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If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then your closet is the nervous system—at least, that’s how it feels to me.
When my closet is neat and orderly, I function better. When it’s messy and chaotic, my mornings derail, and the rest of the day never seems to click into place.
An organized closet doesn’t just make your morning routine easier—it makes shopping and getting dressed simpler, too. When you can clearly see what you have, creating outfits becomes effortless, and you’ll quickly spot what’s missing.
Yesterday, I woke up completely overwhelmed—not just by the sheer amount of clothes in my closet but by the clutter that had taken over. So, I threw my plans out the window and spent the morning knee-deep in a full-on closet cleanout.
Here’s the thing: I’ve recently lost a significant amount of weight and have been gradually editing my wardrobe. But yesterday, I went all in. I got rid of everything that didn’t fit—either consigning it or donating it to a local charity.
Closet organization is an ongoing project for me because I’m always striving to make it as functional as possible.
Let’s talk about space for a moment.
Unlike what social media might lead us to believe, not everyone has a massive, department-store-style walk-in closet. After spending thousands of hours working in hundreds of closets, I can confidently say most women are dealing with limited space.
I’m no exception. I technically have a “walk-in,” but it’s nothing extravagant—just a basic rod for hanging and a set of simple shelves. In addition, I have an IKEA wall unit in my bedroom that offers some extra storage.
Even with these two areas, I’m still short on space (remember, this is my job), but they function well because I’ve taken the time to research and invest in a few affordable, thoughtful products that help keep everything in its place.
Before that, I embraced a “use what you have” philosophy, and it worked just fine. But adding a few key organizational tools made a noticeable difference. Now, even when things get a little out of sorts, it only takes a few minutes to bring everything back to order.
(Below is an old photo of my closet—these days, I have about 10% of this as I rebuild my wardrobe!)
The Best Products to Organize Your Closet
This is the unit I purchased from Ikea. It was so easy to put together I did it myself. And you can measure and customize everything on their website, and then order it all at once and pick it up at your local store. I want to say all together, including doors that are now on it, it was about $1000.
It sits outside my closet against a wall in my bedroom.
I work between these two spaces. Keeping my “working wardrobe” (i.e. current items we feature) in the Ikea unit, and out-of-season, special occasion, team gear, some folded sweaters and my shoes in my walk in.
It’s bit convoluted, but it works.
The Best Products to Organize Your Closet for a Custom Feel on a Budget.
If you only purchase one product for your closet to help create order and save you space, buy these slim flocked hangers. They are the best.
The uniformity the slim line hanger creates helps your eyes settle so you can see (and therefore use!) everything you have. Plus they double your space. As you can see I hang a lot, including tee shirts and jeans.
Next, these acrylic shelf dividers make such an impact. Before I bought them, I would have told you they were a waste of money, but they have transformed the space. You can see them below.
They have a little hook on them too, so you can hang your outfit or a few handbags from them.
The ones in my closet image are from The Container Store, but I liked them so much I bought the dupes from Amazon at a lower price for my girls’ closets. The link is at the bottom of the article
I’m using them for sweaters, but they also work well for jeans, heavy scarves, and anything else you can fold.
I also take advantage of the vertical space by using these “sweater drawers” to store silk scarves and bathing suits.
How to Organize Shoes and Bags in Your Closet
The most popular question I receive is about how I store my shoes.
I use shoe drawers from The Container Store. They are stackable, so I’m able to take advantage of all the otherwise wasted shelf space. I also keep a few under my hanging jeans, taking advantage of every bit of space.
You can purchase a case of 4 for $60; I’m using the large size because my shoe size is 10.
Yesterday I also added these “shoe slot organizers” AND this over the door shoe rack.
Another product I’m thrilled with is this purse organizer (pictured on the top shelf and in the center of the Ikea system).
Here, I can easily slip in my various clutches and grab whatever I need when running out quickly. It’s practical, creating a fun, boutique vibe.
They are also from The Container Store, for $45 each.
Organize and Display Jewelry
Finally, let’s talk about how to store and display jewelry.
If you can, designate a space to keep it all together. I’ve mentioned this jewelry box before – it’s a stackable trays system that you can customize to meet your needs.
It also keeps your pieces from tarnishing.
Related: How to Create a Classic Jewelry Capsule
If your jewelry is scattered in tiny boxes or stuffed in a drawer, get them out fo there! Of course, you can still use the drawer; just consider using a tray system. I like this one on Amazon; you get a set of five with various compartments.
I also use one of the pull-out drawers of the Ikea system and keep my go-to, everyday pieces in little trays and dishes.
In the other shallow drawers, I lay more clutches, and then the last three drawers hold delicate sweaters with embellishments folded with tissue between them, and then long and short cardigans folded in the other.
For other categories, I use drawers in a dresser across the room. One for undergarments, one for workout gear and sweats, and one for pajamas. It’s nothing fancy, but I use these extendable drawer dividers to corral things. I use them in my kids’ drawers
Finally, my latest addition is this hanging leggings organizer. My workout drawer was always a mess so I purged and sorted everything from my leggings and tanks to sport bras.
My 10 Favorite Products to Organize Your Closet
Slim, Velvet, Non-Slip Hangers
Amazon Basics
$25.00
Set of 8 Acrylic Shelf Dividers
Amazon
$30.00
Acrylic 3-Compartment Clutch & Small Purse Organizer
The Container Store
$45.00
Clear Stackable Sweater Drawer
The Container Store
$25.00
Case of 4 Clear Stackable Large Shoe Drawer
The Container Store
$58.00
4 Pack Drawer Dividers
Amazon
$38.00
Stackers White Classic Jewelry Box Collection
The Container Store
Price Varies
Hanging Legging Organizer
Amazon
$22.00Shoe Slots Organizer
Shoe Slots Organizer
Amazon
$27.00Over the Door Shoe Organizer
Over the Door Shoe Organizer
Amazon
$28.99
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