Organizing your closet is a task in itself but organizing a smaller closet may be the biggest challenge yet. But don’t let a small closet defeat you, it can be organized and every space used to its optimum potential.

First you must begin by removing all the items out of the closet.  Determine what items are used and keep those in a pile, then go through the items you haven’t worn in the last 12 months.  Some say 6 months, but if you live in an area with climate changes 12 months will work.  If you haven’t worn the item, chances are you never will again so it is best to discard or donate.

Now that your closet is empty determine the items that must go back in and ones that can be stored elsewhere, for instance under your bed or in attic or garage.  You can also use shelving system in your closet and use every available space.  Organizing your clothes by category will make your closet seem bigger because it will look less cluttered. Place the pants on the bottom rack with shirts, and blouses on the top rack.  If you only have one rack available you can still organize by category keeping all the pants together, as well as shirts, and dresses and skirts and suits.

The use of hooks will help with more space as well as storage containers.  Be creative in your storage uses; don’t let the size of your closet disappoint you. Make use of the floor and the area above your hanging clothes.  You can place baskets above the hanging area and you can fold clothes neatly on the floor under the hanging items.  Every space that can be used should be used as long as it is all organized and folded neatly.  There are many different closet-organizing units that can be used.  Once you determine the best solution for your situation it is up to you to keep it organized year round.

Extra Closet Rod – Closet Doubler (Chrome) (34″ H x 30″ W)

photo credit: Amy Loves Yah