7 Common Closet Organization Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Having a well-organized closet can make getting dressed in the morning a breeze. However, many of us struggle with keeping our closets neat and tidy.

There are seven common closet organization challenges that people struggle with. We’ve got some practical tips for overcoming them.

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Nothing is impossible! Whether you have a small closet, lack of storage space, or struggle with keeping things organized, this post will help you get your closet organized and keep it that way.

Lack of Space

One of the most common challenges people face when it comes to closet organization is a lack of space. This can be especially true if you have a small closet or limited storage options.

When your closet is just too small, it’s important to maximize every inch of available space.

Use vertical space

If space allows, consider installing additional shelving or hanging organizers that make use of the vertical space in your closet. This will allow you to store more items without taking up valuable floor space.

Those of you with closets where you can’t even see a wall? We see you, and we’ve got more options coming up.

Use the back of the door

The back of the closet door is often overlooked but can be a great place to store items such as shoes, belts, or bags. Hang an over-the-door shoe organizer or hooks to make use of this often unused space.

Purge regularly

Regularly decluttering your closet can help create more space. Donate or sell items that you no longer wear or need. By reducing the number of items in your closet, you’ll free up space for the things you truly love and use.

Shrink Bags for Seasonal Clothes

Put out of season clothes away in a vacuum shrink bag so you’re never trying to store more than one season’s worth of clothes at a time. These bags can go in an under-the-bed box where they stay out of the way until needed.

Consider a Portable Closet

If none of the above tips help – like, when you have a primary bedroom closet that’s the size of a coat closet and two people trying to fit their clothes into it – it might be time to buy a portable closet.

This can be anything from a clever rack storage system to a very expensive wooden armoire. But it doesn’t need to be expensive.

There are many of these to choose from, so you can incorporate them into your decor. Here are a couple of examples:

Lack of Storage Solutions

Another common challenge when it comes to closet organization is a lack of storage solutions. If your closet doesn’t have built-in shelves or drawers, it can be difficult to find a place for everything.

Storage containers

Storage containers, such as bins or baskets, can help keep smaller items organized and prevent them from getting lost or tangled. Look for containers that fit well on your shelves or under hanging clothes.

Use drawer dividers

If your closet doesn’t have built-in drawers, consider using drawer dividers within storage containers. This will help keep smaller items, such as socks or accessories, neatly separated and easily accessible.

Install a clothing rack

If you have limited hanging space in your closet, consider installing a clothing rack. This can be particularly useful for storing seasonal or special occasion clothing that you don’t need immediate access to.

For this, you can use one of the portable closets above. If they will fit in your closet, they’ll enable you to organize just as well as an expensive built-in shelving system.

Lack of Visibility

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to closet organization is not being able to see what you have. When items are hidden or buried in the depths of your closet, it’s easy to forget about them or overlook them when getting dressed.

Use clear storage containers

Opt for clear storage containers so you can easily see what’s inside without having to open each container. This is particularly useful for storing accessories, shoes, or smaller items.

These Iris stackable storage drawers are great. I’ve had several Iris drawers for years.

Invest in proper lighting

Good lighting is essential for an organized closet. Install bright LED lights or consider adding battery-powered sensor lights to illuminate dark corners. This will make it easier to see and locate items.

Sort by color or category

Organize your clothing by color or category (e.g., shirts, pants, dresses). This will not only make it easier to find specific items but also give you a visual overview of what you have.

Lack of System and Routine

Maintaining an organized closet requires a system and routine. Without a plan in place, it’s easy for things to quickly become disorganized again.

Categorize and label

Create categories for your clothing and accessories (e.g., workwear, casual wear) and label shelves or containers accordingly. This will help you maintain order and easily find what you need.

Implement a “one in, one out” rule

If you tend to hold onto clothes you’re no longer wearing, this rule is a game changer. For every new item you bring into your closet, remove an old one. This will prevent your closet from becoming overcrowded and make it easier to maintain.

Set aside time for regular maintenance

Schedule regular decluttering sessions to keep your closet organized. Set aside time each month or season to reassess your wardrobe and remove any items that are no longer worn or loved.

Lack of Motivation

Sometimes the biggest challenge when it comes to closet organization is simply finding the motivation to get started. It can feel overwhelming, especially if your closet is in disarray.

Create a vision board

Visualize how you want your organized closet to look and feel. Create a vision board with images of beautifully organized closets and inspirational quotes. This will help keep you motivated as you work towards your goal.

Start small

Don’t feel like you have to tackle your entire closet in one go. Start with a small section, such as a shelf or drawer, and gradually work your way through the rest of your closet. Celebrate each small victory along the way.

Get support

Enlist the help of a friend or family member who can provide support and encouragement during the organizing process. Having someone by your side can make the task feel less daunting.