14 Walk-In Closet Organization Ideas

Choose a Closet System

A custom closet system, available at local home improvement centers, is an easy way to update a typical 8x10-foot closet—and it can be installed in a weekend! Choose from a selection of drawers, clothes rods, and shelves to maximize your space. Customizable accessories like modular drawer dividers and shoe storage are other helpful walk-in closet organization ideas. In addition, a small charging station is useful for cell phones and tablets.

Create a Boutique Feel

A walk-in closet is a luxury and should be treated as such. Fully embrace the space by creating a boutique look. A splash of vivid wallpaper, a plush seat, and an ornate mirror contribute to a beautiful and calming environment. Arrange shelves like in a store by alternating shoes, hats, and bags. When you love the look of your walk-in closet, you’ll be much more likely to maintain it. Plus, you can think of it as your getaway in your home—a place where you can relax and enjoy getting ready for the day.

Separate Folded Items

Wire systems are walk-in closet organization ideas that streamline storage and let clothes breathe. They allow clothes to air out, making them less likely to harbor mold or pests. Many wire shelving systems offer snap-on shelf dividers that let you sort clothes more thoroughly. Remember to sort like with like, and keep stacks of clothes below 1 foot in height to ensure they don't topple over.

Use All Available Space

While empty space can be a good thing elsewhere in your home, you'll likely need to utilize every square inch of your closet—especially if you share a walk-in closet with a partner or roommate. If you've already taken advantage of a double-hang rod, introduced compact shoe storage, and have tidily folded your tops on the shelves, look up. The top shelf, usually found above the top rod, is ideal for things you rarely use. For example, special occasion bags, shoes, holiday sweaters, or off-season clothes can be placed into labeled bins or boxes and lined across the shelf. Add a small step ladder to your closet to reach these items when needed.

Utilize a Hamper

Where there are clean clothes, dirty ones are usually nearby and likely in a jumble on the floor. Use this walk-in closet organization idea to make laundry day easier: Add a hamper (similar to this Better Homes & Gardens Braided Seagrass Laundry Hamper, $35, Walmart) inside your walk-in closet. Choose a portable hamper with handles or wheels or free up floor space with an over-the-door design. A divided laundry bag allows you to presort items before washday.

Efficiently Store Shoes

Did you know that the average woman owns 40 pairs of shoes? Before deciding how to store your shoes, take an accurate inventory of what you have. There are many shoe storage options for walk-in closets, from small cubbies to spacious pullout shelves. Keeping shoes visible, sorted, and easily accessible encourages an efficient morning and cleanup routine.

• Slender shoes like flats and flip-flops can fit two in a cubby.
• Tall boots can sit atop high shelves when out of season and on boot trays on the floor when worn frequently.
• A tall, glass-front cabinet holds shoes in one convenient place that's easy to see.
• Acrylic shoeboxes can be stacked on shelves or the floor.
• Over-the-door and hanging shoe organizers are great ways to free up floor space and enlist vertical storage.

Cue Customization

If you choose to install a storage system, pick a walk-in closet organization idea that grows with you. Track systems allow for change or additions in the future as your wardrobe or lifestyle changes. The initial design should be spaced out from floor to ceiling, leaving your current things with some room to breathe. Then, as you accumulate more items or as your lifestyle changes (say you land a new job that requires a suit and tie daily), you’ll be able to comfortably add more shelving and space for your favorite hangers (such as these Better Homes & Garden Velvet Clothing Hangers, set of 30, $10, Walmart).

Plan for Accessories

Accessories come in all shapes and sizes, calling for a personalized storage system to accommodate everything. If your closet is also your dressing area, create a small vanity with a mirror for a mini grooming station.

• A jewelry tree or jewelry box will ease your morning dressing routine.
• Drawer organizers are another jewelry storage idea if you feel more comfortable keeping items out of sight.
• Purses can hang neatly on hooks and hangers, and small clutches fit perfectly in shoe cubbies.
• Place seasonal items like scarves, gloves, and hats in lidded bins.

Adhesive storage labels are a walk-in closet organization idea that cuts down on search time.

Use Blank Wall Space

Most wall space in a walk-in closet is covered with hanging clothes and shelves, but occasionally, you’ll see a blank wall that could be turned into storage. If you have open wall space, find decorative hooks and use them to hang your most-worn accessories, such as hats, bags, and scarves. Below the hooks, place a narrow console for smaller items such as sunglasses and jewelry. A set of hampers will fit nicely under the console, maximizing a walk-in closet.

Add Closet Lighting

Good lighting is often overlooked when planning a closet makeover, but it's an important feature to consider in clothing closets so you can see colors accurately. Look for a ceiling-mount light that provides extra illumination in walk-in closets. Lamps are also great lighting options. If your walk-in closet has a window, install a light-blocking shade for privacy and to prevent clothing items from fading.

Store Large Items

Another walk-in closet organization idea is to use out-of-the-way space to store more oversized, bulkier items that typically don't fit elsewhere. For example, reserve a high shelf or two for a carry-on suitcase or weekend bag. This way, you won't need to trudge up to the attic or the basement every time you take a quick trip. Instead, you can reach up, grab a bag, and start packing right in the same room.

Create a Clothes Care Drawer

With extra space, you’ll have room for things you might not have stored in a walk-in closet. Reserve a basket or drawer as a fabric care section. Steamers, irons, sweater shavers or stones, lint rollers, stain remover, a sewing kit, and shoe polish and brushes can be tucked away in one spot, ready for an outfit emergency. Consider adding an eyeglass repair case, extra shoe laces, or heel caps in the kit, giving a home to things that might get lost in a junk drawer.

Plan Outfits

Most walk-in closets contain multiple sections for hanging clothes, combining short and long lengths. Use a small section to prep your clothes. Find, create, or print out labels and attach them to dividers for each day of the week. Then, choose your outfits and hang them behind each divider. This takes the stress out of deciding what to wear on busy mornings and keeps your clothes organized and ready to go.

Hang a Double-Rod Organizer

Maximize your closet's height with a double-rod closet organizer. Organize shorter clothes, such as blouses and tank tops, on the upper bar and pants and skirts below. Trim down on wasted space by designating a place for empty hangers, such as at the end of one bar. Reserve shelf space for folded garments, such as T-shirts and sweaters that don't necessarily need to be placed on a closet rod.