Want to feel accomplished in the next 20 minutes? If your closet is currently too small to fit everything, simply re-organizing it all isn't going to solve the problem. this website. For example, when I was very young I had a closet that was about 2.5 feet wide, but it was about 4 feet deep. In my closet now, I have some small framed art pieces. Like scarves, and even shoes. Oh, and it just so happens to be mine. Clutter makes small spaces seem even smaller. In a cramped closet, vertical space is your friend. Closet systems are great. So remember to separate out off-season clothing, store them in protective organizers, and hide them under the bed or in the attic. All at up to 40% less than local closet companies. Hang things on the inside of the closet door. And there’s a ton of ‘em. Determine the Function. A few weeks ago when my sister Brittany (aka my fashion consultant) was here, she helped me go through all of my clothes and get rid of everything that didn’t fit or was out of style. A Shelf for Shoes (or the floor) - I don’t believe in shoe hanging solutions. Real Simple may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on This post contains affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure here. Learn how to organize your small closet with these 10 simple and easy tips! I love being able to just reach and pull my pants straight off the hanger, instead of fumbling to reach in the sea of clothes and try to shimmy the pants out from between everything else. It makes it look like there’s more space! Gather your closet organization supplies, including a “toss” basket and a tape measure. Organize a small linen closet using these foolproof organization ideas to maximize storage! Empty the closet of all contents-clothing, shoes, closet organizers, etc. To organize your closet, you'll have to sort through all of your clothes to determine what you really need and find the best way to reorganize your clothes and other belongings. In all these years, I learned some tips and tricks on how to organize a small closet and still feel like you have a luxe closet. But let me tell you a trick I learned after that picture was taken: get white hangers. Container Store will design your closet for free. And even when they are a decent size, they can be hard to organize. In all our time spent with annoyingly tiny closets, we’ve picked up a few tips, tricks and storage solutions to make the most of even the smallest space. While organizers that maximize vertical space and the back of the closet door are smart additions to a small closet, avoid the temptation to over-shop. FAQ's About How to Organize a Small Closet How wide should a closet shelf be? Okay, so you’ve got a teeny tiny closet. To give an idea of how small the closet is that we are organizing, it measures appx 52″ wide by 23″ deep.This small closet is the original to the house with metal sliding doors that are supposed to look like wood.Um, they don’t look at all like wood! Skirt Hangers - I love these from The Container Store. Design. Add a little of your own personality. Often, the floor, door and top of the closet are under (or poorly) utilized. Yes, they hang on each other, but they’re so much better than other stacking hangers. From there, invest in the right organizers (and don't try to cram in too many) to maximize the available space. Thin Hangers - Yep, those velvet hangers that are uber thin. Doing so will also make it easier to sort through the items in your closet. RELATED: This $14 Closet Organizer Rescued My Morning Routine. Small closets can get crammed, and cleaning out isn’t always an option. I prefer the clear plastic hangers (make sure you get shirt/dress hangers and pant/skirt hangers) because you can waterfall with … Real Simple may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email on this website. And there’s a ton of ‘em. If you have every square inch crammed full, you might want to start by paring down. The key: measure your closet carefully before you shop, so you don't end up buying organizers that won't fit. Plus, rolling casters make it easy to move around the room. A shelf is going to give you more space than any predetermined shoe solution, honestly. Wall racks and hangers are easy to install, and there are plenty of closet systems to choose from—including The Container Store’s Elfa System, seen above. © Copyright 2020, 10 Virtual Games to Play When You Can't Be Together, 21 Easy Christmas Breakfast Casseroles to Make Ahead (or the Morning Of), Easy Homemade Carpet Cleaners to Tackle Every Stain, The Ultimate Holiday Tipping Checklist (and How Much to Give), 14 Great Christmas Movies You Can Watch Right Now on Netflix, This $14 Closet Organizer Rescued My Morning Routine. I spent $10 extra dollars on a hanging mirror that had a pretty frame. But, there are some good options you should consider if you are still struggling with space after decluttering and changing your closet design (if possible). Answer: The top shelf of a cabinet is usually 84 inches off the floor. Start your journey to the best style of your life in just a few minutes... Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Consider putting a small picture, wallpapering one wall, or maybe painting an accent wall. These hangers ($30 for 50, bedbathandbeyond.com) are not only slim, but also non-slip. I feel like these often clutter up a space more, truthfully. I feel ya. I’m not big on all these extras like hanging shoes on the back of the door and fancy boxes for this... Luxe Space. Had I thought about it, it would have made so much more sense to put a rod for clothing down the 4 foot side and create more space! It was surely mine for the first 20ish years of my life (as a result I feel a bit overwhelmed by too large closets now). As a general rule, only keep clothing you're likely to wear within the next three months in the closet. Begin by getting rid of these 11 things right now, which you definitely won't miss. I would be lying if I told you I designed the layout for my closet by myself, truthfully, a lot of came from a conversation with my Mom about what I could do with it. Who knew?! Clutter makes small spaces seem even smaller. If you want to know how to organize your closet, just follow these steps. Even once you KonMari your clothing stash, you likely won't be able to fit every single clothing item you own into one closet. For such a small space, it can be pretty overwhelming, huh? The Original Small Closet. It’s about the layout of the system. Just like with closet editing, you need the right supplies for closet organizing. Bonus: it even functions as art, if you want to hang it elsewhere. Adding some personality can make it feel like a truly luxe closet, no matter the size. The bane of any woman’s and sometimes man’s existence. Inspired? I had a small wardrobe at that time, because I had just decluttered, but I had plenty of space for more. Tackle that issue in your small bedroom closet with a two-part strategy: some smart weeding-out, then reorganizing via efficient, accessible storage. These makeover ideas work especially well for narrow linen closets with deep shelves that are often found in apartments! Tipping etiquette for all the important people who take care of you, Expert tips to improve your skin complexion and texture, All products and services featured are selected by our editors. I’m not big on all these extras like hanging shoes on the back of the door and fancy boxes for this and that or hangers that hang on each other (watch, I’m about to eat my words). Sep 29, 2020 - small closets, organization, organizing the closet, closet, bedroom, clothing organization. No stock photo here, friend. Deborah Broockerd, the organization expert at the Closet Factory out of Vienna, Virginia, has a few smart tips for storing jewelry in a small walk-in. Don’t make those mistakes. Closets are a great concept, but never seem to be big enough. They take up less space, they’re durable enough to hold ten items in the space of 1, yet they don’t crush everything that’s hanging in that space. If you don’t have any real closets in your home, integrate storage into another room (as Darla did above). Pretty good, right? Follow the dos and don'ts of small closet organizing below, and your cramped closet will suddenly feel a little bit bigger. Bundle up and head outside (or stay toasty inside)—either way, everyone in the family will love these snow day ideas. They’re a must have for a small closet. When you're first figuring out how to organize a small closet, one way to start is to group like items together. Oh how I love to purge! Pant Hangers - These are no ordinary pant hangers. they have a virtual service where you can set your closet dimensions and play around with different setups until you find one is perfect. Here are the most important rules I tried to abide by as I worked to organize a small linen closet: Rule 1- Do not overstuff. While ClosetMaid doesn’t do it for you, they have a virtual service where you can set your closet dimensions and play around with different setups until you find one is perfect. Install. Follow the one-year rule to purge outdated or ill-fitting garments from your closet. For anyone whose tiny closet is already packed to the brim or who doesn't even have a closet to... 2 Add Storage Under Clothes. Even though my closet looks nice, those black hangers are a lot. Dream. If you’ve got the money to spare, I would invest in a closet system like the Elfa System from The Container Store. As the days get chillier and snow starts falling, curl up with one of these good books to read in winter. Credit: Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. But don’t you worry. A closet doesn’t just need to be functional. DIY your closet makeover with these ideas to organize your clothes, use shelves, shoe racks, and more. By Alexa Erickson With a Walk-In Closet, the Possibilities Are Plentiful Close the distance with fun games you can play from the comfort of separate homes. Put Like with Like. Storage solutions. Start Fresh Click that link! When you're dealing with a too-tiny closet, there is a special set of guidelines you'll want to follow. Perfect. Learn to organize clothes, shoes, hats and more, even in your limited space!. “The negative space is where the opportunities are,” Shearer says. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. If you're cramped on space, place a small … This expandable garment rack fits perfectly in any space and can be adjusted from 32 to 48 inches in width. If you don’t have the time for either of those options to get a new layout (even if you end up building it yourself and not going with their system), ask someone else to look at your closet and see what they say. Here are my tips for a luxe small closet: Add a mirror on the back of your door, if possible. From small and simple to large and luxurious, these walk-in closet ideas will keep you organized. Let’s talk layout first and how important it is to look at your space with fresh eyes. I just don’t. White hangers would look brighter and lighter. Sort things into piles to donate, toss and keep before you begin organizing. After a transition such as moving or welcoming a new baby, there's a good chance your closets have become stuffed and overflowing, and similar items are now stashed throughout the house. The key: measure your closet carefully before you shop, so you don't end up buying organizers that won't fit. ClosetMaid, which is a great affordable option. A large shoe rack or storage boxes can quickly fill up all of the available space. Having an organized closet is the gateway to having an organized room and an organized life. You're going to have to conduct a closet purge, following these seven steps. So, make it easier to get what you need. Just this first step was so gratifying, and do you know w… When we were finished going through everything, I bet we had gotten rid of over half of the clothes I owned. 17 Small Closet Hacks: How to Organize a Small Bedroom Closet 1. How to Organize a Small Closet Small Closet Layout. Don’t let the walls go to waste, use your walls or even doors to hang stuff like scarves, hats, or jewelry. Getty Images, The Dos and Don'ts of Organizing a Small Closet. For starters, you won't be able to simply rearrange what you already own, but conducting a closet purge will likely be an important first step. Small spaces can be challenging, but you can get your wardrobe organized easily with these 10 tips. High-quality closet solutions you can design, order, and install in the comfort of your own home. To take advantage of it, invest in clever organizers that hang down from the closet bar, such as this six-compartment sweater organizer ($20, containerstore.com) that I swear by for transforming my own closet. Painting your clothing rod or a closet shelf a bright color would also be pretty dang fun. Forget long dresses and skirts. Trying storage solutions over decluttering, Not reorganizing/redesigning your closet layout. Closet systems are great. The Container Store will design your closet for free and tell you all the pieces you need. How to organize a small closet PLUS quick tips on how to declutter your clothes (very important when space is limited!) In order to get a good idea of just how much space your tiny closet has to offer, you need to remove anything and everything already stuffed inside. See more ideas about small closet organization, organization, organization bedroom. 2. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. However, my favorite feature is the services that both of these systems offer. While organizers that maximize vertical space and the back of the closet door are smart additions to a small closet, avoid the temptation to over-shop. You can buy a closet organizer to hang or mount on the inside of your closet door, like the Elfa Mesh Closet Door Rack from The Container Store (above left), or Simple Housewares Over The Door Closet Rod Hanger from Amazon (above right). Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. That was hands down the best layout I ever had. Made with products you probably have on hand. P.S., this is the one I got, in white of course. If that’s not in your price range, check out ClosetMaid, which is a great affordable option. © Laurie Loo, LLC 2020 | Brand + Site Design, Personal Style Education for Fashion-Challenged Women, rellery, ethical jewelry, huggie earrings, brand review. Snap a pic, send it to someone and make plans for your dream closet layout with fresh eyes. Tackle that issue in your small bedroom closet with a two-part strategy: some smart weeding-out, then reorganizing via efficient, accessible storage. Offers may be subject to change without notice. If done right, it can effectively double your limited closet space and help you find what you need, when you need it. This virtual space is great too, because you don’t have to deal with the mess and time of trying a new layout in person and not liking it. On the left, she put empty vertical space in a closet to good use by creating a stunning necklace wall. But, it’s not all about the system. In a too-tiny closet, every inch of space matters, so make sure bulky hangers aren't taking up more space than they should. The power of these is that they can actually create more space. I prefer to keep my shoes neatly lined up in a row or two on the floor or on a shelf. If your tiny closet is busting at the seams, then a garment rack may be exactly what you need. If you have wall space, hang up the pretty stuff. That’s a lot of empty hangers! Most of the time it was a 2 foot wide closet with two bars. Closets deserve art too, they aren’t just a hole for clothes! Jan 15, 2020 - Have a small closet? 1. You talk on the phone to a lovely representative who asks what kind of storage you need, is it a shared closet, etc., and you’ll come away with a design you never would have thought of yourself. Before we start, let’s go over the top 3 mistakes you can make in organizing a small closet. I think they look messy and create clutter. Declutter First. A large shoe rack or storage boxes can quickly fill up all of the available space. Don't worry, you won't have to KonMari your entire home, just focus on one closet to start. Take these steps to avoid the small closet cardinal sins and you’ll be the well-organized envy of your big-closeted friends in no time. It’s functional and looks nice. If you haven't used it or worn it in a year, it's safe to say it's time to get rid of it, or store it elsewhere. I have to say this upfront – if you want to organize your small closet, you are going to need to... 2. The first step in organizing any space is to take everything out. 16 Tricks That Squeeze Every Inch Out of a Small Closet 1 Get a Clothing Rack. If done right, it can effectively double your limited closet space and help you find what you need, when you need it. If we're being honest, organizing a closet of any size (yes, even a spacious walk-in) can be difficult, but figuring out how to organize a small closet presents an even greater challenge. Let me just go ahead and show you my favorite small closet of all time. But a nice one! Here are 11 things you can do to maximize your small closet. Start here. When we have a lot of stuff to fit into a not-so-huge space, it is tempting to fill up every nook and cranny that we have available. P.S., this is the one I got, in white of course, The Last Autumn Color Palette You’ll Need, Save the Outfit Repeaters : 5 Tricks So Nobody Notices, Get Your Summer On With This Seasonal Color Palette, The #1 Trick to Keeping Your Shirt Tucked In All Day, How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe You Don’t Hate. First, make sure you have matching hangers. Take everything out of your closet. I like the look of those nice boxes for shoes, but they take up more space. If you use a 16-inch shelf depth, you only have 8 inches of clearance between the front of the top shelf and the cabinet head, according to JohnLouisHome.com. In my experience, though, overstuffing a space is just asking for disaster. Apparently the clothes I wore 10-15 years ago in high school and college are not “in” anymore. Okay, so the function of a bedroom closet seems obvious – to store clothing. It’s a heck of a lot better than dirty shoe soles and it’s good storage. Yep, these have a hole on one side. 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