Small Closet Organization: How to Organize a Small Closet

Teeny tiny closet. Lots of stuff. Yeah, we know what that’s like! How will you fit everything in there AND make it so you can still find and reach everything? Fortunately we have plenty of small closet organization tips and ideas to help you get the most out of the itty bitty space.

When you have a small space you are working with, being organized is critical. Have you ever tried to pack a suitcase without folding anything up? If so, then you know that the clothes don’t fit very well, but if you fold everything neatly you can fit much more into the space. It’s a strange principle of science how that all works (afterall, the clothes are still the same size!) but it’s amazing how much more space you can utilize with the right organization!

We know that sometimes it is hard to visualize how to organize everything, so we’ve paired up all of our favorite storage organizers for you to see here. (Detailed descriptions of each, why they are good for small closet spaces, and where you can buy them below).

1. Rubbermaid 3H88 Configurations 3-to-6-Foot Deluxe Custom Closet Kit: This wire shelving set, designed especially for closets between 3-6 feet in size is the perfect choice for small spaces. Available in both chrome and white finishes, it uses a track system which makes it easy to adjust for one of the 12 possible configurations. It is extremely practical for any small space. It’s affordable, compact, and will help you maximize the space and value of the closet in your home relatively easily.

2. Household Essentials 80-Pocket Hanging Jewelry Organizer: In a small closet, having something such as the 80 pocket hanging jewelry organizer makes it easy to keep track of things like jewelry or even scarves, hats, mittens, gloves, hair accessories and more. It hangs just like an ordinary hanger, so it won’t take up much space either.

3. Bravo-fit 8 Pack Stackable Clear Shoe Storage Containers: Placing all of your smaller items into these small shoe box sized containers will help prevent small items getting lost or knocked over.  We love that these stackable plastic containers are clear, which makes it easy for you to see exactly what is inside of them. When you know what’s inside the clear storage containers, you’ll be less likely to tear everything apart searching for something. While designed to hold shoes, we find these types of containers are also fantastic for storing items such as kids toys, fashion accessories, personal care items, those mementos you can’t bear to part with, craft items, and so much more.

4. Two Magic Multiple Clothes Hangers Space Saver Organizer + One Tie Hanger – Closet Space Saving Combo Pack: If you have a lot of clothes, you can’t go wrong with space saving hangers. These types of hangers extend when you hang clothes up, and then easily cascade down to help clothes take up less room in the closet. Out of all of the space saving and cascading hangers we’ve reviewed, these ones are both affordable and durable while passing the “no wrinkles” test. Simply hang your clothes on them, then fold them down. As a bonus, it also comes with a tie organizer which can be handy not just for neckties but also scarves, belts, and more.

5. Seville Classics SHE15905 3-Tier Iron Shoe Utility Rack: Depending on what configuration you choose with the closet organizer shelves, having an extra shoe rack to go on the floor can be very helpful for further organizing the space. Many times the bottom of a small closet is a big mess of shoes or purses or clothes that have fallen off the hangers, mixed in with all types of items. Having the shoes on the floor for some people makes it easier to stick with the routine of keeping shoes in the closet, though this rack looks good enough to provide storage even outside the closet space.

 Putting it All Together: More Small Closet Organization Ideas

Now that we’ve gone over what we would use personally to organize a small closet space, we thought we should share a few more small closet organization tips to help you put it all together in any space, no matter what you decide to do.

Here’s some of our favorite small space ideas to help you get organized:

Store the Right Sized Items in the closet: Big items should go in big closets, small items should go in small closets. Yet, for some reason, many people do not think this way. For example, closets that are not very deep at first may seem completely useless, but they actually are excellent for things such as bathroom toiletries, children’s toys and games, and even pantry storage for food. They may also be a good place at storing items such as a broom and dustpan. If you have a closet where you can’t even hang a coat hanger in it, make sure you are best utilizing it for items that fit into it.  So often I see people trying to shove large bulky blankets and towels into these small spaces when meanwhile in their bathroom closet it is like a cave trying to find a bar of soap.  Don’t be afraid to completely change the use of the closet if it better fits your stuff or your household needs!

Make Use of Vertical Space: Most closets are as high as your ceiling (if you have a short closet, see instead our article on under the stairs closet organization) – so you want to use that space all the way to the top! Depending on the closet shape and size, you may want to place tall items in the closet, such as long dresses or coats as well as brooms and vacuums and then use shelves at the top or bottom. Shelving rows from top to bottom can also help make it easier for you to utilize the space.

Add Some Flair: Just because the space is small, it doesn’t have to be boring! By painting the walls a nice light and airy color, such as light blue or green or a neutral tan, it will help make the closet appear larger. White can make the space seem more open, but it can often also make it seem dull. So don’t be afraid to use a little color! You can also paint the shelving or add some decorative elements to your containers. If your closet looks good, you won’t be thinking so much about how small it is, but how nice it appears!

Use Door Space if Possible: If you have bifold or sliding doors, there is not much you can do with door space, but if you have a closet with a traditional type of door, there are a number of over the door organizers that can help you take advantage of what otherwise would be useless space. For example, you could hang towels on the door of a bathroom closet, or use an organizer with pockets to organize small items in an easy to reach way.

Have any questions you’d like answered about organizing a small closet space? Share them in the comments section below!

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