Maximizing Closet Space: 6 Tips

Each new year, I go through a phase of cleaning, purging, and organizing. I always feel better about goals and the year ahead when things are in order. I’m always amazed at how much I’ve accumulated over the course of 12 months. I typically start this process with my closet.

I have one closet for my clothes and Kalyn has one for his things. We’re definitely short on storage space. Since he’s a true gentleman, he let me have the larger of the two. Ha! That really wasn’t an option. This is the exterior of my closet with paneled bi-fold doors:

Maximizing Closet Space | Room for Tuesday

Living in a tiny house with only two closets in the entire home, I’ve learned to shop with quality instead of quantity in mind. I’d rather spend my money on key pieces that I can wear with multiple outfits than buy a ton of clothes. Here’s a look at the interior and six tips I use for maximizing closet space.

Maximizing Closet Space | Room for Tuesday

01- Declutter. Ask yourself these questions: Have I worn this item in the last year? Does this jacket still fit? Do I need five shirts that look really similar? Odds are, you’ll answer no to many of these questions. That’s a sure sign they should end up in the donate box. If you’re the type of person who has a difficult time letting go, or you tell yourself “it might fit later this year”, just think of the space you’ll free up for new items! Trust me, get rid it of it.

02- Invest in quality hangers. This sounds silly, but if you’re buying basic staples and clothing you want to keep longterm, you’ve got to make them last. Hang them properly, launder them appropriately, and take care of them. Plus, pretty matching hangers make a great incentive to get organized and keep your closet that way!

Maximizing Closet Space | Room for Tuesday

03- Create a system. Use organization tools like bins, shelves, hooks, boxes, etc. If you’re looking for an easy, all-in-one unit, I used this one. Once you have everything you need, implement a system. I’m not a huge fan of color coding, but I do like grouping similar items. For instance, I keep all of my tops together based on sleeve length, then by material. It really helps to separate my casual attire from professional or formal pieces.

Maximizing Closet Space | Room for Tuesday

04- Consider your eye level. Store your most used items at eye level. Having easy access to the pieces you wear frequently will make a huge difference. It’s a simple adjustment that will definitely save you time. Even with your favorite pieces at eye level, keep a step stool or ottoman nearby or tucked inside your closet.

05- Adjust seasonally. Stow out of season pieces. With limited space, I store a clothes rack in my basement. Rotating your wardrobe will not only maximize your closet space, but it also feels like shopping once you make the trade. I go months without seeing my summer clothing, then when summer finally rolls around- there are so many good pieces I totally forgot about because I don’t see them in my closet on a daily basis.

Maximizing Closet Space | Room for Tuesday

06- Clean your closet! This seems like a no brainer, but physically clean the space. Wipe dust bunnies, vacuum, and lint roll if necessary. Sometimes the corners and nooks in the back of my closet get kind of gross. It makes me feel better knowing that everything is clean once again.

Maximizing Closet Space | Room for Tuesday

I also push my laundry hamper to the inside corner of my closet, so that it’s tucked away out of sight, but still convenient. My closet does extend about a foot on each side past the doors, so I have a little more space that you can actually see. It would be amazing to have a walk-in closet someday or more storage space, but for now- I’m making the most of what I have and surprisingly, it’s working well.

What kind of closet situations are you are guys currently dealing with? Does anyone else feel the need to get organized and purge at the beginning of each year? After my little organizing spree, I’m feeling happier already!

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11 Comments

  1. Jaclyn Lorimer says:

    I wish I could be a little more minimalist like your closet but I haven’t quite gotten there! That said, I think I implement a lot of good systems to keep what I do have well organized. I just did a post on our closet organization recently, and made a few of the same points you did. Great minds think alike and all that!
    http://lorimerliving.blogspot.com/2015/11/master-closet-organization.html
    XO, Jaclyn

    1. Thanks for sharing! Great minds do think alike ;) xo

  2. Whitney Shortt says:

    Love those bi-fold doors and how minimal your closet is. I’ve really worked on paring down my closet in the past year, and it’s actually really freeing when it comes to putting outfits together.

    1. Thanks, Whitney!! It really does make a difference. Agreed! I think it’s easier to decide what to wear. I used to have so much trouble and I’d spend way too much time considering the options. Thanks for reading! xo

  3. Carmen Gomez (Lilly) says:

    Closet Envy! I am a bit of a minimalist when it comes to my closet but I still can’t manage to organize it this pretty! Love those agate door pulls!

    1. Thanks Carmen!! I hope it stays organized for a few months, at least. Haha! xo

  4. I love the closet doors. Can you tell me where I could buy a pair like that or are they diy? Thank you!

    1. Thanks, Gaby!! They are DIY. If you’d like us to do a post on them, let me know and I’ll try to pull one together :) xo

      1. That would be amazing. Thank you so much!!

  5. Hi We are installing bi-fold doors in our closet and would love to know where you purchased these! (I see you added great pulls – look similar to the Anthro ones we will using!- but did you paint them also? I have had the hardest time finding basic, clean lined doors like these, so would love to know where we could order them from?