Having too many clothes and not enough closet space is a common problem for many people. When your wardrobe starts overflowing, it can be frustrating trying to fit everything in your closet and dressers. However, with some clever organizing tricks and compact storage solutions, you can maximize every inch of space and store all your clothes neatly – even in a small closet or room.
Use vertical space
One of the best ways to save space is to make use of vertical storage. Install a double hanging rod in your closet to double your hanging space. Hang pants, skirts and other items using skirt/pant hangers since they take up less space. Consider installing shelves above your existing closet rod to store sweaters, purses, shoes and other items. You can also use hanging shoe organizers on the back of the closet door to store accessories, underwear, socks and more. Space-saving hooks on the walls or over-the-door hangers are other great options for creating more vertical storage.
Opt for dual-purpose furniture
Look for furniture that serves more than one purpose, such as an ottoman with built-in storage, a bench with cubbies underneath or a cabinet with a folding table inside. Dressers with a mirror attached can help maximize space in small bedrooms. Coffee tables and end tables with shelves and drawers are perfect for storingremotes, coasters and other small items. Using furniture that does double duty can help declutter your space.
Use clear storage bins
Clear plastic bins are great for storing out-of-season clothing, bulky sweaters, accessories and more. Label each bin so you know exactly what’s inside without having to unpack everything. Stackable bins are ideal for maximizing vertical storage on shelves. You can also slide slim storage containers under your bed to utilize that vacant space. Having see-through bins makes it easy to locate items quickly.
Only keep what you need
Clutter is usually the main culprit when it comes to crowded closets and drawers. Be ruthless and get rid of clothes that you don’t wear anymore. Edit your wardrobe seasonally and donate or sell anything that’s been sitting untouched. Having an organized closet with only essential, frequently worn items will give you more room to store and access clothes easily.
Use under-bed space
Slide storage bins or drawers under your bed to create hidden storage space. This area is perfect for out-of-season clothing, shoes, accessories and bulkier items like sweaters and jeans. You can also use fabric boxes or install closet rods under the bed for hanging clothes and maximizing vertical storage. Use bed risers if you need extra height for under-bed storage.
Invest in space-saving hangers
Regular hangers can take up a lot of space, so swap them out for slim velvet hangers, clip hangers or other space-saving options. Slim hangers allow you to fit more clothes on each rod. Specialty hangers like multi-hook options for skirts, pants and accessories can condense hanging space further. Sturdy hangers also help prevent sliding and slipping, keeping your closet neater.
Roll and file clothes
For drawer organization, roll socks and underwear tightly and file them upright in compartments or dividers. This keeps each pair visible and easy to grab while condensing space. You can also roll sweaters and t-shirts neatly into bundles. Use vertical dividers in drawers to create tidy, organized sections for all your folded clothing.
Maximize closet rods
Adjust closet rods to the proper height to utilize all available space. Keep shorter items near the ends and longer pieces in the middle for the most efficient use of hanging room. Install a second rod halfway between the floor and existing rod to double hanging space. Stagger hangers to prevent slipping. Extend closet rods to the corners and edges of the closet to maximize every inch.
Use hanging organizers
Hanging shoe organizers are a classic space-saving solution, but they aren’t just for shoes! Use them in your closet to store accessories, underwear, belts, ties, scarves and any other small items. Over-the-door hanging organizers with multiple clear pockets are perfect for keeping jewelry, hair accessories and more right at your fingertips while saving floor and shelf space.
Store out of season clothes separately
Only keep clothes in your main closet that you actually wear on a regular basis. Store off-season clothing like coats and bathing suits in under-bed boxes, stacked bins or a secondary closet. This clears up your primary closet space so you have room for everyday essentials. Label storage containers by season for easy swapping when the time comes.
Use shelf dividers
Create separate compartments on shelves using fabric bins, trays, baskets or adjustable dividers. This makes it easy to organize and see all your folded clothes, accessories, shoes and other items. Labeled containers help you quickly locate exactly what you need. Having dedicated spaces prevents a jumbled mess.
Install closet systems
Freestanding or wall-mounted closet systems with shelves, rods and drawers provide smart, customizable storage. Modular components like cube organizers, drawer units and hanging rods allow you to tailor the system to fit your space and needs. Closet systems maximize vertical storage and make the most of awkward closet layouts.
Use space under shelves
Installing shelving above your closet rod creates new storage space, but don’t forget the room under the shelves too. Use organizers that slide over the rod or hang from the underside of shelves above. Wire baskets and adjustable closet rods are perfect for utilizing this in-between space.
Get creative with hooks
Hooks on walls, doors or furniture provide easy ways to hang purses, bags, hats, belts and scarves. Options like multi-hook racks, over-the-door hooks, wall-mounted rails and more can be used throughout your bedroom or closet for vertical storage. Get creative with hooks in unexpected spots like the back of chairs, undersides of shelves and inside cabinet doors.
Use luggage for storage
That old suitcase taking up space at the top of your closet can get new life as a storage container. Use hard-sided luggage to hold shoes, blankets or seasonal clothing. Nestle duffel bags and totes on closet shelves to store accessories, hats, scarves and other items. Just make sure luggage is clean before converting it into storage furniture.
Add a valet rod
Install a valet rod in your closet for hanging clothes as you take them off at the end of the day. Valet rods are usually mounted at around hip height for easy access. Place it near the closet entryway so you can hang tomorrow’s outfit within reach. This keeps clothes from piling on the floor or across furniture.
Use fabric boxes
Collapsible fabric boxes serve as lightweight storage bins that can slide onto shelves or stack neatly on the floor. Look for sturdy canvas or nylon boxes with handles and sturdy bottoms. Label the outside with permanent marker so you know the contents at a glance. Fabric boxes help organize your space while adding a decorative touch.
Add shelving to walls
Take advantage of wall space by installing shelves above dressers, in unused nooks or on narrow walls. Floating ledges and wall-mounted racks with pegboards for hooks provide vertical storage for folded clothes, accessories, shoes and beyond. Paint or finish shelves to match your decor. Just don’t overload shelves since too much weight can pull them down.
Make use of door storage
Hang storage organizers over your closet or bedroom door to maximize space. Options like over-the-door shoe racks, multi-pocket pouches and racks for hats and scarves keep items accessible but out of the way. Use hooks on the back of the door for robes, belts, necklaces and other hangables.
Add pull-out drawers
Install pull-out metal drawers inside existing cabinets or closets to fully use interior space. Drawers on smooth glide rails maximize storage while keeping contents visible and neat. Place frequently used items like socks, undergarments, shorts and T-shirts in pull-out drawers for easy access.
More tips for maximizing closet space:
- Hang pants folded over the rod to save space
- Use trouser and skirt hangers to hang multiple items on one hanger
- Categorize closet by type and color using dividing cubes
- Store bulky sweaters in under-bed containers during warmer months
- Stack shoes vertically on racks instead of laying them flat
- Use hanging shoe bags inside closet doors to store accessories
- Hang a full-length mirror inside the door to save floor space
- Get rid of non-essential items and clutter that’s taking up space
- Add racks or shelving to deep closet corners and dead space
- Install adjustable drawer dividers to optimize space
Conclusion
No matter how cramped your closet or small your bedroom, there are many innovative ways to maximize space when storing clothes and accessories. Taking advantage of vertical storage with racks, shelves, hanging rods and wall hooks saves floor space. Clear plastic bins, fabric boxes and compartmentalized drawers keep items visible and tidy. Multipurpose furniture does double duty as both decor and storage. Investing in space-saving tools like dual hang rods, slim velvet hangers and modular storage systems also helps. With some savvy space-saving techniques, you can organize an amazing amount of clothing and accessories, even in the tiniest bedroom closets and dressers.