Closet Organization Tips from the Experts

The truth is, no matter what size closet you have, the right organization system can completely transform how you start and end your day.

When clients ask us what makes a closet truly functional, we always tell them it’s all about having a space that works with your lifestyle. A well-designed closet should feel like an extension of you, a place where everything has its home and your morning routine flows smoothly.

Good organization isn’t about following rigid rules. It’s about creating systems that work with your natural habits. When everything has a designated place that makes sense, staying organized becomes effortless. You save time getting ready, save money by actually wearing what you own, and start each day feeling in control.

How to Organize Your Closet

The first step to getting organized isn’t buying bins or hangers. It’s taking an honest look at how you actually use your closet. Do you tend to throw things on the floor when you’re in a hurry? That tells me you need more accessible storage at waist height. Do your sweaters always end up wrinkled? You might need more shelf space instead of hanging rods.

1. Start by pulling everything out. Yes, everything. This might feel overwhelming, but trust us, you can’t organize what you can’t see. 
2. Group similar items together and be honest about what you really wear. Once you know what you’re keeping, think about zones.
3. Put the clothes you wear most often at eye level and within easy reach. Seasonal items can go up high or down low.

The key is creating a system that matches your daily habits, not fighting against them.

Closet Organizing Ideas by Space

Every closet has its own personality and challenges. Over the years, we’ve learned that what works in one space might not work in another.

Walk-In Closets

With all that space in a walk-in closet, it’s easy to let things get out of control. The secret is to think of your walk-in as a boutique. Everything should be visible and easy to access.

• We always recommend starting with good lighting. You’d be surprised how many beautiful walk-ins are ruined by a single dim bulb! 

• Add a center island if you have room. It’s perfect for folding clothes or laying out outfits. 
• Use the walls wisely with a mix of hanging space, shelves, and drawers. Remember, just because you have the space doesn’t mean you need to fill every inch.

Reach-In Closets

Reach-in closets are the workhorses of the closet world. They might be smaller, but with smart design, they can hold just as much as their larger cousins. The trick is to use every bit of vertical space.

• Double hanging rods are your best friend here. Put one high and one low to instantly double your hanging space for shorter items like shirts and pants.
• Add shelves above the top rod for boxes or bins. 
• Don’t forget about the back of the door, it’s prime real estate for hooks, shoe organizers, or a mirror.

Entryways and Mudrooms

Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home. It’s where you drop your keys, hang your coat, and kick off your shoes. A well-organized entry closet or mudroom can prevent that daily pile-up of stuff that seems to migrate throughout the house.

• Built-in benches with storage underneath are perfect for putting on shoes while keeping them out of sight.
• Add hooks at different heights for adults and kids. 
• Include a dedicated spot for bags, umbrellas, and those items that always seem to go missing when you need them most.

Kids’ Closets

Kids’ closets need to grow with them. What works for a toddler won’t work for a teenager. The key is creating flexible systems that can adapt over time.

• Install adjustable rods and shelves that can move up as your kids grow taller.
• Use lower rods so younger children can reach their own clothes. It encourages independence!
• Clear bins work great for toys and accessories because kids can see what’s inside.
• And always, always include more hooks than you think you need. Kids love hooks.

Guest Rooms

Guest room closets often become the dumping ground for everything else in the house. But with a little planning, they can serve double duty without looking cluttered.

• Design one side for guests with empty hangers, a luggage rack, and clear shelf space.
• Use the other side for off-season storage or those items you don’t need every day.
• Add a few empty baskets or bins where guests can store their personal items during their stay.

Small Apartments

Living in a Portland OR apartment means making every square foot count. Small closets require big creativity. The good news is that a well-designed small closet can actually feel more organized than a poorly planned large one.

• Think vertically and use slim hangers to maximize hanging space.
• Invest in matching storage boxes that stack neatly.
• Use the floor space wisely with a shoe rack that goes up rather than out. 
• Be ruthless about what you keep. In a small space, every item needs to earn its place.

Small Features That Can Change Your Space

Sometimes the smallest additions make the biggest difference:

• Pull-out drawers let you see everything at once, no more digging through piles.
• Soft-close mechanisms add a touch of luxury and protect your investment.
• LED strip lighting under shelves eliminates dark corners.
• Drawer dividers keep small items from becoming a jumbled mess.

These might seem like minor details, but they’re what separate a closet that just stores clothes from one that actually makes your life easier.

Custom-Designed Storage With Your Life in Mind

The beauty of a custom closet or storage design is that it solves your specific storage challenges. Those shoes that never seem to fit anywhere? We’ll create the perfect spot. That collection of handbags gathering dust on the floor? We’ll give them a home where you can actually see and use them.

As Portland OR’s longest-running independent custom closet company, we’ve learned that the best closets are the ones that feel intuitive. You shouldn’t have to think about where things go, the design should guide you naturally.

Your closet is more than just storage, it’s where you begin and end each day. Make it a space that supports and inspires you. Reach out to our team of designers today to get started with a consultation! 

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