How to Organize Your Closet to Maximize Space

Before diving into fancy storage solutions and clever organizing hacks, it’s key to start with a clean slate. While the core of decluttering your closet is to free up space, it’s also about creating the foundation for a closet that works for you, not against you. 

The Purge Process

Start by taking everything out of your closet. Yes, everything. This might feel overwhelming, but it’s the only way to truly see what you have. As you sift through your items, ask yourself three key questions:

• Does it fit? If not, it’s time to let it go.
• Do you wear it? Be honest. If it hasn’t seen daylight in over a year, it’s probably not essential.
• Does it spark joy or serve a purpose? As Marie Kondo would say, if it’s just taking up space, it’s time to move on.

As you make decisions, create four distinct piles:

• Keep: Items you love, wear regularly and fit well.
• Donate: Gently used pieces that could benefit someone else.
• Sell: Higher-end items or barely worn clothing that still have resale value.
• Store: Special occasion wear, off-season items or keepsakes that don’t need to live in your everyday closet.

Avoid the “Storage Dump” Mentality

One of the biggest mistakes in closet organization is treating your closet like a catch-all storage unit. It’s easy to stash random items — old photo albums, mismatched bedding, holiday decorations — into your closet “just for now,” only to forget about them until they’re buried under mounds of clothes.

Instead, set a clear boundary: If it’s not clothing, accessories or directly related to your dressing routine, it shouldn’t be in your closet. Find alternative storage solutions, such as under-bed storage bins or a designated self-storage unit, for items that don’t belong. Not only does this streamline your closet, but it also makes it easier to find what you need and keep things tidy in the long run.

Now that you’ve cleared your closet out, it’s time to sort your clothing. Grouping items by type not only keeps your closet looking tidy but also makes it easier to find what you need quickly — no more digging through endless piles to find that favorite sweater. 

You can organize your clothing in whatever way makes sense for your particular wardrobe, but common categories include everyday essentials, workwear, formal attire, loungewear, outerwear and accessories (shoes, hats, jewelry, belts, etc.).

When it comes to maximizing closet space, start by thinking vertically. Many closets have underutilized space above and below the main hanging rod. Adding an extra rod or a set of shelves can increase your storage capacity. You can also opt for vertical organizers, like hanging shelves and stackable bins, for folded clothes, shoes and accessories. 

Investing in slim, non-slip hangers can also free up a surprising amount of space. Unlike bulky wooden or plastic hangers, slim hangers allow clothes to hang closer together without wrinkling. Under-shelf baskets and over-the-door organizers provide additional storage options for items like scarves, belts and shoes. 

Think about multi-purpose solutions, too. Storage bins with lids can double as seating or a step stool, while a hanging rack with hooks — like these belt racks and hat hangers — can maximize space efficiency. 

When using storage containers, opt for clear bins whenever possible. They allow you to see what’s inside at a glance so you don’t have to open every single bin to find the item you’re looking for. If you only have access to opaque bins, add labels to make your closet easier to navigate.

Ideally, your closet should make your life easier and be useful for your day-to-day life rather than just holding your clothes. The best way to achieve this is by filling it with only the items you truly love and wear. It’s tempting to keep that dress you “might” wear someday or those jeans that almost fit, but if they’re not part of your regular rotation, they’re just taking up space. Focus instead on keeping your closet stocked with pieces that fit well, match your lifestyle and bring you joy.

Make sure seasonal essentials are always within reach. During winter, your cozy sweaters and boots should be front and center, while summer items can take a back seat (or better yet, moved into self storage until the weather warms up).

Think about your daily routine as you organize. Keep frequently worn items at eye level where they’re easy to grab during a busy morning. Store lesser-used items higher up or in those awkward, harder-to-reach spots.

And remember, if you’re storing items long-term — whether in your closet or a storage unit — take a few extra steps to protect them. Garment bags are perfect for delicate clothing, airtight containers keep fabrics fresh and padded cases can prevent shoes and accessories from getting squished or scratched.

A beautifully organized closet isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it project. Creating a simple daily routine can help you maintain your closet so you don’t have to do another overhaul anytime soon.

• Follow the “one in, one out” rule: When you bring something new into your closet, take something out. This doesn’t have to mean a full purge each time you shop. Simply move an old or unworn item to a donation bin, a seasonal storage box or a self-storage unit.
• Designate a home for every item: When every item has its own place, it’s easier to keep things tidy. Use labeled bins, designated hooks and specific drawers for different items. Make a habit of returning items to their assigned spots after each use, so nothing ends up as “floordrobe” clutter.
• Do a weekly reset: Once a week, do a slightly deeper dive. Rotate any items that have migrated out of their places, do a quick dust or wipe-down if needed and check for anything that might need laundering, tailoring or repairing.
• Regularly review seasonal items: When the seasons change, schedule a time to rotate your wardrobe. Pack away off-season items in clear bins or vacuum-sealed bags, and bring forward seasonal must-haves. This is also a great opportunity to reevaluate your wardrobe — if you didn’t wear it last season, it might not need to take up space now.

If your closet space is still feeling tight, think beyond your home. A self-storage unit can be a practical, convenient and organized way to store items you don’t need every day — especially things like seasonal wardrobes, special occasion outfits and bulky items (winter coats, sports gear, etc.). Think of a storage unit as gaining a second walk-in closet without having to renovate your home.

The best way to keep your storage unit from becoming chaotic or disorganized is to treat it like a secondary wardrobe, not a dumping ground. Store clothes in clear bins with labels, hang delicate or formalwear on portable garment racks and use vacuum-sealed bags for out-of-season items. Creating a mini-closet setup in your storage unit — with hanging space, labeled bins and even a small shelving unit — can make retrieving items easy.

If you’re storing delicate fabrics, leather or valuable accessories, be sure to find a climate-controlled storage unit. This helps prevent damage from temperature fluctuations and keeps everything in pristine condition until you’re ready to swap items back into your home closet.

Ready to find a storage unit near you? Use our Storage Unit Locator to find nearby facilities. For more home projects, storage tips and more, explore the SmartStop blog. Happy organizing!