Hey friends! Emily here. If you’re like me, keeping your closet organized can feel like a constant battle. Between the kids’ clothes, my ever-growing collection of scarves, and the mountain of shoes I somehow can’t part with, things can get out of hand pretty quickly. But over the years, I’ve learned that simple solutions – like baskets and hooks – can completely transform your closet into a space that’s not only tidy but also super functional. Let me walk you through how I organize my closet using just these two essentials, and trust me, you can do it too!
Assess Your Closet Space
Before you start shoving everything into baskets and hanging stuff on hooks, take a moment to really assess what you have. You can’t organize what you don’t know you have, right?
- Declutter First: I swear, this step makes all the difference. If you haven’t worn it in the past year, it’s time to let it go. I did a massive purge last spring (thank you, Marie Kondo!), and I’ve never felt so free. I usually donate what I don’t need, and I’ve found that keeping only what I truly love and use is the best way to stay organized.
- Sort Your Items: Divide everything into categories – clothes, shoes, accessories, seasonal items, etc. When I first did this, I was shocked at how much stuff I had that I didn’t even know existed! Once you know what you’re working with, you can figure out exactly how many baskets and hooks you’ll need.
Choose the Right Baskets
Baskets are a total game-changer when it comes to closet organization. They keep things contained and easy to access, which is exactly what I need with my chaotic life!
- Pick the Right Style: I love using woven baskets for a more rustic, cozy vibe, but plastic bins work great for a modern, sleek look. Choose baskets that are the right size for your closet shelves. A small basket for scarves might work, but bigger ones are perfect for sweaters or shoes.
- Label Them: I always label my baskets – this is such a lifesaver! Trust me, it makes finding what you need so much easier. Plus, it helps the whole family stay organized, especially when everyone’s using the closet. My kids know exactly where their hats go, and I can easily grab my scarves without hunting.
Basket Placement Ideas:
- On Shelves: I love keeping my folded sweaters and jeans in baskets on the shelves. They stay neat, but I can grab them quickly when I need them. I also use baskets for small accessories like belts and scarves.
- Under Hanging Clothes: At the bottom of my closet, I keep larger baskets for shoes or bulkier items. I used to just throw shoes on the floor, but baskets really help clear up the space and make it feel less chaotic.
Implement Hooks for Additional Storage
Hooks are the unsung heroes of closet organization. They take up virtually no space and can hold a ton of stuff!
- Types of Hooks: I use wall-mounted hooks for things like bags and hats. They’re sturdy, and I love how they free up shelf space for other things. I also use S-hooks on my closet rod to hang things like necklaces or belts – so much easier than folding them up.
- Over-the-Door Hooks: This is a trick I’ve been using for years, especially in smaller closets. I love how over-the-door hooks make use of vertical space without drilling anything into the wall. It’s the perfect spot for my most-used bags, scarves, and even coats in the winter.
Hook Placement Ideas:
- Inside Closet Doors: I hung a couple of hooks on the inside of my closet door to keep my most-used items, like hats and scarves, within easy reach. It’s a total game-changer for staying organized.
- On the Wall: If you’ve got a little extra wall space beside your closet, add some hooks for purses or accessories. I use one near my closet to hang my jewelry holder – always handy to have it right there!
Create Zones Within Your Closet
One of my best organizing tips? Zone out your closet! It helps keep things visually tidy and makes it easier to find what you’re looking for.
- Clothing Zone: I reserve a section for my everyday clothes – shirts, jeans, and sweaters. I use baskets for folded items, and hooks for jackets or blouses that I want to hang but don’t want to wrinkle.
- Accessory Zone: For all my scarves, hats, and jewelry, I dedicate another zone. Hooks work great for hanging scarves and belts, while baskets are perfect for sunglasses and watches.
- Seasonal Zone: If you’re like me and have a ton of seasonal clothes (hello, Texas summers and winters!), dedicate a basket for off-season items. Store these up high or down low to keep them out of the way until you need them.
Maintain Your Organized Closet
Once everything is organized, you’ll want to keep it that way. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way after my kids started using my closet as a storage bin.
- Regular Check-ins: I set a reminder every few months to reassess what’s in my closet. It’s easy to accumulate things you don’t need, so a little closet refresh goes a long way.
- One-In-One-Out Rule: I’ve also adopted a “one-in-one-out” policy. For every new item I buy, I try to donate or discard one. It helps me keep clutter at bay and keeps my closet from getting overwhelmed.
Let me know if you have any other closet organization hacks! I’m always looking for new ideas (and trust me, I need all the help I can get). Happy organizing!
Warmly,
Emily 💛
