If the kitchen is the heart of the home, your closet is the nervous system, at least for me.
When my closet is neat and orderly, I function better.
When it’s messy and chaotic, like it is after the holidays, my mornings don’t run smoothly and the whole day is off.
Because an organized closet doesn’t just make your morning routine effortless, but shopping and getting dressed is easier too.
When you can see everything you have; you can create outfits you love and you’ll see what you’re missing.
So let’s talk about space.
Because unlike what social media shows us, not everyone is working with a massive space that looks like a department store.
After working in hundreds of closets, I can tell you that most women’s wardrobes have limited space.
I have two closet spaces, but don’t be impressed, it’s nothing fancy and still rather small.
By definition, I technically have a “walk-in”. But it is very basic, featuring a simple rod for hanging and a series of shelves. But it doubles as our linen closet since our bathroom has no storage.
Additionally, I wall unit from Ikea, in my bedroom.
I’m still rather sort on space (remember this is my job) but it functions well because I researched and thoughtfully purchased a few affordable products that help keep everything in place.
Before that, I took a use-what-you-have philosophy and it worked just fine.
But the difference these few products made has allowed me to keep the area in order (for the most part), and when it does get a little out of sorts, it only takes a few minutes to pull it back together.
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 your computer, and then order it all at once and pick it up at your local store.
It sits outside my closet against a wall in my bedroom. There are doors for it, but I haven’t put them up yet.
I work between these two spaces. Keeping in-season pieces in the Ikea unit, and out-of-season, special occasion, some folded sweaters and a lot more shoes in my actual closet.
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.
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 $40 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 in the more bottomless glass front ones, I have 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 8 Favorite Products to Organize Your Closet

Slim, Velvet, Non-Slip Hangers
Amazon Basics
$25.00Velvet surface and notched shoulders prevents slipping.
Ultra slim profile maximizes space in your closet.
Sturdy design can hold up to 10 pounds.

Set of 8 Acrylic Shelf Dividers
Amazon
$30.00Acrylic shelf dividers create a seamless look in any closet, help you easily divide wide shelves to stack items such as sweaters, jeans etc.

Acrylic 3-Compartment Clutch & Small Purse Organizer
The Container Store
$45.00This Clutch & Small Purse Organizer, made of thick acrylic, keeps contents dust-free, while its sectioned design stores everything upright to preserve shape and allows you to grab what you need in an instant.

Clear Stackable Sweater Drawer
The Container Store
$25.00Clear Stackable Sweater Drawer provides visible accessibility for closet organization. Sized for sweaters, the drawers can accommodate other items as well – scarves, socks, swimsuits and accessories. Specially designed to stack securely (we show two here).

Case of 4 Clear Stackable Large Shoe Drawer
The Container Store
$58.00Clear Stackable Large Shoe Drawers provide visible accessibility for closet organization. Sized for shoes, the drawers can also accommodate other items as well – scarves, socks, lingerie and accessories. Specially designed to stack securely

4 Pack Drawer Dividers
Amazon
$38.00Customize your drawers on a budget with these easy to to install, damage free dividers. Great for underwear, socks, work out gear, or pajamas.

Stackers White Classic Jewelry Box Collection
The Container Store
Price VariesNeed a solution for organizing a large collection of jewelry? Designed in England, Stackers have become wildly popular around the globe, and it’s easy to see why. They’re completely modular and beautifully constructed. Each features a grooved base so multiples stack securely. Add on easily as your collection grows.

Hanging Legging Organizer
Amazon
$22.00A great way to organize a lot of clothes when drawer space is hard to come by.

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