Maximize space in a Small Closet
Let’s be honest—no matter how big or small my closet is, I always seem to wish for just a little more room. Sound familiar? If you’re nodding along, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into some real-life ways you can Maximize space in a Small Closet and finally get the organized closet you’ve been wanting.
I’ll walk you through easy, doable tips on how to organize what you have—so every inch works harder for you. With a few clever tricks (and a couple of my favorite hidden storage secrets!), you’ll be reclaiming that space in no time and making your morning routine a whole lot smoother.
Don’t you just love flipping through a magazine and spotting those huge walk-in closets? The kind with clothes organized by color and style, shoes neatly lined up on shelves, and a gorgeous table right in the middle, with jewelry displays sparkling on top.
They’re fun to admire, but if I’m honest, owning one might end up being more work than it’s worth. Let’s face it, no matter how much closet space we have, we always find ourselves wishing for a little bit more. More space for shoes, extra hooks for workout gear, or just a bit more room to hang our favorite tops and dresses.
And while it’s tempting to think that more space is the answer, most of the time, it’s really just the amount of stuff we’re holding onto that’s the real culprit. For many of us, what we already have is far more than we truly need.
Here’s the real secret: an organized closet comes down to having just the right amount of clothes, storing them in a way that makes getting ready a breeze, and using a few handy tools that make it easy to put everything back where it belongs.
Pare Down What You Have
Let’s have an honest moment together—before we even think about fancy closet organizers or clever storage bins, it’s time to take a good look at what’s actually living in your closet. Here’s what I’ve learned: the real magic happens when you focus on keeping only what you love and use, and let go of the rest.
So grab a laundry basket or a tote and start sorting. Keep the best pieces—the clothes that fit your life right now, that make you feel good when you wear them. For those items you haven’t touched in a year or things that don’t fit quite right, consider donating them so someone else can give them a second life.
And here’s your big Truth Bomb: We always think we need more space, but most of the time, what we really need is less stuff.
Clearing out the extras not only frees up room, but it also takes away that overwhelming feeling every time you open your closet doors. A smaller, intentionally set-up closet makes getting dressed so much simpler—and you’ll likely find it’s much easier to keep organized, too.
Maximize space in a Small Closet
No matter how big or small your closet is, it’s all too easy to feel like there’s never enough space. But you might be surprised that you have a few more options than you realize.
With a bit of rearranging and maybe a few simple organizers we can give you a setup that works for you.
1. Hanging Space
Hanging space is the main part of any closet and many times we tend to overstuff this area. Giving your clothes room to breathe will not only help them to last longer it will also allow you to more easily see your things when getting dressed.
Action Tips:
- Make the Most of Your Vertical Space: Invest in double-hang closet rods to create two tiers of hanging space. Use the top rod for tops and jackets, and the bottom rod for pants or skirts.
- Slimline Hangers: Swap bulky hangers for thin, non-slip velvet hangers to create more room while keeping clothes stable.
- Get Double the Space: Invest in cascading hangers for tops, pants, or leggings.
- Group by Type or Color: Organize clothes by type (workwear, casual, formal) or by color to make getting ready simpler.
Storage Advice:
- Hang heavier coats on sturdy wooden hangers to maintain their shape.
- Consider garment bags for formal pieces like evening gowns or suits to protect them from dust and wear.
Clutter Tip:
Evaluate your hanging clothes. Haven’t worn it in a year? It’s time to donate. Keeping only the pieces you truly love and use will make your hanging space more effective.
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2. Shelves
Shelves are such a valuable part of a closet because of all the potential they have for storage. You can use them for shoes, seasonal storage, or bulkier items such as sweatshirts or jeans.
Action Tips:
- Use Shelf Dividers: Keep stacks of clothes tidy and upright by adding shelf dividers between categories like sweaters, jeans, or handbags.
- Baskets or Clear Bins: Perfect for storing small, foldable items like scarves or workout gear. Clear bins allow you to see what’s inside without rummaging.
- Rotate Seasonally: Store off-season items in labeled bins or clear zipper bags on higher shelves to make room for what you currently wear.
Storage Advice:
- Fold knitwear rather than hanging it to prevent them from stretching out.
- Add cedar blocks to seasonal bags to deter moths and keep fabrics fresh.
Clutter Tip:
If those shelves are sagging under the weight of too many sweaters, ask yourself this question before keeping anything: “Do I wear this, or do I just hope I will one day?” If it’s the latter, it might be time to let it go and free up a bit more space.
3. Drawers
Few closets have drawers and if you are one of the lucky ones, be sure you are using them in the best way.
Action Tips:
- Drawer Organizers: Use tension drawer dividers or container organizers to neatly separate socks, underwear, or accessories like belts and ties.
- File Folding Method: Fold clothes upright (like files!) rather than stacking them. It saves space and makes it easier to see everything at a glance.
- Assign Drawer “Zones”: Designate specific drawers for specific items—for example, one drawer for activewear, another for pajamas—so everything has its dedicated spot.
Storage Advice:
- Roll soft fabrics like T-shirts to minimize wrinkles and make space.
- Use sachets with lavender or other natural scents to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
Clutter Tip:
Dump the duplicates. If you have three slightly-worn black T-shirts or an embarrassing sock stash overflowing into multiple drawers, pick the best and donate the extras.
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4. Floor Space
Not matter what size closet you have, the floor is a valuable and often overlook space with so much storage opportunities that can help you streamline even more.
Action Tips:
- Install Shoe Racks: Use vertical or tiered racks to organize shoes neatly and maximize floor space.
- Storage Bins: For off-season shoes, hats, or bulky items, use lidded bins or under-bed containers for easy storage and access.
- Shoe Bags: Use storage bags for shoes to keep things contained so they don’t spill over into other areas.
- Avoid Piles: Piling things on the floor creates clutter fast. Make the floor a designated area for specific storage solutions only.
Storage Advice:
- Keep boots form in tact by stuffing (tissue paper works great!) to help them keep their shape.
- Avoid plastic bags for storage, as they can trap moisture and damage materials.
Clutter Tip:
Be honest—how many pairs of shoes do you really wear regularly? If your floor space is drowning in “someday” shoes, it’s time to say goodbye to the ones that pinch or gather dust.
5. Back of the Door
When working to maximize space in a small closet, be sure to check the door! If you have traditional door on your closet, take a look at all that possible storage space.
Action Tips:
- Over-the-Door Organizers: These are ideal for shoes, scarves, or even supplies you can use for cleaning your closet. Choose a door organizer with clear pockets for easier organization.
- Hook Systems: Sturdy hooks are great for things like jackets, bags, or even necklaces, keeping them easy to grab without cluttering your closet interior.
- Add a Mirror: If space allows, use an over-the-door full-length mirror to save floor space and make outfit checks easier.
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Storage Advice:
- Use padded hooks for delicate items like silk scarves or jewelry to avoid snags or scratches.
- Keep heavier items on sturdier hooks to avoid damage to the door.
Clutter Tip:
Check those door organizers—especially if you’re guilty of stuffing them full of random items. Remove anything that doesn’t serve a purpose and return the space to organized bliss.
6. Top Shelves
Many times top shelves get overlooked mainly because they are hard to reach. The good news is there are a few tips that will help you to put this area to good use.
Action Tips:
- Labeled Bins or Boxes: Great for storing lesser-used items like holiday accessories or sentimental keepsakes. Labels will help you find what you need quickly when it’s time.
- Vacuum-Sealed Bags: Use vacuum bags to compress bulky items like winter coats or comforters to free up valuable space.
- Step Stools: Keep a foldable step stool nearby to easily access higher items without messing up lower shelves.
Storage Advice:
- Prioritize sturdy, stackable storage boxes to avoid toppling.
- Always place lighter, less breakable items on top.
Clutter Tip:
Take 10 minutes to look over the top shelves. Are there things up there you forgot about? If you haven’t touched it in years, it’s safe to say it can go—a clear shelf makes way for what matters most.
When it comes to Maximize space in a Small Closet, you don’t need a magic wand to make it all work. With these organizational hacks, you can tackle each area step by step, creating an organized, clutter-free closet that actually simplifies your life instead of adding stress to it.
Remember, the less you keep, the easier it is to put things away, find what you need, and make getting dressed more enjoyable.
Who knows—you might just find that having less is the key to feeling like you’ve got it all. Start small. Pick one area today, and see the difference it can make.
