What do you do when you finally find a home that you love, but the one large flaw that it has is a very tiny closet? Do you base your entire home search around the size of the closets in the home or do you jump on the space before someone else does and just decided you are going to have to get creative in the storage and organization department?
Well, if you are looking for advice on how to organize a small closet then you probably already made your decision. Don’t start panicking or feeling regretful quite yet. You will be pleasantly surprised at just how much you can fit in those impossible closets with the right advice. And when it comes to moving, being organized before you start the process will make it that much easier – so before you call the moving company – take a look at these tips!
Start With a Clean Slate
The most effective way to begin your small closet organization project is to clear everything out of the space. Not only does it make the closet easier to work with; it pretty much ensures that you are going to stick to the project until it’s done. For one, your bed will be covered in clothes. Plus, you do not want everything lying in a pile longer than a day unless you want to deal with a lot of wrinkles.
Purge From Your Closet As You Go
Is the closet too small or do you just have too many clothes? Probably a little of both! Get a few large boxes handy, so you can create piles to donate, sell, give to friends, etc. Try your best to avoid having a “maybe” pile, if you can help it. Items in that pile typically end up sticking around for no good reason at all.
Decide on a rule. If you have not worn it in “x” years it is time for it to go. The only exception would be formal wear that is only worn occasionally.
Store Seasonal Items
There is no reason to keep seasonal items in your closet. Sure, there are some clothes in your wardrobe that will stay in your closet year-round, but heavy sweats and wool pants have no business being in there from April through October and your halters and shorts are not going to be needed all winter unless, of course, you live somewhere that sees year-round hot temperatures.
Large Rubbermaid containers people generally use for decorations are perfect. Store them in the garage, basement, spare room, or anywhere other than the closet. If you have a bed on a traditional frame, you can also store clothes in vacuum-sealed bags, which take up even less room than the Rubbermaid containers.
Have a Plan Before You Start Organizing Your Closet
One of the most important tips for organizing a small closet is to start with a plan. You do not have to necessarily stick to it. Take a good look at what you have. If you are going to buy any organizational products, you need to have a good idea of what you need. You may even want to break out an actual piece of paper and pencil and sketch a few plans to determine what layout will allow you to make the most of every inch of space.
Small Closet Organization: Helpful Tips
If you are wondering how to organize a small closet and you have not shopped for one of these organizational products yet prepare to be pretty overwhelmed. There is a lot to choose from these days. So much so that it can be tempting to stay away from what you need because you are drawn to something that looks cool. This is why you should have a plan long before you get started. You can alter it as you discover available options, but having a plan will at least keep you on track. You can also do a little research to see what is available at stores and online, and then you can decide what you need to move forward.
- Fabric Bins – Whether you install shelves or just use the top shelf in your closet, fabric bins are the way to go. These cubes come in every color imaginable and are perfect for socks, tees, tanks, belts, mittens, scarves, hair accessories, and just about anything else you need to create a home for. They are even great for keeping odds and ends on dressers and desks organized.
- Add a Rod – One of the easiest fixes for a small closet is to add a rod. Now, you just have doubled the space bar. If you are going to hang light garments, you can even use a tension rod.
- Shower Curtain Rings – If you do not have extra shower curtain rings lying around somewhere, you can pick some up at the $1 store. Hook these curtain rings on a hanger to use for scarves and ties.
- Soda Can Tab – The soda can tab that serves no purpose other than to be an environmental waste can be a great tool to use in your closet. After opening your beverage carefully remove the tab. It should have two clearly defined holes. Put one hanger through a hole and then slip another hanger through the second hole to keep them attached. These are great for pieces that go together.
- Use the Back of the Door – The back of that closet door is very valuable real estate. This is the perfect place for a pocket shoe holder, multiple canvas accessory bags, hooks, etc.
- Plant Hangers for Boots – Pant hangers can serve many functions in a cramped closet. Using them to hang boots is one of them. Boots never fit in shoe racks or shoe pockets and they almost always topple over. Hang them from a rod with the hanger attached to the top of the boots.
Even more ideas on how to organize a small closet…
- Filing Cabinet – If you have an old filing cabinet in your office that you do not use, move this into your closet. Drape tees and tanks over each divider.
- Rubber Band Grips – Are you constantly frustrated by tops falling off the hanger and ending up on the floor? You do not necessarily need to buy different containers for these items. Wrap rubber bands at both ends to stop fabrics from slipping off. You can also use pipe cleaners to make a little hook.
- Shoe Boxes – Everyone has old shoeboxes taking up space. You may be surprised at how many tees, tanks, etc. can fit in there.
- Tensions Rods for Shoes – Stagger several tension rods to house shoes. Space the rods at different widths apart for either flats or heels.
- Hanging Bags – It is already mentioned that hanging bags on the back of the door is a fantastic storage space saver. Cover empty areas of the wall with them and use them to hold anything you want.
- Hanging Shelves – If you are renting and can’t mount physical shelves on the wall, hang vertical ones from your top closet rod. These are also great for holding virtually anything imaginable.
- Specialty Hangers – The hanger market has become quite large in recent years. You can find hangers specifically for ties, belts, accessories, and more.
When you know how to organize a small closet, you will find that when the time comes to move, you will be in a better position to tackle packing. So why not make that small closet organization a priority item on your moving checklist? And be sure to contact FlatRate for a free moving quote.