shape over time, and it’s impossible to see which shoes are inside. Jones also points out the risk of toppling the entire stack when you want to wear the shoes in the box at the bottom. A better option is clear drop-front containers. You can securely stack them inside the closet, and they allow you to see your shoes and pull and replace them through the front panel. ​

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5. Don’t overlook over-the-door storage 

Too often, the real estate on the back of the closet door isn’t used. “You can use over-the-door organizers for such a variety of items, like shoes, handbags, accessories, hats, gloves, scarves and other grab-and-go items,” Hord says.

Make sure to choose clear plastic or mesh organizers so you can easily see what items you’ve placed inside each compartment.

6. Hang your hat 

Removable self-adhesive hooks are ideal for hanging items like bags, belts, bras and baseball caps, says Jeni Aron, a professional organizer and founder of Clutter Cowgirl. Install hooks on the back of the closet door or on the walls of a walk-in closet, to add instant space.

7. Raise the bar 

Basic closets may have only a single shelf and closet rod. “[This setup] doesn’t utilize all of the space in the closet,” Jones says. “You end up stuffing the closet, you can’t space things out, and you’re not able to create an organized space.”

A simple improvement is to add an adjustable closet rod. By hanging shirts on the top bar and pants or skirts on the bottom, you’ve doubled the amount of organizing space with a single product. 

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8. Bring out the baskets 

Baskets are an attractive option for corralling (and concealing) smaller items. Use them to store socks, underwear, scarves, makeup, belts and bags; but resist the urge to use baskets as a catchall, cramming them full of disparate accessories.

“In order not to lose stuff, create themes,” Aron suggests. “Label each basket so you know what’s inside.”

9. Step in style 

Every closet should have a stepladder for reaching out-of-the-way items.

“Accessibility is key,” Aron says. “If you can’t reach the very top shelf, keep a stepladder in the closet, so you’re not tempted to throw clothes on the floor of the closet because it’s too much effort to reach the top shelf.”