How to Arrange Your Closet Like a Pro Organizer for Maximum Storage

Switch to Slimline Hangers

If you're still using mismatched clothing hangers you've collected over the years, you could be inadvertently wasting precious closet space. The best way to instantly upgrade your closet for less than 30 bucks? Invest in a set of slimline, no-slip hangers. (Bonus: There are even wooden slimline hangers now if you prefer the look of natural wood hangers.)

Opt for a Double Hang Closet Rod

There's a good chance you're not maximizing all of the vertical space in your bedroom closet. Horderly's solution: add a second closet rod. Place one near the ceiling (just make sure it's still accessible) and a second rod several feet above the floor. The top rod holds blouses, while the bottom one stores skirts and pants. Voila—closet space doubled.

If you need a simpler solution, a double closet rod that hangs from your existing closet rod will do the trick.

Utilize Closet Wall Space

Put the walls to good use, too. Installing an Elfa Top Track, along with a set of hooks can turn a formerly blank wall into storage for handbags, cleaning tools, and other easy-to-hang items.

Start Shelves a Few Inches Above the Floor

It's no mistake that the Horderly team started the shelving in this utility closet just a few inches off the floor. This way, using the floor for storage simply isn't an option. "When items live on the floor, items can easily pile up and create clutter!" explains Jamie Hord. Instead, kitty litter and trash bags are all neatly stashed on the lowest shelf.

Another plus: It makes it easier to slip the vacuum underneath when you need to clean up a spill.

Corral Small Items in Bins

Whether in a bedroom closet, utility closet, or linen closet, bins and baskets can help stash smaller items on shelves. In a bedroom closet, use them to sort scarves or gloves; in a linen closet, they can wrangle stain sprays and dryer balls.

Get Creative for Hanging Long Items

If you're using a double closet rod and have a maxi dress, jumpsuit, or other long item, there's a sweet two-hanger trick you can use to keep your closet neat (and your long clothing item wrinkle-free). Place the top of the dress on the first hanger, then slide the bottom of the skirt or jumpsuit through the second hanger.

You can see the Horderly video how-to here.

Use Smart Floor Storage

Jamie Hord recommends using heavy-duty bins to corral anything that does need to be stored on the floor. "That way everything has a specific home, and piles don't start blocking your way into the closet."

Divide Your Storage to Keep Things Neat

Use dividers in larger storage bins to create sections for different types of items—like a place for bras, and another for socks.

Make Use of Every Inch—Including the Door

Closet doors are often an underutilized (but super efficient) storage spot—and utility tracks that hang on the backs of your closet doors can allow you to hang bins for scarves, belts, and other accessories.

Make It Easy to Find What You Need

Use labels and clear or windowed storage to make it easier to find the item in the right bin or the right spot on the shelf on the first try—and help ensure that everything goes back right where it belongs. (Because nobody wants to reorganize the closet every few months!)

Divide and Conquer

Chaos can come quickly to closet shelves that don’t have a clear organizational system, to easily separate and create sections for various items try using shelf dividers to keep your stacks of clothes nice and neat.

Hook ‘Em

You’ve got shelves, over-the-door racks, and specialty hangers but one of the best, and most underutilized storage options is hooks. You can find cute ones easily at a local hardware store and install them yourself with just a screwdriver. Or if you’re renting, try the Command Strip hooks and stick them on any wall to display purses, scarves, or anything you want.

Use Vertical Space

Even after adding all of your fancy closet organizing gear, there’s always that weird space at the top of your closet that’s a little too tall for you to reach. Put it to use by storing seasonal or lesser-used items like beach hats, specialty shoes like your heavy-duty winter boots, or those deeply uncomfortable high heels you can’t bear to part with.

Store Your Shoes

Shoes take up a lot of space but there are a variety of ways you can easily store them that will make the most of your closet space. If you’ve got ample floor space to work with, a shoe rack is key, letting you easily stack your shoes on the floor. If you don’t have a ton of floor space, invest in an under-the-bed shoe box.

Make the Most of Unused Space

If your closet is unusually small or awkwardly shaped, it can be hard to make it work for all that you need it to do. A simple solution is to make use of another space, like your entryway or that alcove by the bathroom. Adding a shelf, armoire, or even a basket to store odds and ends like hats, shoes, or winter sweaters can save precious space in your closet.

Light It Up

You may have more closet space than you think. Add some small battery-powered lights like these which are normally used in the kitchen to your closet shelves and you might suddenly be able to see spaces you’ve never seen before. Having a well-lit space not only makes it easier to find what you’re looking for but lets you see what space you’re using– and what you’re not.

Step Outside Your Closet

If you have an extensive purse collection or a variety of nice work blazers you can free up space in your closet by taking these items out of it. Instead, invest in a garment rack like this one and display your favorite pieces in your bedroom.

Measure the Space

Having accurate measurements allows you to make the best decisions when it comes to what hardware, baskets, and shelving to use, and lets you make the most of what space you have.

Clean Your Closet

One of the oldest tricks in the books to maximizing your closet space is to give it a good cleanout. Use your closet reorganization time to go through your clothes and donate whatever you don’t wear anymore. Even getting rid of a few shirts and jeans here and there makes a big difference!

Keep it Clean

It may not be the easiest solution, but it is a proven one! Keeping your closet clean automatically makes it more spacious, organized, and easier to navigate.