Having a well-organized closet with room for all of your important things does not require you to have a large, walk-in closet the size of a three-bedroom condo. Maintaining a spot to keep your possessions that is orderly and easily accessible is within your reach, even if you don’t have a ton of room to work with. Here are a few keys for maximizing space, preserving order, and making sure you can find what you need when you need it.

• Divide and Conquer - Customize your space with shelves, storage bins, and hanging organizers, and use them to divide your closet into sections. Don’t let one type of item (shoes, for example) monopolize the real estate in your closet. Reserve areas for other things, especially ones you will need frequently. One idea is to have a spot set aside for seasonal items, and then swap the items out during the year. For example, part of your shelf can be used for winter sweaters during the cold months, but they can be stored elsewhere to make room for beachwear during the summer.
• Organize in a Way That Makes Sense To You - Ultimately, you’re the one who will be opening that closet everyday, so it doesn’t matter if your organization is confusing to others. If you tend to mix and match pieces, organizing by type of garment may be the way to go. If you have specific pieces you always wear together as an outfit, you may be better served by storing those items together. The point is to follow your instinct on where to put things to make your life easier.
• Utilize the All of the Space - A typical closet will leave room both above the hanging bar and below the clothes themselves that can be used for storing other items. Don’t let it go to waste! Use stackable organizers or bins to get the most out of those spaces, but remember to keep it functional. Stacking bins to the ceiling but not being able to reach them all may not be the best strategy. If you have a closet door that swings out to open, utilize the back of the door for additional storage/hanging space.
• Get Creative with Hangers - There are several ways to use hangers to organize your clothes and other items. You can double up hangers to save room, but be mindful of weight distribution and the strength of your hanging bar. Or, add multiple small hooks to the underside of a wooden hanger to hang things like belts, instead of looping them all over the top of the hanger. Another option is to use hanging shoe organizers for items other than shoes, particularly things that are bulky but lighter than shoes.

A closet that’s neat and tidy will save you time, whether you’re looking for a specific item or trying to decide what to wear. It will also save you from the aggravation and frustration of endless searching and overwhelming choices. Take control of your space, and make it work for you!