Whether you have a walk-in closet or a more traditional one, there’s something very frustrating about trying to pull clothes or other items out of a messy, chaotic closet. Not only is it nearly impossible to find what you need when you need it, but a messy space can also make it harder to concentrate or be productive. 

Even if you don’t have the luxury of a massive walk-in closet that would make a Real Housewife jealous, you can still create an organizational oasis that makes it easier for you to find what you need quickly. Better still, a well-organized closet means that when you get home after a long day, everything has a dedicated space where it belongs–further ensuring that your closet doesn’t descend into madness. If you can’t take that messy, chaotic closet anymore, here are 8 organizational ideas to help you put an end to the closet drama. 

Purge That Closet Regularly

It’s easy to hold onto things that we don’t need. The occasional item is one thing, but over time, that closet is literally bursting at the seams with an excess of unused items. Avoid this by making a schedule to go through a closet regularly and remove items that are no longer useful. A good rule of thumb is to reassess closet contents every six months. Items that haven’t been worn in 18 months (about a year and a half) should be reviewed for usefulness. 

Some items might get a pass–like formalwear or event-specific clothing that might go longer between wears. But if it no longer fits, looks too beat up to be wearable (think white shirts that are now yellow), or is no longer in-style but was an “of the moment” trending wardrobe piece, it’s time to either toss, sell, or donate it. Not only does this free up essential space, but can also be a great way to make some extra cash. 

Invest in Space-Saving Hangers

One of the biggest issues most people have with closets is that there’s not enough space for everything. This is especially true for those without walk-in closets. In this case, space-saving hangers can not only organize clothing, but they also work to maximize space. 

The trick though, is to invest in good quality hangers. The quick (and cheaper) fix is to find hanger hooks or collapsible hangers with holes to insert regular hangers. However, be mindful of the weight added to them. While convenient, these are usually made of plastic and shouldn’t be used for garments like bulky sweaters, jeans, suits, or items made from heavier weight fabrics. Instead, these types of garments should be hung on metal space-saving hangers. These items are more durable and can withstand the added weight. Also keep in mind that the same issue applies to cheap closet rods. 

Add An Extra Closet Rod

This may not be an option for everyone, but adding an additional closet rod can maximize space. Most standard closet rods are designed to accommodate tops, pants, and full length dresses or coats. Adding an extra closet rod is an option for those that want to further organize their closet by creating a dedicated row for pants and a dedicated row for tops. 

However, this is a DIY project. So, before grabbing a hammer and a drill, be sure to do all necessary due diligence to ensure that a newly installed rod can handle the potential weight expected to hang off of it. 

Invest in a Closet System

The rich and famous aren’t the only people deserving of an organized closet. Even if built-ins aren’t feasible, people can invest in a closet system. Whether going the DIY route or choosing one that can be built and installed into an existing closet, these are a great way to visually organize a messy closet. 

Closet systems can include drawers, shoe storage, and hanging rods in a variety of configurations to meet a person’s tastes. More importantly, a good closet system can even make open layouts like studios more functional. 

Compartmentalize

For smaller items like socks, scarves, belts and jewelry, embrace compartmentalization. Storage containers and in-drawer compartments can keep smaller items organized so they’re easier to find when rushing to get ready in the morning. 

Replace Shoe Boxes with Shoe Storage

Traditional paper shoe boxes are standard when carting shoes from the store or when they arrive in the mail. But in closets, they take up a lot of space and make it difficult to see what’s inside. Instead of shoe boxes, use storage racks or clear durable plastic shoe boxes. 

For storage racks, wooden solutions with cubbies are best since they’re less likely to be easily damaged by heels. Meanwhile, plastic shoe boxes made popular by sneakerheads are great for flats and heels since they can often accommodate more than one pair of shoes. 

Sort Clothing and Accessories By Season

There’s nothing worse than hopping all over the closet to get ready every morning. Instead, consider organizing clothing and accessories by season. While some items like denim are timeless, placing sweaters and bulkier items together makes it easier to find essentials when the weather turns colder. 

Label Items for Easier Discovery

Especially when using storage boxes, bins, or drawers that aren’t see-through, labeling is essential for easily discovering items. Invest in a label maker if necessary for clear print that’s easier to read. 

Become a Master of Closet Organization

An organized closet isn’t the exclusive domain of celebrities and social media influencers capitalizing on society’s desire for aesthetically pleasing order. Even for those with tiny closets, a few minor adjustments can do wonders in creating an organized space that turns clutter into something that’s shoppable and easy to use when getting ready every day.