The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Coat Closet Like a Pro
Storage Solutions to Maximize Your Space
Organizing your coat closet may seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategies, you can transform it into a functional and efficient storage haven. Here are 17 tips to help you maximize space and keep your belongings in order:
Do a Closet Review
Start by taking inventory of your closet’s contents. Remove everything and sort items into piles: keep, donate, and discard. Consider donating rarely used coats and accessories to make space for essentials.
Use the Right Hangers
Invest in sturdy hangers for heavy coats to prevent them from falling. Wooden cedar hangers are ideal for woolen items. Include skirt hangers with clips for gloves and scarves, and slim velvet hangers to save space.
Make Use of the Door Space
The interior of the closet door is a valuable storage area for lightweight items. Add a vertical shoe storage bag for small items, hooks for hats, purses, and dog leashes, and narrow wire baskets or hanging file holders for mail or other essentials.
Creative Ideas for the Closet Floor
Shelving can be installed across the entire width of the closet or customized to fit specific needs. Use the shelves for storing shoes and boots, either as open shelves or with baskets to conceal clutter.
Organize the Upper Shelf
Almost all coat closets have an upper shelf. Use baskets or plastic tubs to store seasonal items or infrequently used accessories. Consider adding an additional shelf above the existing one for even more storage.
Don’t Forget Wall Space
If you don’t have many coats, you may prefer to use most of the wall space for shelves. Wire shelving is easy to install and practical. Add hooks between the door and coats for umbrellas or dog leashes.
Install Built-In Storage
Permanent storage solutions can maximize space in small closets. Consider installing a system with upper shelves and a clothing rod for hanging coats and jackets. Opt for a system with drawers underneath the rod for storing hats, gloves, and scarves.
Use Garment Bags
When coats are out of season, store them in garment bags that can be vacuum sealed to save space. Place these in the back corners of the closet during warmer months. Standard garment bags without vacuum sealing are also useful for protecting delicate coats year-round.
Double Up on Space
Add a second clothing rod below the upper rod to double hanging capacity for coats, jackets, and sweaters. Alternatively, move the current rod higher up to create two levels of hanging space with shelves below.
Hang Baskets From Clothing Rods
If you don’t have enough coats to fill the entire closet, hang baskets on the clothing rod using simple shower hooks. Store small accessories or miscellaneous items like tools or flashlights in these baskets.
Choose Clear Bins for Your Least-Used Items
Store infrequently used items in clear bins on the floor or shelves. Opt for small bins organized by type or one large bin at the bottom of the closet to contain rarely needed items.
Save Space in Deep Closets
If your closet is deep, consider moving the clothing rod from side to side to front to back. This works best in closets with enough room to walk on one side. Alternatively, move the rod to the back of the closet and add hanging cubbies on one side wall for accessories and small items.
Store Seasonal Accessories in the Back
Install hooks on the back wall of the closet to store large scarves and out-of-season hats. This space can also hold swimwear and summer hats during colder months.
Organize by Zone
Group similar items together within the closet. Keep coats and heavy jackets on one side of the rod, and sweaters and lighter jackets on the other. Dedicate specific areas for shoes, accessories, and miscellaneous items.
Add Cubbies Below Your Coats
Add built-in or store-bought cubbies below hanging clothes for additional storage. Opt for small compartments for shoe storage or larger compartments for baskets and accessories.
Separate Each Family Member’s Accessories
Assign a basket, hook, or hanger to each family member to keep their accessories organized and prevent items from getting mixed up. Use bathroom storage baskets or magazine baskets for space efficiency.
Hang Gloves From Clothespins
Attach thin rods or a vertical clothesline wire to an inside corner or behind the door. Use clothespins to separate pairs of gloves while allowing them to air dry, ensuring that matching pairs stay together.
Remove Your Clothing Rod
If you have a large number of coats, consider removing the clothing rod and replacing it with multiple coat hooks along each side and the back of the closet. This eliminates the need for hangers and makes it easier to access coats.
How Often to Clean and Organize a Coat Closet
Tackle closet organization when seasons change to rotate items in and out. Take an hour or two twice a year to review and reorganize the contents, preventing clutter from accumulating.
FAQ
- What should be stored in a coat closet?
Coat closets are ideal for storing coats, jackets, and accessories, as well as umbrellas, shoes, hats, gloves, and more.
- How do you store coats in a small space?
Fold coats delicately in bins for storage. Hang coats on wall hooks in another room during the winter to free up closet space.
- Is it better to roll or fold clothes for storage?
Rolling clothes is space-efficient for items like shirts, pants, and sweaters. Bulkier items can be folded in half and stacked below smaller items in storage bins.