Small closets can be very difficult to keep organized. Because it has so little space, the instinct is to try to fit as much into the space as possible. But the reality is that with a smaller closet, you need to fill it even less than with a larger closet. The “tear down” feel makes the closet feel bigger, which is nice, but the real payoff is that if the small closet isn’t full, then you can get what you need and see what you have to work with. Here’s how to get there.
1) Get everything you can out of the closet.
Small closets mean that any space in them is prime real estate. So if you don’t have to have a particular item in that closet, move it somewhere else. For example, suppose your bedroom closet is small, but you also have a small closet in the hallway. That means all the coats are moved to the hall closet. Coats are particularly good to keep out of a small closet because they take up so much space.
2) Have a semi-seasonal wardrobe.
Spring and fall can be messy, but if your closet is small, being able to store winter and summer items (even under your bed) can open up a lot of space in your one-closet bread bin. This is a variation of “pulling everything out of the closet,” but it’s something that a lot of people forget.
3) Be ruthless with the clothes you don’t wear.
Have you ever heard of the 80/20 rule? It is also known as the Pareto principle, and it basically describes the imbalance of results. That is, 20% of the things you do end up creating 80% of your results. Surprisingly, this also applies to clothing: around 20% of clothing is worn 80% of the time. That’s the template: Actually, for most of us, about 10% of our clothes are worn 90% of the time.
That is the philosophy lesson. The reality is that if you’re not wearing something, you have to go. The rule for ordinary people is that if you haven’t used it in 6 months, get rid of it. For people with small closets, cut it down to 4 months. I have quite a few pieces of clothing that I wear for no other reason than to comply with this rule. I can’t bear to give up this great embroidered suede jacket that I have, but it makes me uncomfortable because it’s low-cut. But I use it every few months just to abide by this rule. Someday I’ll outgrow the jacket or outgrow the cut.
4) Take advantage of all surfaces
Both sides of your closet door can hold things. There are over-the-door shoe racks that can also be used for socks, scarves, hats, gloves (those gloves should be in the hall closet, by the way), small purses, sportswear, swimwear, lingerie, and oh, Yes. — shoes.
Also check if you can upload. Adding a new shelf, even if it’s only 12 inches or less below the ceiling, makes a world of difference. I store my luggage on the high rack and keep a pre-packed set of vacation clothes in the suitcase. Save space and make it easy to take off for last-minute getaways.