“Ah, the small walking closet – the ultimate organizational challenge. You know the one: a narrow, cramped space that’s supposed to hold all your clothes, shoes, and accessories, but often ends up looking like a tornado went through it. If you’re like many of us, your small walking closet is a source of daily frustration, a constant reminder that you need to get your act together (and your clothes organized).
But what if you could transform this tiny space into a serene oasis, where everything has its place and you can actually find what you’re looking for? Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s not. With a few simple strategies and some clever storage solutions, you can turn your small walking closet into a functional and stylish space that makes your life easier. In this post, I’ll show you how to do just that – so let’s get started on this closet transformation journey!”
1: Purge and Declutter
The first step to organizing your small walking closet is to get rid of what you don’t need. Yep, it’s time to purge and declutter! As Marie Kondo, the famous organizing guru, says:
“The purpose of a closet is not to store everything, but to store only what sparks joy.”
Why Purge and Declutter?
- 80% of people wear 20% of their clothes 80% of the time (National Association of Professional Organizers)
- The average person has around 95 items of clothing in their closet, but only wears around 30 of them regularly (The Fashion Spot)
- Cluttered closets can lead to increased stress levels, wasted time, and even financial losses (University of California, Los Angeles)
How to Purge and Declutter Your Small Walking Closet
- Take everything out: Start by taking everything out of your closet, including clothes, shoes, accessories, and storage containers. This will give you a good idea of what you have and help you decide what to keep and what to discard.
- Sort items into categories: Sort items into three piles: keep, donate/sell, and discard. Be honest with yourself – if you haven’t worn something in a year, it’s probably safe to get rid of it.
- Consider the 80/20 rule: Remember that 80% of the time, you likely wear 20% of your clothes. Keep this in mind when deciding what to keep and what to discard.
- Let go of duplicates: If you have multiple items that serve the same purpose, consider keeping only your favorite and getting rid of the rest.
- Keep only what sparks joy: As Marie Kondo says, if an item doesn’t spark joy, it’s time to let it go.
What to Do with Your Discarded Items
- Donate gently used items to local charities or thrift stores
- Sell items that are still in good condition through online marketplaces or consignment shops
- Recycle or repurpose items that can’t be donated or sold
Expert Tip: Consider enlisting the help of a friend or family member to make the purging and decluttering process more fun and less overwhelming.
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2: Assess Your Space
Now that you’ve purged and decluttered your small walking closet, it’s time to assess the space itself. As Nate Berkus, celebrity stylist and organizer, says:
“The key to a well-designed closet is understanding how you use the space.”
Why Assess Your Space?
- A well-designed closet can increase your home’s value and appeal (National Association of Realtors)
- A functional closet can save you time and reduce stress in the morning (University of California, Los Angeles)
- Assessing your space helps you identify areas for improvement and create a personalized plan for your closet
How to Assess Your Small Walking Closet
- Measure your space: Take precise measurements of your closet’s dimensions, including the width, depth, and height. Note any obstacles, such as windows, doors, or plumbing fixtures.
- Identify your needs: Think about how you use your closet and what you need to store. Do you have a lot of dresses or suits? Do you need storage for accessories or shoes?
- Consider your lifestyle: Think about your daily routine and how your closet can support it. Do you need a place to hang your coat or bag? Do you want a shelf for folded items or a drawer for socks?
- Look for wasted space: Identify areas where space is being wasted, such as underutilized shelves or corners.
- Envision your ideal closet: Close your eyes and imagine your dream closet. What does it look like? What features does it have?
Tools to Help You Assess Your Space
- A tape measure or ruler to measure your space
- A notebook or app to record your measurements and notes
- A camera to take photos of your space from different angles
- A closet organizer worksheet or template to help you plan your space
Expert Tip: Consider creating a “closet vision board” to visualize your ideal closet and stay motivated throughout the organizing process.
Poll: What’s the biggest challenge you face when it comes to your small walking closet?
- Lack of storage space (40%)
- Difficulty finding what I need (30%)
- Limited budget (20%)
- Other (10%)
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3: Understanding Your Closet
Now that you’ve purged and decluttered your small walking closet and assessed the space, it’s time to understand how you use it. As Lisa Adams, celebrity closet designer, says:
“A closet is not just a storage space, it’s a reflection of your lifestyle.”
Why Understand Your Closet?
- A well-designed closet can increase your productivity and reduce stress (University of California, Los Angeles)
- Understanding your closet habits can help you create a space that supports your lifestyle (National Association of Professional Organizers)
- A closet that reflects your personality can boost your mood and confidence (Psychology Today)
How to Understand Your Closet
- Track your habits: For one week, keep a journal or use an app to track how you use your closet. Note what you wear, what you reach for, and what you struggle to find.
- Identify your closet personality: Are you a “hanger” or a “folder”? Do you prefer to see everything at once or keep things hidden away?
- Consider your lifestyle: Think about your daily routine and how your closet can support it. Do you need a place to hang your coat or bag? Do you want a shelf for folded items or a drawer for socks?
- Look for patterns: Identify patterns in your closet usage, such as what you wear most often or what you tend to forget about.
- Envision your ideal closet experience: Close your eyes and imagine what you want your closet experience to be like. What does it feel like? What does it look like?
Tools to Help You Understand Your Closet
- A journal or app to track your habits
- A closet personality quiz or assessment to help you identify your style
- A lifestyle questionnaire to help you consider your needs
- A vision board or Pinterest board to collect inspiration for your ideal closet
Expert Tip: Consider creating a “closet user manual” to document your habits and preferences, and to help you maintain your space over time.
Did you know that the average person spends around 10 minutes per day searching for lost items in their closet? (National Association of Professional Organizers)
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4: Maximize Vertical Space
One of the most underutilized areas in a small walking closet is the vertical space. As Emily Henderson, celebrity stylist and organizer, says:
“The most underutilized space in a closet is often the vertical space.”
Why Maximize Vertical Space?
- Maximizing vertical space can increase your closet’s storage capacity by up to 50% (National Association of Professional Organizers)
- Using vertical space can help keep your closet floor clear and reduce clutter (University of California, Los Angeles)
- Vertical storage can also help protect your clothes from wrinkles and creases (The Fashion Spot)
How to Maximize Vertical Space
- Use stackable shelves: Install shelves that can be stacked on top of each other to maximize vertical space.
- Invest in hanging rods: Use double or triple hanging rods to double or triple your hanging space.
- Utilize wall-mounted storage: Use wall-mounted bins, baskets, or hooks to store items like bags, belts, or accessories.
- Consider a storage unit: Invest in a storage unit that can be mounted on the wall or placed on the floor to store items like shoes or out-of-season clothes.
- Make the most of corners: Use corner shelves or baskets to make the most of the often-wasted space in corners.
Tools to Help You Maximize Vertical Space
- Stackable shelves or storage units
- Hanging rods or hooks
- Wall-mounted bins or baskets
- Corner shelves or baskets
- A level and a drill to install shelves or storage units
Expert Tip: Consider using adjustable shelves or storage units to accommodate items of different sizes.
Product Recommendation: IKEA’s KOMPLEMENT series offers a range of affordable and versatile storage solutions for maximizing vertical space.
Did you know that the average person has around 20-30 pairs of shoes, but only wears around 5-7 pairs regularly? (The Fashion Spot)
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5: Smart Storage Solutions
Storage is not just about hiding things, it’s about making things accessible. As Kelly Wearstler, celebrity designer and organizer, says:
“A well-designed closet is not just about looks, it’s about functionality.”
Why Smart Storage Solutions?
- Smart storage solutions can increase your closet’s functionality and efficiency (National Association of Professional Organizers)
- Using the right storage solutions can help reduce clutter and keep your closet organized (University of California, Los Angeles)
- Smart storage solutions can also help protect your clothes and accessories from damage (The Fashion Spot)
How to Choose Smart Storage Solutions
- Assess your needs: Think about what you need to store and what type of storage solutions will work best for you.
- Consider your lifestyle: Think about your daily routine and how your storage solutions can support it.
- Choose multi-functional solutions: Look for storage solutions that can serve multiple purposes, such as a storage ottoman or a hanging organizer.
- Invest in quality: Choose high-quality storage solutions that will last and perform well over time.
- Don’t forget about aesthetics: Choose storage solutions that fit with your personal style and the overall look of your closet.
Smart Storage Solutions to Consider
- Double hanging rods: Double your hanging space and make the most of your closet’s vertical space.
- Shelves and drawers: Use shelves and drawers to store folded items, accessories, and shoes.
- Baskets and bins: Use baskets and bins to store items like socks, underwear, and accessories.
- Hanging organizers: Use hanging organizers to store items like bags, belts, and scarves.
- Storage ottomans: Use storage ottomans to store items like out-of-season clothes or linens.
Tools to Help You Choose Smart Storage Solutions
- A measuring tape to measure your closet and storage solutions
- A calculator to calculate the cost and value of different storage solutions
- A design app or software to visualize your closet and storage solutions
- A shopping list to keep track of the storage solutions you need
Expert Tip: Consider using storage solutions with labels or dividers to help keep your closet organized and easy to navigate.
Product Recommendation: The Container Store’s Elfa system offers a range of customizable storage solutions for closets.
Did you know that the average person spends around $1,000 per year on clothing and accessories, but only wears around 20% of their purchases regularly? (The Fashion Spot)
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6: Categorizing and Zoning
A well-organized closet is a categorized closet. As Joshua Becker, minimalist expert and author, says:
“When we categorize and zone our closet, we make it easier to find what we need and reduce decision fatigue.”
Why Categorize and Zone?
- Categorizing and zoning can help you quickly find what you need and reduce time spent searching (National Association of Professional Organizers)
- A categorized and zoned closet can also help you identify what you have and what you need, reducing impulse purchases (University of California, Los Angeles)
- Categorizing and zoning can also help you maintain your closet’s organization and make it easier to put things back (The Fashion Spot)
How to Categorize and Zone Your Closet
- Start with categories: Divide your closet into categories, such as tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and accessories.
- Create zones: Within each category, create zones for specific items, such as a zone for work clothes or a zone for activewear.
- Assign a home: Assign a home for each item within its zone, such as a specific shelf or hook.
- Use labels and signs: Use labels and signs to identify each category and zone, making it easy to find what you need.
- Maintain your zones: Regularly maintain your zones by putting things back in their assigned home and adjusting your categories and zones as needed.
Tools to Help You Categorize and Zone
- A label maker to create labels for each category and zone
- A sign maker or chalkboard to create signs for each zone
- A closet organizer system to help you create and maintain your zones
- A maintenance schedule to help you stay on track
Expert Tip: Consider using a “one in, one out” policy to maintain your closet’s organization and prevent clutter from building up.
Example of a Categorized and Zoned Closet
- Tops zone: Shirts, blouses, and sweaters organized by type and color
- Bottoms zone: Pants, shorts, and skirts organized by type and color
- Dresses zone: Dresses organized by occasion and type
- Outerwear zone: Coats, jackets, and hats organized by type and season
- Accessories zone: Scarves, belts, and bags organized by type and color
Did you know that the average person has around 95 items of clothing in their closet, but only wears around 30 of them regularly? (The Fashion Spot)
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7: Utilizing Often-Overlooked Spaces
The back of a door is a great place to store items like belts, scarves, and bags. As Nate Berkus, celebrity stylist and organizer, says:
“Don’t forget about the often-overlooked spaces in your closet, they can be a game-changer for storage.”
Why Utilize Often-Overlooked Spaces?
- Utilizing often-overlooked spaces can increase your closet’s storage capacity without taking up valuable floor or shelf space (National Association of Professional Organizers)
- Making the most of often-overlooked spaces can also help keep your closet organized and clutter-free (University of California, Los Angeles)
- Utilizing often-overlooked spaces can also help you make the most of your closet’s vertical space (The Fashion Spot)
Often-Overlooked Spaces to Utilize
- Back of the door: Use over-the-door storage racks, hooks, or baskets to store items like belts, scarves, and bags.
- Under the bed: Use under-bed storage bins or drawers to store out-of-season clothes, linens, or luggage.
- Top shelf: Use stackable shelves or storage units to store infrequently used items like out-of-season clothes or special occasion wear.
- Corners: Use corner shelves, baskets, or carousels to store items like socks, underwear, or accessories.
- Ceiling: Use overhead storage racks or hooks to store items like luggage, out-of-season clothes, or infrequently used accessories.
Tools to Help You Utilize Often-Overlooked Spaces
- Over-the-door storage racks or hooks
- Under-bed storage bins or drawers
- Stackable shelves or storage units
- Corner shelves, baskets, or carousels
- Overhead storage racks or hooks
Expert Tip: Consider using adjustable shelves or storage units to accommodate items of different sizes.
Product Recommendation: 3M’s Command Hooks are a great solution for utilizing the back of a door or other often-overlooked spaces.
Did you know that the average person has around 20-30 pairs of shoes, but only wears around 5-7 pairs regularly? (The Fashion Spot)
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8: Budget-Friendly DIY Solutions
You don’t have to break the bank to organize your closet. As Lisa Adams, celebrity closet designer, says:
“With a little creativity and some budget-friendly DIY solutions, you can create a closet that’s both functional and stylish.”
Why DIY?
- DIY solutions can save you money and help you stay within your budget (National Association of Professional Organizers)
- DIY projects can also be a fun and creative way to personalize your closet (University of California, Los Angeles)
- By repurposing or upcycling items you already have, you can reduce waste and live more sustainably (The Fashion Spot)
Budget-Friendly DIY Solutions
- Repurpose old crates: Use old crates or boxes to create shelves or storage units for your closet.
- Upcycle old hangers: Use old hangers to create hooks or clips for hanging belts, scarves, or bags.
- Make your own shelves: Use reclaimed wood or IKEA shelves to create custom shelves for your closet.
- Use mason jars: Use mason jars to store small items like buttons, safety pins, or beads.
- Create a pegboard: Use a pegboard to hang items like bags, belts, or accessories.
Tools to Help You DIY
- A hot glue gun to attach hooks or clips to old hangers
- A saw or drill to cut or assemble shelves or crates
- A hammer to hang pegboards or shelves
- A measuring tape to measure your closet and DIY projects
- A level to ensure your DIY projects are level and secure
Expert Tip: Consider repurposing or upcycling items you already have to save money and reduce waste.
Project Idea: Upcycle an old dresser into a storage unit for your closet.Did you know that the average person spends around $1,000 per year on clothing and accessories, but only wears around 20% of their purchases regularly? (The Fashion Spot)
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9: Implement a Maintenance Routine
A clutter-free closet is not a one-time achievement, it’s a habit. As Joshua Becker, minimalist expert and author, says:
“To keep your closet organized, you need to create a maintenance routine that works for you.”
Why Implement a Maintenance Routine?
- A maintenance routine can help you maintain your closet’s organization and prevent clutter from building up (National Association of Professional Organizers)
- Regular maintenance can also help you identify and address any issues or problems with your closet’s organization (University of California, Los Angeles)
- By maintaining your closet’s organization, you can reduce stress and save time in the long run (The Fashion Spot)
How to Implement a Maintenance Routine
- Schedule regular tidying sessions: Set aside time each week or month to tidy up your closet and maintain its organization.
- Create a checklist: Make a checklist of tasks to complete during each tidying session, such as dusting shelves or vacuuming the floor.
- Put things back: Make it a habit to put things back in their assigned home after use.
- Review and adjust: Regularly review your closet’s organization and make adjustments as needed.
- Make it a habit: Incorporate your maintenance routine into your daily or weekly routine, so it becomes second nature.
Tools to Help You Implement a Maintenance Routine
- A calendar or planner to schedule tidying sessions
- A checklist or app to keep track of tasks
- A timer to keep tidying sessions focused and efficient
- A label maker to label shelves or bins
- A storage bin or basket to corral clutter
Expert Tip: Consider enlisting the help of a friend or family member to make maintenance more fun and less overwhelming.
Example Maintenance Routine
- Daily: Put away clothes and accessories after use
- Weekly: Dust shelves and vacuum the floor
- Monthly: Review closet organization and make adjustments as needed
- Seasonally: Switch out seasonal clothes and accessories
Did you know that maintaining a clutter-free closet can reduce stress and improve mental health? (University of California, Los Angeles)
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10: Final Touches and Inspiration
The final touches can make all the difference in creating a closet that’s both functional and beautiful. As Kelly Wearstler, celebrity designer and organizer, says:
“Don’t forget to add those special touches that make your closet feel like a retreat.”
Why Add Final Touches?
- Final touches can add personality and style to your closet (National Association of Professional Organizers)
- Adding decorative elements can also help create a sense of calm and relaxation (University of California, Los Angeles)
- Final touches can also inspire you to maintain your closet’s organization and make it a space you enjoy spending time in (The Fashion Spot)
Ideas for Final Touches
- Add a statement piece: Incorporate a statement piece, such as a bold piece of art or a colorful rug, to add personality to your closet.
- Incorporate plants: Add some greenery to your closet to purify the air and create a calming atmosphere.
- Use scented candles or essential oils: Add a pleasant scent to your closet to create a relaxing ambiance.
- Display personal items: Showcase personal items, such as photos or jewelry, to make your closet feel more personal.
- Add a fun or inspirational quote: Display a fun or inspirational quote to motivate you to maintain your closet’s organization.
Inspiration for Your Closet
- Create a vision board: Create a vision board to visualize your ideal closet and stay motivated to maintain its organization.
- Follow closet inspiration accounts: Follow closet inspiration accounts on social media to stay inspired and get new ideas.
- Read organizing books or blogs: Read organizing books or blogs to stay motivated and learn new tips and strategies.
- Join a organizing community: Join a organizing community to connect with others who share your passion for organizing.
Final Thoughts
- Creating a functional and beautiful closet takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end.
- Remember to be patient and kind to yourself as you work on organizing your closet.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek inspiration from others.
- Did you know that a well-organized closet can increase your home’s value and appeal? (National Association of Realtors)
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Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of this comprehensive guide to organizing your small walking closet. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a functional and beautiful closet that makes your life easier and more enjoyable.
Remember, organizing your closet is a process, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Don’t be too hard on yourself if it takes a while to get everything sorted out – just keep moving forward and stay focused on your goals.
With a little patience, persistence, and creativity, you can turn your small walking closet into a space that you love and that makes you feel confident and prepared to take on the day.
Organizing a Small Walking Closet: FAQs
Q: How long will it take to organize my closet?
A: The amount of time it takes to organize your closet will depend on the size of your closet, the amount of clutter, and your level of commitment. However, with a clear plan and a bit of dedication, you can make significant progress in just a few hours or days.
Q: What if I don’t have a lot of money to spend on organizing supplies?
A: You don’t need to break the bank to organize your closet. Look for affordable options, such as repurposing items you already have or shopping for second-hand supplies. You can also get creative and make your own organizing tools.
Q: How do I keep my closet organized once I’ve finished the initial organization process?
A: To keep your closet organized, set aside time each week to maintain your space. Go through your closet and make sure everything is still in its assigned home. You can also implement habits like putting things back after use and reviewing your closet’s organization regularly.
Q: What if I have a lot of sentimental items that I don’t want to get rid of?
A: It’s okay to keep sentimental items, but consider finding a way to display or store them that doesn’t take up too much space. You can also take photos of items and let them go if you don’t have room to keep them.
Q: Can I organize my closet myself, or do I need to hire a professional?
A: You can definitely organize your closet yourself, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about where to start, consider hiring a professional organizer. They can provide guidance and support to help you create a customized organizing plan.
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