6 Closet Organizing Ideas That'll Make Your Mornings Easier

If you’ve ever had to purge your entire closet just to find a single piece of clothing, you’re not alone. Closet organization is often seen as an intimidating, hours-long task that can feel redundant once the mess piles back up again. The good thing is, it doesn’t take much to turn your closet from a cluttered mess to a well-organized space.

We spoke with three professional organizers to find the best ways to organize your closet, so your favorite clothes are easily accessible at all times. Whether you’re living in a studio apartment or have a walk-in closet, these tips will help you make the most out of your closet space.

Stick to the One In, One Out Rule

The first step to organizing your closet is to determine which items you actually want to keep, says professional organizer and co-founder of The Uncluttered Life, Cathy Orr. “Decluttering is first and foremost,” she says. “It’s hard to organize when you have too much to tackle. Let go of things, and you’ll be able to see what you own and need.”

Once that’s done, don’t replace that newfound space with new clothes and repeat the cycle. For every new item you put in the closet, take an old one out. “We see closets packed with clothing that no one wears,” Orr says. “Let some of it go.”

Organize by How You Actually Get Dressed

Clothes that are worn regularly should be easily accessible, ideally at eye level and near the door, says Lucy Milligan Wahl, professional organizer and owner of LMW Edits. Items that are worn less frequently should be kept further back in the closet. "If you have to dig past special occasion wear and memorabilia to get to your clothes, you're just going to end up throwing everything on the ground or a chair for easier access," Wahl says. "This is how we get the famous 'chair-drobe.'"

You can also organize your closet by types of clothing, color, or sleeve length, Orr says. "It also helps to put tops on the upper rack and bottoms below,” she says. “That helps you think in terms of outfits."

Maximize Vertical and Overhead Storage

Look up, and if you see additional space in your closet, take advantage of it. “If there’s a good amount of space above the top shelf, then I’ll add another shelf above that, which is inexpensive and so helpful,” says Bridget Flynn, professional organizer and owner of Divine Organizing.

Use Drawer Dividers Where They Matter Most

Drawer dividers are your best friends, especially for keeping socks and underwear neatly organized so you can find your lucky pair with zero scrambling. “I’ve opened countless closet drawers and the socks, underwear, camisoles, etc., are jumbled together,” Flynn says. “Dividers eliminate wasted time in searching for the right tank top or the pair of socks you want. With drawer dividers, they have a home—and it’s right at your fingertips.” 

Put Accessories on Display With Hanging Tools

While accessories play a vital role in completing an outfit, they shouldn’t take up prime closet real estate. Look for hooks or other hanger accessories that can easily hold your items, giving them their own space and freeing up room elsewhere for your clothes.

“For example, scarves can be placed together on a hanging ring in your closet,” Orr says. “The same is true for belts. Another thing is to find a shoe rack that holds the type and quantity of shoes you wear.”

“Add a small jewelry pegboard to hang your go-to jewelry,” Flynn adds. 

Choose Thin, Matching Hangers

Odds are you haven’t given much thought to the type of hanger you put your clothes on, but it matters a lot more than you might think. “Use slim-line hangers because they take up less space,” Flynn says. If you have a lot of pants, make sure to buy quality hangers with clips and clip them about an inch from their sides, she adds. “Never lay your pants over a hanger, or else you get the dreaded crease,” she says.