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Closet organizers come in all different shapes and sizes for all kinds of different closets. What works for a walk-in won’t be right for a nursery, and vice versa. The key to picking the best closet organizer and corresponding organizational accessories is to consider what you need space for (shoes? Linens? Dress shirts?), how much you want to spend, and what kind of changes you’re willing to make (e.g., are you ready to invest in an entire closet organization system, or are you just looking for some hangers to help streamline the bulk?). From bathroom closet organization ideas to stackable shoe storage, find the best organization closet organizers for you! The best closet organizers help your spaces get a whole lot neater.
How we chose the best closet organizers
Properly storing and organizing your clothes can prevent random stains and holes. It also makes your life easier (no more sniffing around for clean jeans) and keeps things nice and tidy. We looked at reviews, recommendations, and did heavy research to narrow down our picks.
The best closet organizers: Reviews & Recommendations
One little closet change—be it layered hangers, bins, hanging shelves, or drawers—can clear out your space’s physical clutter, which in turn can clear out your mind’s clutter and bring on a sense of calm. Now, let’s find the best closet organizer for you.
Best overall: Rubbermaid Configurations Deluxe
Specs
- Dimensions: 96 x 12.85 x 72 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Mount type: Wall mount
Pros
- Modular
- Quick install
- Expandable shelves
Cons
- Hard to obtain additional parts outside of kit
All the mounting hardware you need to put this closet organizer system together comes included. Telescoping rods and the ability to add accessories to the set mean you have numerous configuration options to create the perfect custom space for your 4- to 8-foot closet.
Best for walks-ins: ClosetMaid ShelfTrack
Specs
- Dimensions: 36 x 13 x 78 inches
- Material: Alloy steel
- Mount type: Wall mount
Pros
- Sturdy
- Easy to install
- Expandable
Cons
- Some cutting may be required
This walk-in closet organizer retracts to 5 feet wide and expands up to 8 feet. Some cutting may be required for installation, but all hardware and an installation template are included. Each shelf can hold up to 60 pounds, so this is a sturdy pick.
Best for small closets: DOIOWN S-Type Stainless Steel Clothes Pants Hangers
Specs
- Dimensions: 13.39 x 14.17 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
- Mount type: Hanger
Pros
- Can put multiple items on one hanger
- Multi-purpose
- Small change that makes a big difference
Cons
- Slippery clothing can slide off
- Too much weight can warp hanger
This small closet organizer is durable and rust-resistant. It has transparent rubber edges to prevent clothes from falling to the floor. The unique S-shape lets you see every item on the hanger so you can pull out just what you need. It also doubles as a drying rack for your hang-dry-only items.
Best drawer organizer: Simple Houseware Closet Underwear Organizer
Specs
- Dimensions: 6 x 3.5 x 12 inches
- Material: Polyester
- Mount type: N/A
Pros
- Functional
- Sturdy
- Flexible
Cons
In addition to underthings, closet drawers are a good bet for anything delicate you don’t want to stretch by putting it on a hanger (e.g., sweaters). Some people with bras larger than a C-cup have reported that their bras don’t fit perfectly in these closet drawer organizers, but if you’re flexible about what you can store here, it’s a good, very affordable bet.
Best for babies: GRANNY SAYS 3-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer
Specs
- Dimensions: 29 x 12 x 12 inches
- Material: Polyester
- Mount type: Hanger
Pros
Cons
- Fabric can rip if organizer becomes overstuffed
Soft hanging shelves in this baby closet organizer let you store all sorts of stuff—whether from a closet rod or freestanding clothing rack—and lightweight material means it collapses down to nothing, perfect for taking with you when you travel. The grab-and-go design of this hanging closet organizer makes it particularly easy to reach a new outfit when the little one has made an oopsie.
Best for shoes: Simple Houseware 3-Tier Shoe Rack
Specs
- Dimensions: 11.2 x 26.8 x 20.9
- Material: Metal, polyester
- Mount type: N/A
Pros
- Moveable shelves
- Semi-modular
- Sturdy
Cons
- Not the most stylish option
This shoe rack can hold 16 pairs of shoes and even comes in multiple tier sizes in case your shoe collection grows over the years. It’s not stylish, but it will be in your closet anyway. If you’re looking for an #aesthetic option, consider this classy rack that has a wooden top and adjustable metal shelves.
Best for purses: SPACEKEEPER Adjustable Shelf Divider for Closet
Specs
- Dimensions: 26.2 x 9.52 x 6.88 inches
- Material: Plastic
- Mount type: N/A
Pros
- Not just for closets
- Can separate base or put it together
- Quick to assemble
Cons
- Could be sturdier
- Need more than one set if you have a collection of bags
Properly storing your purses can keep them in tip-top shape and looking brand new for years and years. This plastic option keeps your handbags upright and doesn’t put any strain on the handles. Plus, you can adjust the divider width to accommodate larger purses.
Best budget: Simple Houseware 5 Shelves Hanging Closet Organizer
Specs
- Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 45 inches
- Material: Polyester
- Mount type: Hanger
Pros
- Side pockets
- Fits closets of all sizes
- Lots of color options
Cons
- Will break if too much weight put into organizer
If you’re just looking to add a little bit of room (especially if, say, you own a handful of T-shirts that always end up on the floor no matter how many times you put them away), a simple hanging closet organizer is perfect. It’s unobtrusive but essential.
What to consider when buying the best closet organizers
Ask yourself: How’s my current organizational wardrobe system working for me? For some of us, that system consists of one pile of clothes in the corner of the bedroom for clean socks, another in the bathroom for used towels, and many other smaller piles strewn about everywhere else (what’s in them? Nobody knows!). In these piles are different pieces of clothing—some clean, some not—and the best part is, whenever we find what we’re looking for, it is sure to be completely wrinkled.
It’s hard to imagine that there could be a better way, much less many better ways, but there are! Organization doesn’t come naturally to everyone; some of us are just prone to messiness. Adding organizational components to your closet will give you the incentive and tools to keep things tidy, even if you don’t feel a natural instinct to only hang onto items that spark joy.
Closet organization systems
Unlike a la carte closet additions, full closet organization systems do all the thinking for you and offer loads of variety. You get rods, you get shelves, you get drawers—and many are customizable, so if you need, say, more shelves than drawers, you can have that.
You don’t even necessarily need a ton of space to install a closet system, as many models are adjustable (meaning even if you move, you can take your hard-earned organizational system with you and just adapt it).
Size
Organization can happen in even the littlest places—the key is to figure out how to make the most of every single inch you have. That may mean sacrificing the ease of a furniture-like system and instead opting for individual small closet organization accessories that allow you to add space without adding bulk or making your closet claustrophobic.
Hooks, built-in wall shelves, and even special hangers should all be in your organizational arsenal when you’re dealing with a lot of stuff in a little room.
Type of closet
If you have a walk-in, a) we are jealous, and b) congratulations! On the downside, figuring out how to maximize your space when adding an organizational element can be overwhelming. On the upside, you have options and can incorporate lots of different elements—hooks, tie racks, accessory drawers—to make your closet uniquely yours.
If you’re indecisive or have trouble conceptualizing different layouts, get a second opinion from an expert before you invest in a walk-in closet organizer.
Drawers vs. hangers
If you need a place for your undies, socks, and other soft, compact items, say no more: You need a closet drawer organizer! You can place drawers on any existing shelves or sills, or just put them on the floor, a chair, or a table.
Because closet drawers are soft, they’re forgiving, which means you can probably shove more in there than you’re meant to if you’re running low on room.
Options for children
Nappies, onesies, booties, and all other soft, adorable things for a baby deserve a place of their own. A hanging component—as opposed to a dresser or other hard piece of furniture—is a good option if you want to store your kiddo’s stuff in the closet.
The best part is that you can move a baby closet organizer from room to room. So if the baby is co-sleeping with you one night and back in her crib the next, you can just move the hanging shelves with her and keep all the essentials close by. You can also use these shelves in laundry rooms for sorting laundry.
Budget
Unless you’re investing in a complex organizational system, most closet components are relatively affordable. Think of it this way: All you’re paying for is a contraption that gives order to space you already have, so many options are truly cheap.
Especially if all you need is a little added vertical space, like with hanging shelves that hook onto a closet rod or with layered hangers, you can easily get what you need for under 10 bucks. This is the best closet organizer we’ve found in that price range.
FAQs
Q: What clothing should be folded, and what should be hung up?
The rule of thumb is that if it’s something delicate or that can wrinkle (e.g. silk), or that is starched (e.g. dress shirts), hang it. Same goes for heavy formalwear, like gowns and tuxedos. If it’s something stretchy or a material that will warp under the weight of a hanger (like a knit), fold it.
Q: How do you store jeans in the closet?
Dealer’s choice! If you have the drawer space to fold your jeans and prefer a stack, do it. If you like the look of having jeans hung up in the closet—and the ease with which you can find the pair you’re looking for—you can do that too. Either option is perfectly fine for denim.
Q: How does Marie Kondo organize a closet?
The KonMari closet method is based on the idea that organization brings happiness. At its most basic, it asks you to keep any items that “spark joy” and discard everything else. Beyond that, Kondo believes in investing real time and commitment to tidying up and organizing by category: e.g., fold all your jeans, hang all your button-downs, then line up all your sneakers. It’s more complicated than that, but that’s the gist!
Q: What is the most effective way to organize a closet?
You might need to get a little messy before you get clean. First, pull everything out of the closet. Pull out what you don’t wear anymore to donate it or sell it secondhand. Then, sort the remaining items into specific categories. I personally have sections in my closet for dresses, skirts, pants, and shorts. Shirts are organized via color.
Q: How often should you organize your closet?
You should organize your closet every six months. You can stretch that out to once a year if you don’t shop much.
Final thoughts on the best closet organizers
From linen closet organization to shoe closet organizer options, there are lots of ways to declutter your closet. Whether you want to take a big step toward organizing your closet with an intricate system or just add a few organizational elements, a happier, less cluttered tomorrow is on deck once you invest in the best closet organizer for you.
Why trust us
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