What to Put in Closet vs Dresser
Keeping your bedroom organized can definitely be a challenge. Figuring out what to put in your closet versus your dresser can make a huge difference in keeping your space tidy. But how do you decide what goes where? This guide will help you sort it all out so you can set up each area in the most efficient way possible.
Let’s get your bedroom—the most important space in your home—neat, organized, and easy to maintain with these tips on how to organize.
There’s nothing worse than ending a long, busy day by walking into a bedroom that’s anything but peaceful. Instead of a bed that’s neat and inviting, you’re greeted by clothes waiting to be folded or put away. Instead of a neat dresser, you’ve got drawers overflowing with way too much stuff. And instead of a calm, organized closet, you’re faced with a chaotic, disordered mess.
Without a plan, your dresser and closet can quickly turn into dumping grounds for all kinds of stuff, making it a hassle to get dressed each day. But by deciding what goes where, you can streamline these spaces and transform them into organized areas that are actually enjoyable to use.
If what you need is a plan, then let’s give you one!
What to Put in a Closet vs a Dresser
Keeping your bedroom neat and organized starts with knowing where things go. Figuring out what belongs in your closet versus what should live in your dresser can make a huge difference when it comes to creating a functional space that is easy to keep put away.
Whether it’s clothes, shoes, or accessories, each item has its place, and once you’ve figured it out, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to stay organized.
Here’s a breakdown of what to store where, tips for paring things down to just what you need, and ways to reset your space each morning so you can enjoy that calm, peaceful feeling when you wind down at night.
What Should Go in Your Closet?
Whether you have a small closet or a large walk-in, what you keep inside matters. Be sure to use organizing hacks for the closet to help make the most of your space.
- Shelf dividers to keep items stacked neatly without falling over.
- Velvet hangers to ensure your clothes stay in the best shape.
- Shoe organizers to keep shoes contained and paired together.
- Baskets or bins for storing folded items like sweaters and t-shirts.
- Hooks for hanging bags, scarves, and belts.
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So what exactly should go in your closet? As a general rule of thumb, you want to store items that are best hung up or need to be easily accessible.
#1. Everyday Clothes
Your closet is great for everyday clothes that tend to wrinkle, like blouses, dress shirts, sweaters, blazers, or any delicate tops and bottoms.
Organizing tip: Try hanging clothes by color or type—it makes finding what you need so much easier when you’re getting dressed.
Space-saving tip: If you’re short on space, multi-tiered hangers can be a serious game-changer.
Care tip: Use garment bags for formal clothes to help keep them neat and free of dust.
#2. Shoes
Shoes can take up a ton of space, but with the right setup, you can keep them organized and easy to grab.
Organizing tip: Sort your shoes by type—flats, heels, sneakers—and store them together using shoe organizers, a shoe bag, or a rack.
Space-saving tip: Over-the-door shoe organizers or stackable racks are perfect for maximizing vertical space.
Care tip: Keep your shoes clean and in good shape by wiping them down regularly and always storing them in pairs.
#3. Accessories
Accessories like hats, scarves, belts, and purses can all find a home in your closet, but they can be tricky to manage. However, the right tools can make all the difference.
Organizing tip: Use small trays or dividers for jewelry, and hooks or hangers for hats and scarves. A hanging organizer with compartments is also great for smaller items.
Space-saving tip: Wall-mounted organizers or over-the-door racks are lifesavers for keeping accessories off surfaces and freeing up space.
Care tip: Protect delicate items like jewelry by storing them in soft pouches or boxes to avoid damage.
#4. Folded Items
Folded clothes can quickly turn into a messy pile, but with a little organization, you can actually create more space than you think. If you’ve got the room, try adding extra shelves higher up and use that space for seasonal items. And don’t forget—your current setup isn’t set in stone. Add whatever you need to make the space work better for you.
Organizing tip: Shelf dividers or storage bins are great for separating t-shirts, sweaters, and jeans.
Space-saving tip: Vacuum-sealed storage bags work wonders for compressing bulky items like sweaters or winter coats.
Care tip: For items that tend to wrinkle easily, use fabric softener sheets or a steamer to smooth out any creases before wearing.
#5. Utilizing All Spaces
Don’t overlook those smaller, often-forgotten areas in your closet—they can be a goldmine for extra storage.
Organizing tip: Add hanging shelves or organizers to the back of your closet door, and install shelves above or below clothing racks for more storage.
Space-saving tip: Don’t forget the floor. Stacking storage containers are perfect for storing seasonal clothes or footwear.
Care tip: Regularly clean and dust all areas of your closet, even the less-used spots, to keep your clothes fresh and in great condition.
What Should Go in Your Dresser?
Whether you have one small dresser or a chest of drawers, what you keep inside matters. Be sure to use clothes drawer organization ideas to help make the most of your space.
- Tension drawer dividers are great for separating socks, underwear, and other small items.
- Drawer organizers with compartments can be used for folded t-shirts, pajamas, or accessories like belts and scarves.
- Utilize the side of your dresser by hanging hats or scarves.
- Don’t forget about the top of your dresser – use trays or containers to neatly organize jewelry, sunglasses, and other small items.
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So what exactly should go in your dresser? As a general rule of thumb, use your dresser for items that are best folded or don’t need to be hung.
#1. Foldable Clothes
T-shirts, sweatshirts, leggings, and jeans don’t need to take up closet space—they’re perfectly fine folded in your dresser.
Organizing tip: Use tension rods to section off drawers and keep everything in its place.
Space-saving tip: Roll your clothes for better visibility and to save space (plus, it makes finding your favorite leggings so much easier).
#2. Sportswear
Gym clothes are a great item to keep stored in your dresser. If you work out regularly, dedicating a drawer just for workout gear can make those early mornings way smoother.
Organizing tip: Use dividers to separate tops, bottoms, and sports bras for easy access.
Care tip: Wash gym clothes after every use to prevent bacteria buildup and keep them lasting longer.
#3. Pajamas
Pajamas are another great fit for your dresser. Keep them in an upper drawer so they are easy to get to.
Organizing tip: Fold pajama sets together so you can grab a full outfit without digging around.
Space saving tip: Add a hook to the back of your door for the pajamas you’re currently wearing, and keep a second hook nearby for your bathrobe.
#4. Small Accessories and Jewelry
Your dresser is also a great spot for smaller accessories like socks, underwear, ties, and even jewelry.
Organizing tip: Drawer bins are a lifesaver for keeping everything in its place and avoiding a tangled mess.
Care tip: Use cloth-lined trays for jewelry with special compartments for necklaces and rings.
Decluttering Tips for a Manageable Space
The more you own, the harder it is to stay organized. Here’s how you can trim things down and make your bedroom a clutter-free zone:
- Be Honest About What You Actually Wear. If you haven’t worn something in over a year, it’s time to donate or sell it. (And yes, that includes the dress you’re saving for “some special occasion.”)
- Use the One-In-One-Out Rule. For every new item you bring in, commit to letting go of something old.
- Take It a Category at a Time. Instead of trying to tackle your whole wardrobe at once, go drawer by drawer or section by section. It’s way less overwhelming.
- Use the Hanger Trick for Easier Decluttering. Turn all of your hangers in one direction. When you wear something, turn the hanger around. After a few months, it will be easy to see which clothes you never wear and can let go of.
- Fix a messy dresser top by using bins, trays, or organizers to keep the clutter from taking over.
A neat bedroom is way more than just an organized closet and dresser. It’s about creating a peaceful space where you can relax at the end of the day.
By knowing what to store where, cutting down on the things you don’t need, and taking care of the things you own, you can set up a bedroom that’s easy to maintain and feels like your personal retreat.
