How to Keep Your Closet Organized

“Opening up your closet should be like arriving at a really good party where everyone you see is someone you like.” -Amy Fine Collins

Let's admit it: when it comes to closets, size matters. It matters a lot. But you know what matters even more? How you use that space and system you put in place. Every closet and person is unique. The trick is finding what works best for you and using your space to its fullest potential. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieve closet bliss.

Step One: Let it all out.

First things first—everything in your closet needs to come out. Yes, every single item. Don't forget to wash any dirty clothes and include them in the process. Brace yourself for the inevitable mountain of clothes that can emerge from even the smallest of closets. But don't panic—it’s all part of the process. To understand what you're working with, you need to see it all laid out in its full glory. It always looks worse before it can look better.

Step Two: Sort it all out.

Group items into broad categories: shirts, dresses, pants—you get the idea. Then narrow it down further into subcategories: short sleeves vs. long sleeves, jeans vs. dress pants, pullover vs zip-up sweatshirts. If it's helpful to you, you can even break out (and arrange later) by colors. Sorting helps you see your wardrobe from a fresh perspective, revealing what you love, what you actually wear, and even what you might be missing. It’s the ultimate way to figure out what stays—and what should go.

Step Three: Let some of it go.

Most of us have those go-to favorite clothes we wear on repeat. And then there’s…everything else. The ones that don’t fit, won’t fit, never fit, or might fit someday. Clothes that have never been worn or that are worn right on through. The faded, the torn, the stained. The sentimental treasures. The great deals. The “special occasion” outfits waiting for an event that never arrives.

But now it’s time for some tough love. Start by picking out your favorites. Hold them, admire them, maybe even give them a celebratory spot in your closet. Feel all those positive feels! Then, turn your attention to the rest. If it’s ripped, stained, or has been collecting dust for years, it’s time to make the call: sell, donate, or recycle. Your closet deserves better—and so do you.

Step Four: Embrace your style.

Now that your closet is empty, pause for a moment to reflect on your likes and dislikes, personal style, and wardrobe goals. Are you dreaming of a streamlined capsule wardrobe filled with versatile mix-and-match pieces? Or are you someone who loves chasing the latest fashion trends? Do you lean towards hanging or folding your clothes? Maybe you're a hat enthusiast, a shoe aficionado, or someone who proudly embraces it all. Taking time to truly understand your style and habits is the secret to designing a closet system that’s not just functional, but feels perfectly tailored to you.

Step Five: Unleash your wildest fantasies!

The key to transforming any closet—especially a small one—is creativity. Double clothes rods can instantly double your hanging capacity. Dedicated shoe storage ensures your fabulous footwear isn’t taking over the floor. Hanging hooks and over-the-door racks provide sneaky vertical storage options, while bins and baskets can corral loose items in style. Add drawer dividers to keep everything tidy and easy to find.

Remember, it’s all about maximizing every inch of space and making your closet work for you. Dream big and let your inner organizer shine!

Step Six: Put some money where your closet is.

Whether your budget is “splurge” or “save,” a little investment can make a big difference. Let’s start simple: repeat after me—No more wire hangers! Those flimsy dry-cleaner freebies don’t do your clothes any favors. Mismatched hangers in various colors and materials can make your closet feel cluttered and chaotic. Treat your wardrobe to uniform, space-saving hangers—they're a total game-changer.

Ready to level up? Consider investing in a customizable closet system like Elfa. It’s high-quality, versatile, and worth every penny. Not sure where to begin? We’re here to help—designing, installing, and organizing your dream closet is what we do best. And we can help you save on a solution, too! We pass along our 30% off Elfa Trade Discount with the Container Store to all of our clients.

Step Seven: Build a "one-size-fits-you" closet system.

Don’t let anyone—not even me—push you into a closet setup that doesn’t fit your vibe. The secret is crafting a system you’ll actually use and maintain. Whether you’re all about neatly folded stacks or rows upon rows of hanging clothes, your closet should match your habits and lifestyle.

Love to work out? Dedicate a section for your workout gear so it’s easy to grab and go. Need dressy attire for the 9-to-5 grind? Keep those office looks separate from your laid-back weekend wardrobe. And if you’re expecting, it’s the perfect time to carve out a space just for your maternity pieces.

The goal is to make your closet feel like it was designed for you—because it should be!

Step Eight: Change with the Seasons.

Rotate your clothes for the seasons—if that works for you. Stow away winter sweaters during summer and bring them back when the chill sets in. Even if you don’t swap items completely, make sure frequently used clothes are easy to access, while lesser-used pieces hang back.

Step Nine: Keep the magic alive.

Closet organization isn’t a “set it and forget it” thing. Periodically check in—are certain categories running out of space? Added new items? It might be time for another declutter. And if your neatly folded piles have morphed into chaos, give your closet a refresh.

Follow these steps, and your closet will become a happier, tidier space. Just remember: The key is creating a system that works for you. Good luck, and happy organizing!