Declutter Like a Pro: The Foundation of Tiny Closet Success
Before diving into hacks and organizational tools, the most crucial step is decluttering. It's tempting to cram everything you own into your tiny closet, but this inevitably leads to chaos and wasted space. Decluttering is not just about getting rid of stuff; it's about creating a wardrobe that reflects your current lifestyle and makes you feel good. According to professional organizers, a good declutter cuts down on the number of items you have to find spots for, frees up new space for more important items, and helps you to put yourself in a new Zen-like state of mind for moving forward.
The Decluttering Process:
- Empty Your Closet: Take everything out to get a clear picture of what you own. This can seem daunting, but it's the only way to truly assess your wardrobe.
- Create Distinct Piles:
- Keep: Items you love, wear frequently, and that fit well.
- Donate: Gently used items that no longer fit or suit your style but are still in good condition.
- Sell: Higher-value items in excellent condition that you can sell online or at a consignment shop.
- Toss: Items that are damaged, stained, or beyond repair.
- The One-Year Rule: If you haven't worn something in a year, it's time to let it go. There may be some exceptions for formal wear, but generally, if it hasn't seen the light of day, it's not earning its keep.
- Consider Each Item Carefully: Ask yourself key questions about each item:
- Does it fit well and make me feel confident?
- Is it damaged, stained, or worn out? Can it be repaired?
- Would I buy this again today?
- Does it reflect the lifestyle I want to have?
- Do I have a place or occasion to wear this?
- Be Ruthless: It's easy to make excuses to keep things "just in case," but this defeats the purpose of decluttering. Be honest with yourself about what you truly need and use.
Maximize Vertical Space: Think Up, Not Out
In a tiny closet, vertical space is your best friend. Standard closets often have a single rod and a shelf above, which leaves a lot of unused space begging for a creative solution. Here's how to make the most of it:
Double Hanging Rods
Instantly double your hanging space by adding a second rod below the existing one. This works particularly well for shorter items like shirts, skirts, and jackets. You can purchase adjustable double hanging rods or install a second rod yourself.
Shelf Dividers
Many closets are built with just one or two upper shelves, which can be a prime spot for storing shoeboxes, sweaters, folded jeans, or bags—if you can make the most of the space, that is. Add stackable risers and shelf dividers to separate your categories and create more vertical storage.
Over-the-Door Organizers
Don't overlook the often-underutilized space on the back of your closet door. Over-the-door organizers come in various styles, including shoe organizers, pocket organizers, and hanging racks. Use them for shoes, accessories, toiletries, or even folded clothes.
- Scarves and belts: Utilize the over-the-door space to keep these items visible and accessible, preventing them from cluttering drawers or shelves.
- Shoes: Clear up floor space by storing shoes in an over-the-door shoe organizer.
- Small accessories: Store everyday items, like muslin cloths and spare onesies, in the baskets for easy access.
Reach for the Ceiling
Install shelves that extend all the way to the ceiling to maximize storage. Store less frequently used items, such as off-season clothing or extra linens, on the higher shelves. Be sure to use sturdy bins or baskets to keep things organized and easily accessible.
Actionable Advice: If your closet has high ceilings, don't let that space go to waste! Install extra shelves or use stackable bins to store items you don't need every day, like seasonal clothes or rarely worn shoes. By making use of the full height of your closet, you can free up more room below for items you need more regularly.
Budget-Friendly Organization: Dollar Store DIY
Organizing your closet doesn't have to break the bank. The dollar store is a treasure trove of affordable solutions for maximizing space and keeping things tidy. Here are some ideas:
Fabric Bins and Baskets
Dollar stores often carry a variety of fabric bins and baskets in different sizes and colors. These are perfect for organizing shelves and storing smaller items like socks, underwear, accessories, and toiletries. Adding metal labels to the blank side is so helpful to be able to tell the contents at a glance when they are stored up on the tippy top shelf of the closet.
Plastic Bins and Containers
Use clear plastic bins to store folded clothes, shoes, or accessories. The clear design allows you to easily see what's inside, while the bins keep everything contained and organized.
Tension Rods
Tension rods are an inexpensive way to add extra hanging space for lightweight items like scarves or belts. You can install them between shelves or at the bottom of your closet.
Shower Hooks
Shower hooks aren't just for the bathroom! Use them on your closet rod to hang bags, scarves, or belts, freeing up shelf space.
Foam Board Drawer Dividers
Use foam board from the office section makes for easy drawer dividers!
Practical Example: Use shower hooks on your closet rod to hang bags, scarves, or belts, freeing up shelf space. You'll be surprised how much more room you have when these items aren't piled up on shelves or floors.
Harness the Power of Matching Hangers
One of the easiest and most visually impactful ways to improve your closet organization is to switch to matching hangers. This creates a sense of uniformity and instantly makes your closet look more organized. Furthermore, thin hangers, like velvet hangers, can save a significant amount of space compared to bulky plastic or wooden hangers.
Benefits of Matching Hangers:
- Creates a Uniform Look: Matching hangers instantly make your closet look more organized and aesthetically pleasing.
- Saves Space: Thin hangers take up less space than bulky hangers, allowing you to fit more clothes in your closet.
- Prevents Slipping: Velvet hangers have a non-slip surface that prevents clothes from sliding off.
- Durable: Invest in quality hangers that will last, such as wooden or metal hangers.
Actionable Advice: Replace mismatched hangers with a set of slim velvet hangers. This simple change can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your closet. It's a quick, easy change that makes a noticeable difference.
Clever Folding Techniques: Maximize Drawer and Shelf Space
How you fold your clothes can significantly impact the amount of space they take up in your drawers and on your shelves. Traditional folding methods often result in bulky stacks that take up valuable space. Instead, try these space-saving techniques:
File Folding (Marie Kondo Method)
This method involves folding clothes into compact rectangles and then standing them upright in drawers or bins. This allows you to see all of your clothes at a glance and prevents them from getting lost in the bottom of the pile. Folding your clothing in a "file fold" so they can stack vertically in your drawer is a Marie Kondo-favorite organizing trick—and a way to ensure that all your t-shirts or workout gear sees the light of day.
Rolling
Rolling clothes instead of folding them can save space, especially for items like t-shirts and jeans. Simply fold the item in half lengthwise, then roll it tightly from the bottom up.
Storing Sheet Sets
If you have matching sheet sets, fold them and store each set inside one of its pillowcases. This keeps everything together, saves space and makes grabbing a set much easier.
Practical Example: For towels, rolling them instead of folding can save space, plus they're less likely to tip over. Shelf dividers are also a good idea to keep towels from toppling over.
Think Outside the Closet: Creative Storage Solutions
Sometimes, the best way to organize a tiny closet is to move some of your belongings elsewhere. Consider these alternative storage solutions:
Under-the-Bed Storage
Utilize the space under your bed for storing off-season clothing, extra linens, or shoes. Use flat storage containers or rolling drawers to keep things organized and easily accessible.
Storage Ottoman
A storage ottoman can serve as both a footrest and a storage container. Use it to store blankets, pillows, or other bulky items.
Wall-Mounted Shelves
Install wall-mounted shelves in your bedroom or hallway to create additional storage space for books, accessories, or decorative items.
Clothing Rack
If you have the space, a clothing rack can be a stylish way to display your favorite items and free up space in your closet.
Research: The home storage and organization industry is growing. $1.5 billion dollars a year is spent in the industry after-market and 56 percent of it is spent on homes less than five years old.
Maintenance and Mindset: Staying Organized Long-Term
Organizing your tiny closet is just the first step. Maintaining that organization requires a shift in mindset and consistent effort. Here are some tips for staying organized long-term:
One In, One Out Rule
For every new item you bring into your closet, get rid of an old one. This prevents your closet from becoming cluttered again.
Regular Purges
Schedule regular decluttering sessions to get rid of items you no longer need or use. Even a quick 15-minute purge can make a big difference.
Develop Good Habits
Make it a habit to put clothes away immediately after wearing them and to fold or hang them properly. A few minutes of daily maintenance can prevent clutter from accumulating.
Be Mindful of Purchases
Before buying new clothes, ask yourself if you really need them and if they will fit into your existing wardrobe. Avoid impulse purchases that will only add to the clutter.
Remember Your "Why"
Why did you want to organize your closet in the first place? Maybe it was to save time getting ready in the morning, reduce stress, or create a more visually appealing space. Reminding yourself of your "why" can help you stay motivated to maintain your organization.
Conclusion: Your Tiny Closet, Your Organized Oasis
Organizing a tiny closet can feel like a daunting task, but with the right strategies and a little creativity, you can transform it into a functional and visually appealing space. By decluttering ruthlessly, maximizing vertical space, utilizing budget-friendly solutions, and developing good habits, you can create an organized oasis that makes getting ready each day a joy, not a chore.
Next Steps:
- Schedule a Decluttering Session: Block out a few hours this weekend to tackle your closet.
- Gather Your Supplies: Head to the dollar store to stock up on bins, baskets, and other organizational tools.
- Start Small: Focus on one section of your closet at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Be Patient: It takes time to develop new habits and create a lasting organization system. Don't get discouraged if you slip up occasionally. Just get back on track and keep moving forward.