8 Closet Methods & Group Ideas That Add Order to Any Wardrobe

Whether you’re moving into a new home or just trying to organize your existing space, starting fresh with a new closet organization system offers an exciting opportunity to get your wardrobe back in order. We can’t all be the Carrie Bradshaw of TikTok with a well-archived, two-story closet-slash-art installation, but fear not. There are a wide variety of closet systems available that can create new storage space for all of your beloved items. Even better, there are options available for both rental spaces and permanent homes, making them a go-to for organization experts looking to add closet space to any home.

To help us add storage space to our closets, we’ve tapped five closet experts for their recommendations on how to add a closet system that works with your space—whether you’ve got a small closet to contend with or an unlimited amount of shelf space. Read on for eight solutions to help give your clothes the space they deserve.

Decide on your budget

The first step in implementing a closet system is deciding on your budget. There are so many different types of closet systems, from built-ins and custom close systems to stand-alone units and DIY solutions, that deciding on the budget will help you narrow down exactly what you’re looking for. “Decide what you need to store,” Jessica Litman, The Organized Mama, advises. This will give you a better sense of the type of closet solution you should look into purchasing.

Edit your closet

A close second in closet organization is assessing your wardrobe. Any fan of Marie Kondo knows how to figure out what does and does not spark joy anymore. “We encourage donating or selling unwanted items,” says Jessica Jones, The Container Store’s Custom Closets product director. This will create an inventory of the items that you have and make it easier to determine your storage needs. If you’d like to sell your items, online consignment stores, such as ThredUp and TheRealReal, are convenient ways to sustainably sell your clothing and make a little extra cash.

Use an armoire to store clothes and add decor to any space

If you can’t fit everything that you have inside your existing closet, Marissa Hagmeyer—cofounder of Neat Method—suggests utilizing “a pretty piece of furniture that can double as a wardrobe.” This will add some visual interest to your space and create more room for the items that can’t fit in your closet.

Add a mounted wall wardrobe for more discrete storage

If you want your additional closet space to blend in, Rachael Grochowski—principal architect and designer at RHG Architecture + Design—recommends implementing wardrobes that can be mounted against the wall and have sliding or swinging doors. These are great for rental spaces because they can be “moved and reused,” while also looking chic and adding storage space for overflow items like bulky sweaters and extra linens or comforters.

Increase hanging space

If you’re someone who owns a lot of long dresses or prefers to hang their pants, Jessica Jones recommends implementing a closet system with hanging rods. This will give you more flexibility for both long and short hanging clothes. You’ll be able to see everything on hangers, making it easier for you to swap out your wardrobe as the seasons change.

Put shoes on display

If you have a walk-in closet or a spare wall, Rachael says that well-spaced shelves are the most effective shoe storage solution. They’re great because you’re able to see the full shoe, color, style, and details. If you don’t have wall space, display your shoes on a low shoe rack to take advantage of the vertical space below your clothes.

Place foldable clothing in drawers or cubbies

Zoe Katz, cofounder of Twice as Organized, recommends adding storage cubbies or drawers to your closet to create space for foldable items, such as sweaters and jeans. “They’re non-permanent, create additional shelving space, and can be re-used in any space,” she notes.

Invest in a custom solution

Obviously, there are a bunch of configurations to consider when it comes to closet systems and lots of home organization hacks that’ll upgrade your space in a snap. If you’ve found your permanent home or have a more generous budget, the most direct way to ensure that your space works for your needs is to consult an interior designer or organization expert to create the custom closet system of your dreams. For a full on closet makeover, brands like The Container Store, Closets by Design, and California Closets have experts available to build a custom solution that works for your space and fits within your budget.