Simple (But Highly Effective) Closet Organizing Ideas

A closet organization system provides a spot for everything you need to store, from suits and dresses, to jewelry and scarves, to socks and bathing suits. But figuring out an organization strategy can help you keep your closet looking its best and streamline your getting-ready process.

You could put everything on hangers and shelves and call it done. But storing clothes with some forethought makes getting ready easier, prevents wrinkles and keeps all of your clothing in good condition.

Here are a few closet organizing ideas that can help.

Find an Organization Method

There’s no single best or “correct” way to organize your closet. Some people prefer to hang shirts according to color and then by sleeve length. And some like the aesthetic of hanging clothes in similar groups by length, with shorter pieces on one end of a rod and longer pieces, such as dresses, on the opposite end. The key is to find a method that works for you—it’ll help you stay organized over time.

Here are a few possibilities:

• Make a rainbow with all blues, yellows, reds and other colors in groups
• Organize in sections by style: casual, business, dressy and formal wear
• Group in zones by type, such as slacks, blouses, button-downs, jackets, dresses and skirts
• Reserve everyday clothing for the front and center and move items you wear less often to the perimeter of the closet

Review Your Closet Often

If your closet is well-organized, you likely have more room for more clothing—a pro, to be sure. But that also means it’s easier to keep things you don’t wear all the time. Take stock of what’s in your closet regularly and donate, sell or throw out what you no longer wear. We suggest a thorough review at the end of each season.

Use the Right Hangers

A great closet is only as good as the hangers that keep your clothing in place. Everything looks nicer if you use the same type of clothes hanger throughout the space. Be sure to choose something sturdy, whether it’s heavy plastic, wood or metal. And space your hangers one to two inches apart to give your clothes room to breathe. Finally, ditch those wire hangers from the dry cleaners—they’re too thin and won’t support the weight of your clothes over time.

Perfect Folding and Hanging Techniques

There’s no single best way to fold or hang clothes. But if you perfect the methods that work for you, your clothing will look neater and you could even cut down on ironing time. A folding board like the ones used in department stores takes all of the guesswork out of folding T-shirts and other tops that you might not want to hang. A faster way, and one that works perfectly every time, is the pinch and fold method demonstrated in this video by Real Simple.

Button-up garments, such as dress shirts and blouses, hang better and stay in shape if you fasten the top button and then every other button all the way down. For other tops and dresses, slip the hanger inside from the bottom—not through the neck—to prevent stretching out the neckline and shoulders. Fold pants carefully over a hanger to minimize wrinkles—or hang them by the hem or cuff.

A great closet organization system gives you a smart platform, but it’s up to you to put things away. How you approach that determines your ease of getting ready for the day and the long-term condition of your clothes. It can also conserve space inside the closet.

If you’re still looking for a great stage to showcase your organization skills, The Closet Works can help. Schedule a free design consultation, and we’ll come to your home, work directly with you, and create something that’s both beautiful and highly functional.