How to Organize a Small Closet
Photo Courtesy of Alyssa Strohmann via Unsplash
When you’re moving into an apartment or a new place, organizing your closet can be a fun or daunting task. With boxes and boxes of clothes and shoes, it’s can hard to know how to place everything in a closet that may have nearly no shelves or that isn’t spacious. However, with the right storage, your closet can look like a clothing store in no time!
If your closet has only one hanging rack (like mine) and is fairly small, you can still work with it and be as spacious as possible.
Opt for A Metal Hanging Rod or Two
Not many closets in property rentals or apartments have organized closet spaces, but you would want to be able to divide your clothes so it’s easier to pick out and wear. Opting for a metal hanging rod (or two–depending on your closet size) will help organize your close from tops to bottoms. Dresses, outerwear, or other longer items can go on another side of the closet. These rods are sturdy once you hang more clothes on them, expandable for more clothing options, and they’re affordable, too!
I got these hanging rods off from Amazon. You’ll be able to find more options there as well!
A Drawer is Perfect for those Jeans, PJs, and Undergarments + Clear Storage Bins Will Go a Long Way
Having a portable drawer that can fit in your closet and still hold room for your PJs, t-shirts, activewear, and undergarments is a good option. Plus, when the time comes to move out, you don’t need to carry a heavyweight to the car! However, I don’t recommend getting those hanging box organizers that are made of fabric. Not only are they low-quality, but they’re mostly made for lightweight clothing.
I got mine from the Container Store, while it’s pricey, it’s worth the investment.
Some more affordable places you can find portable drawers are at generic stores such as HomeGoods, Target, Marshalls, or TJMaxx.
For undergarments and socks: it’s easy for them to get mixed up, so clear storage bins are definitely a go-to for organizing them. You can be able to figure out a way to organize your undergarments, but I wouldn’t recommend choosing a clear bin that’s really big. It’s also best to find clear storage bins that are in a pack of 2 or 3. The best places to get these clear plastic bins are at either Marshalls or HomeGoods.
BTW: I’m on a Marshalls/HomeGoods craze lately and I love it!!!!
Velvet Hangers Won’t Slip Clothes Away
Growing up, I always hated those plastic-y white hangers. They often break easily and they make certain clothes slip out. However, I find myself using more velvet hangers. They’re inexpensive, you can easily get them in bulk, and they can fit into any aesthetic you’re going for in your closet.
I got mine from Sam’s Club, but of course, any generic stores such as Target, Walmart, Marshalls, and even HomeGoods have them.
The Shoe Rack is Essential!
It would sound like a better option to just put your shoes somewhere on the floor, but shoes can get easily unorganized, and also dirty. Plus, a small closet would not be a place where one could vacuum, so all that dirt and bacteria from your shoes can scatter around your closet floor. Thus, your clothes will get contaminated.
I made the mistake of getting a random shoe rack from HomeGoods and ended up having to put every piece together. DON’T MAKE THIS MISTAKE! If you can find a shoe rack that’s already put together OR a small shelf that doesn’t require nails/bolts, it will save you A LOT OF TIME.
Target has an assembled one and plenty of other options.
Store Purses, Luggage, and the Rest of Your Seasonal Clothes on the Top Closet Shelf or Under the Bed
Lastly, when it comes to fall/winter clothes, it can be pretty difficult where to put them. You can find space anywhere: underneath your bed, on top of the closet, hidden in your drawers, etc,
Fall/winter clothes don’t get too wrinkled easily compared to summer clothes, so I wouldn’t worry too much about getting these clothes wrinkled when hanging them.
Here’s What My Closet Looked Like, At First:
*Still keeping faith in the process!*
Here’s What My Closet Looked Like After…
I can finally take a deep breath *whew*
Til next time,
