7 Game-Changing Tips That Helped Me Organize My Closet for Good

I recently moved into a new apartment, and let me just say that it's been a challenge to organize my closet. As a fashion editor, I have quite a bit of clothing, which can be difficult (and tiring) to sort through. But as getting dressed in the morning became increasingly frustrating because I could never find anything, I decided it was time to finally fully organize my closet. When my closet is clean, my outfits start to get better. Not only can I see everything, but my mind is also less cluttered because I don't have to stare at the clothes everywhere. While I prefer things to be organized, my closet has always been my biggest battle, so I put together tips that I used. If I can do it, so can you—trust me.

Below, alongside tips to use in your closet-organization journey, you'll find products that will make everything a lot easier. Think stackable storage bins, racks that use vertical space, and so much more.

1. Dedicate a Full Day to Organizing, Organizing, and Organizing

how-to-organize-your-closet-75867-1628790490206-main

(Image credit: @naomielizee)

While it may be tempting to organize here and there, this may end up leaving you feeling more stressed than content. Instead of picking at your closet sporadically, dedicate a full day or two to decluttering and organizing your pieces. It may seem like a large chunk of time, but it'll be completed quicker and leave you happier.

2. Organize by Product and Then Color

how-to-organize-your-closet-75867-1628830179581-main

(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

We've all seen the Instagrammable closets organized by color, but it's never worked out for me when I've tried it. Instead, I like to sort my pieces into categories and then by color within that grouping.

3. Use Coordinating Hangers

how-to-organize-your-closet-75867-1628830210061-main

(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Even if you have organized your clothing, mismatched hangers can keep everything looking off. I like to buy my hangers in bulk from the same source to keep everything looking neat.

4. Keep Smaller Items in Storage Boxes 

how-to-organize-your-closet-75867-1628788738996-main

(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

In my moving process, I realized how many small accessories or pieces I've lost or forgot I even had since they were thrown around in drawers. I didn't want to lose track of them again, so I made sure to invest in storage solutions that kept them in place and were easily accessible.

5. Stack Thick Items Like Sweatshirts or Jeans

how-to-organize-your-closet-75867-1628791630690-main

(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

While some may like to hang thick items like denim or sweaters, I find it can be difficult, especially if your closet size is on the smaller end like mine. To keep them stacked without falling over, consider buying dividers.

6. Steam or Iron Your Clothes Before Hanging

I know it takes a bit more work, but keeping things ironed or steamed before you hang them is worth it. It add to the appearance, and when you're in a rush to get dressed and grab a dress that's not crumpled, you'll thank me.

7. Optimize Vertical Storage

how-to-organize-your-closet-75867-1628789170696-main

(Image credit: @aimeesong)

When you own a lot of items but have minimal closet space, you have to get creative with your storage solutions. Use vertical space as much as possible. You can hang storage solutions on your closet door, put storage boxes under the bed, or store shoes and bags on higher shelving.

Shop more organizational products:

Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.