Do you have that one closet that you open to shovel clothes in and rush to close it as soon as possible? I feel you, girl! My small bedroom closet was an example of a dumpster and would probably win "the messiest closet of the year". That was before I discovered 10 secrets on how to organize a small closet.
Now hear me out, the main goal here is not to organize it for a week and let it loose again, but to create a system that will work for you for an extended period of time.
The first step is, of course, to declutter and get rid of all the clothes you didn't wear in the last year. To make it easier, flip the hangers every time you use the item. At the end of the year, it will be obvious what was worn and what didn't. It will make decision-making much easier.
Don't procrastinate! It will probably take you an hour to organize, but the satisfaction will live up for much longer!
After you get rid of most of your clothes, it's time to organize! I'll show you what I did to bring my small closet to life.
How to organize a small closet
1. Door Baskets.
I used door baskets in my small entryway closet and it's been a game-changer. It makes it so much easier to keep clutter in check. It also could be perfect for small items in your bedroom closet.
I didn't want to use permanent nails and leave holes in the door, so I used these small hooks on stickers. It's been over a month and it's still going strong. I'll update you if they fail me.
2. Add an extra shelf to use the dead space.
Utilizing all the available space you can get in your closet is key to keeping things neat and organized. I showed how I added an extra shelf in my YouTube video, which you can watch here.
This project literally took me 30 minutes but saved my sanity for the long run.
I keep out-of-season items on the top shelf, but it would also be a good idea to store suitcases there. Suitcases with out-of-season clothes, if you want to be an organization ninja.
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3. Add dividers to prevent clothes from tipping over on the long shelf.
This is something that I've done in my small bedroom closet. I explained how I did it using a scroll saw in a publication here. You can use shelf brackets for this if you don't have access to making your own.
Watch my video on YouTube to see the whole process.
4. Build a shelf unit or add a premade one.
It's a relatively easy project and as much as I'd love to show you how to do it, I don't want to do such a major renovation in our rental house.
Carrie has a wonderful tutorial on how she revamped her son's closet by adding extra shelves.
If you are in a similar situation and don't want to remodel your closet, you can use this hanging closet organizer. I've had it now for years and it's a great way to add extra space to your closet.
5. Use a label maker to label everything!
Oh my, I think I'm obsessed with my label maker and marked pretty much everything in our house! It especially helps my husband to know where is the place for his clothes by categories haha a Great tip onย how to organize your small closet.
6. Automatic tie and belt rack.
Ok, I know I said I'm obsessed with the label maker before, but this thing is a pure genius. It's very budget-friendly and super functional.
I used this one in our entryway closet makeover since my husband keeps his ties by the door (long story, watch the video to find out why).
No more ties and belts hanging around.
7. Hooks are your new best friends!
From plastic ones with glue (that I don't recommend using on painted doors) to metal over the door ones.
Hooks are so versatile, you can hang your purses there, scarves, jewelry, or those items that don't have space.
8. Linen boxes.
Linen boxes help you to keep clutter out of sight. I like linen boxes, but in my closet, I opted out for a clear plastic container. I just love the idea of seeing what's inside your container instead of going through the whole box to find out the hard way.
If you need a bunch of linen boxes, ย which can also add up, you can always make it yourself.ย
9. Make space for shoes.
For a closet like this one, you'll have an empty space under the hanging clothes. To use it smartly, add a shoe rack or make one yourself. Find some inspiration here.
10. Use plastic containers to store out-of-season items on the top shelf.
Or you can put your suitcase there. It goes with a true Konmari organization method and brings neatness and functionality to your closet.
>>>>>>>>DON'T FORGET TO PIN FOR LATER
Are you pumped to get to your messy closet? Are you full of ideas on how to organize your small closet?
Don't procrastinate! Just go and do it now! Don't wait for that perfect moment to come, it will never arrive. You just need to make it happen. It's much better to get it done than wait to do it perfectly!
Are you a fan of little squares? ย Let's be friends on Instagram!
xoxo,
April
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