Closet Organization Tips

With careful planning and the right storage strategies, even the most clutter-prone closets can come to order. Use these closet organization tips to maintain tidy and efficient closets in your home.

From a roomy walk-in design to a barely-there wall nook, a well-appointed closet is a valuable amenity in every household. A customized closet system is an easy way to elevate a basic closet by incorporating shelves, storage bins, and hanging rods.

Streamline storage and add an extra layer of efficiency to your closet with an organization system for your pantry, clothes, cleaning supplies, and more.

Label, Label, Label

Storage labels are key to optimizing closet spaces, especially in food pantries or multipurpose closets. Clearly note the contents of each container using picture, text, or color-coded labels so there's never a question of what's what. Adhesive food labels are especially helpful for sorting bulk items, personalizing gifts, and noting expiration dates.

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Make It Functional

When planning a multipurpose closet, design the space with function at the forefront. Divide shelves and cubbies by use, such as dedicating one area for sporting gear and another for pet supplies. If you have the space, enlist a freestanding shelving or drawer unit to accommodate your family's storage needs.

Location Is Key

It can be a chore in itself to find the right place to store cleaning supplies. A clever hallway closet right off the kitchen is a great place to corral tall brooms, mops, and vacuums, as well as paper towels and cleaning products. Choose storage containers that can stand up to moisture and spills, and if any item is a hazard to family members or pets, keep it out of reach.

Boost Narrow Spaces

Give a narrow closet an organizational boost with shelves you can install or customize. A slender niche neighboring the home office is ideal for file boxes, crafts, and gift-wrap storage -- and is easily concealed when not in use.

Streamline Small Closets

Small hall closets make daily access difficult, and they often become a cluttered catchall. First, take an inventory of what you truly need to have on hand at the moment. Corral seasonal and rarely used items in stackable containers, and place them on a high shelf. Organize essential coats and bags using hangers and hooks. Incorporate a foolproof storage method, such as cubbyholes or a multilevel shoe rack, to instantly free up floor space.

Simplify Ironing

Make ironing easy. A recessed cabinet with an electrical outlet hides a wall-mount ironing board in this master closet, meaning there's no need to store a bulky ironing board and go to the trouble of dragging it out when needed.

Built-In Ironing Cabinet How-To

Borrow from Other Built-Ins

If you want a closet to really work for you, consider borrowing design ideas from other closets around your home. This walk-in closet takes a cue from kitchen pantry storage. Shallow pullout shelves keep accessories visible, while a stationary top shelf is perfect for folded clothing.

Choose Flexible Kids' Storage

When kids are growing, it's important to use flexible storage systems that work for both you and them. Double bars made from tension shower rods can be installed without making holes in the wall and are the perfect size for short, slender kids clothing. Maximize underused hanging room inside a young child's closet by installing flexible shelves that can hold toys today and folded clothes later.

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Ultimate DIY Master Closet
Ultimate DIY Master Closet
From This Video

-A walk-in closet is at the top of many wish lists. Typically, they offer a lot of space, but no organization. I'm Jill Waage with Better Homes and Gardens and I'm going to show you my favorite tricks for creating a hard working walk-in closet. And best of all, this one's made with it easy do-it-yourself components that cost thousands less than custom. And in order to keep this dream closet attainable, we [unk] and ready to assemble storage components available at home centers and online. These units assemble quickly with a few basic hand tools, and you can take them with you if you move. And best of all, a closet of ready-to-assemble components can cost thousands less than a custom built one. So, let's take a look at how we pack this 8 x 10 walk-in closet with strategies that target all your day-to-day storage needs. First and foremost, closets are for clothes. This closet features several hanging bars for short garments such as shirts and skirts as well as the small section for long dresses and coats. Monogram hangers throughout offer a touch of refinement and personality. A sliding trouser rack keeps pants neat and wrinkle free. Labelled drawer units organize folded clothing. This closet is a shoe lover's paradise with angled shelves to hold all of the footwear while a motorized revolving rack puts a clever spin on necktie storage. Belts and socks stay in place thanks to pull-outs with divided inserts. Cellphones can recharge in 1 convenient drawer. And jewelry easily lifts out on trays so you can try on bits of bling at the nearby dressing station. A 6-section insert to this large compartment categorizes purses and more. Even the door plays a role in organizing accessories with a canvass shelf that unfolds to hold hats and bags. Clothing needs to be cleaned and cared for, a fact of life that this closet doesn't neglect. This bottom hinge door opens to reveal a deep wire hamper. Bags to gather hand washed items and dry cleaning are close at hand as is a shelf of stain treaters. Best of all, the closet features a built-in ironing board for quick touch-ups. The entire unit folds up in seconds and requires just a sliver of space 8 inches wide. Off-season clothing and extra bedding are housed in coordinating canvass bins that feature sturdy metal frames and zipper closures. Hat boxes make the most of the closet's highest shelf while drawer inserts bring extra purpose to the bottommost areas. Just make sure your flooring allows the drawers to open smoothly. To get the most out of your walk-in closet, think of it as any other room in your home and plan for the special features you'll really use. I'm Jill Waage with Better Homes and Gardens.



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