Store More with These Door Storage Ideas

Double Closet Capacity

If you think your closet is already filled to capacity, reconsider. Utilizing the area behind the door can boost storage space and help keep small items like crafting supplies organized and easily accessible. Consider hanging an over-the-door shoe organizer ($10, Bed Bath and Beyond) and filling the pockets with loose supplies like markers, paintbrushes, scissors, and more. Label each pocket with a tag to keep everything straight.

Editor's Tip: Do not drill into hollow-core doors to hang storage. Instead, opt for over-the-door or self-adhesive solutions.

Maximize Your Entry

Storage behind doors can help maximize a tight space, so it's ideal for small entryways that lack a mudroom or large closet area. Outfit the back of a closet door with hanging organizers to store items you'll need on your way out the door, from keys to sunglasses. You can also make this storage solution function as a family command center by designating pockets for incoming or outgoing mail, important papers, and school projects.

Create a Gift Wrap Station

Store gift-wrapping supplies in a handy spot, like the back of a door in an office or bedroom that's easy to access when birthdays or holidays come around. An over-the-door wire rack ($23, Bed Bath and Beyond) with multiple compartments works well for storing items of various sizes and shapes. Stash large items, like gift wrapping and boxes, directly in the baskets, but put smaller items, like tape, tags, and scissors, in clear jars or containers.

Add Kitchen Pantry Storage

Keeping your food and kitchen staples organized can feel like a never-ending task, especially in space-challenged kitchens. Here, the back of a pantry door becomes a hardworking storage spot for frequently used items, thanks to a behind-the-door wire organizer. ($151, The Container Store). A tall, adjustable shelf rod holds wire baskets of varying sizes to store spices, canned goods, dry ingredients, and snacks. But before you hang anything, make sure you have enough clearance inside the closet to close the door.

Divide and Label Baskets

One of the easiest ways to prevent a small storage space from getting jumbled is to clearly divide storage by function. Add storage labels for an organizing solution that's both pretty and functional. Here, a folded piece of patterned paper with printed-on words loops around the wires in the basket. It's secured with a plastic grommet.

Use Open Storage

Repurpose office supplies as inexpensive organizers in your behind-the-door storage solution. When mounted on the back of the pantry door, this clear plastic magazine holder ($19, The Container Store)provides an easily accessed way to store a collection of reusable paper bags. Attach the caddy to the door using either a very slim screw or adhesive tacks.

Create Flexibility

Before purchasing organizers for your closet door, be sure they'll fit when the door is shut. Measure the clearance on the door's closure, the top doorjamb, and between the door and floor. This slim-lined adjustable rod has just enough space to allow the main bracket to be secured to the door's top. Sturdy hooks help secure baskets and allow for flexibility in case the storage needs to change.

Add Hidden Craft Storage

Crafting supplies are often relegated to a bottom drawer or a catch-all storage container. But the back of a coat or storage closet door can provide a much more accessible spot to store items like notebooks and wrapping paper. Here, a small pegboard panel ($29, The Home Depot)features hooks and containers to organize scissors, pencils, envelopes, and other craft supplies.

Try Clear Holders

Mount clear file holders on the back of the door to keep frequently used items in plain view. This helps you take stock of what you have and ensures those items don't get lost or forgotten. To keep supplies separated, attach labels to the baskets, bins, and other organizational tools and sort items accordingly.

Repurpose Other Items as Storage

Tall, slender rolls of wrapping paper can be a challenge to store. This clever solution makes use of an ordinary trash can and strips of elastic. ($1, Hobby Lobby) Attach the trashcan to the back of the door using hooks or heavy-duty adhesive and place the wrapping paper inside. To hold the rolls in place, cut the elastic into strips and crisscross them, securing the ends of the bands with colorful push pins ($4, Target).

Keep Essentials Easy to Reach

Hardware and home improvement stores are great sources for household items that easily transform into clever organizers. When turned on its side, a simple toilet paper holder works to hold rolls of patterned tape. A nearby dry-erase board provides a convenient spot for lists, reminders, and to-dos.

Add Extra Clothes Storage

When expanding your closet isn't an option, look to the back of the door for additional storage space. A few extras and an hour or two of installation time can transform the behind-the-door area into a wardrobe planning central. An over-the-door hook offers a spot for hanging a complete outfit.

Keep Favorites Close at Hand

Store items you use on a daily basis, like cosmetics, in an easy-to-reach spot. Clear stick-on organizers adhere to the back of the door to keep favorite lipsticks and glosses accessible. The divided compartments make these ideal for storing makeup brushes or barrettes, too.

Include Plenty of Day-to-Day Storage

Clear off the top of your dresser and store jewelry behind the door instead. With multiple pegs, this acrylic hook rack ($15, The Container Store)offers plenty of spots for bracelets and necklaces to keep pieces tangle-free. Use thin screws to attach the organizer to the door back and place it high enough from the floor to keep jewelry from dragging.

Maximize Flexibility

Modular units allow you to customize your door storage to fit your organizing needs (and change it up when necessary). A hanging bar with hooks of various sizes ($59, Walmart) offers a smart way to store shoes or lay out a pair for the next day. Add other organizers, like a small hanging bucket, to hold grab-and-go accessories, so all your outfit essentials are on-hand.