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How to Maximize Space in a Small Closet

Holly Honeycutt

By Holly Honeycutt
Updated March 21, 2025

Small closets can be challenging to keep organized. But with some decluttering and a few organizational items, you can have a tidy closet you’ll love. Here’s an overview of the best there is when it comes to storage for small closets.

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Keep, Donate, Discard and Sell

A large clear bin with clothes marked for donation.

The first step to maximize small closet space is a good cleanout. You can achieve an organized closet in a weekend. Create four piles for shoes, clothing and accessories as follows:

  • Keep the items that you love.
  • Donate gently used clothing and shoes to a charity. Hang on to the receipts for your taxes.
  • Discard torn, stained items that can no longer be used.
  • Sell items that are of good quality but that you no longer want. Either go to a local consignment shop or list them on resale websites.

Choose a Closet Kit

A small bedroom closet with a wood kit and assorted hanging clothes.

Now it’s time to select the closet kit that’ll work for your space. There are two different types: wood closet kits and wire closet kits.

Wood Closet Kits

These convenient closet organizers for small spaces are typically made of laminate and include a tower with shelves and rods for hanging clothes. Wood kits come in a variety of colors, including white, black, dark brown, light blonde and gray. There are several different configurations to fit your particular space and needs. You can also select drawers, shelving, shoe racks and more. These are sold separately.

Wire Closet Kits

These kits are made of zinc-coated steel and come in chrome, white and black. They’re easy to install with adjustable tracks that snap into place. They come in a variety of configurations to meet your needs. If you’re trying to save money, wire closets are an affordable choice. Accessories are sold separately and include baskets, shoe storage, hooks, and tie and belt holders.

Assemble and Install

Now that you’ve selected your wood or wire closet kit — which are two of the best ideas for small closet storage — it’s time to install it. Depending on the kit you select, the instructions will vary. Read our detailed step-by-step directions and watch videos on how to assemble our most popular closet kits.

How to Design a Closet

How to Install Wire Closet Shelving

Install a Wood Wall Organizer in Your Closet

Accessorize Your Closet

A closet with wire baskets and shoe storage.

Accessories are a necessity if you want ample closet storage for small spaces. It’s even more important to utilize every door and corner. Here are a few ideas that are easy and affordable to add.

Shoe Storage Ideas

Modular closet kits usually offer built-in shoe towers or shelves that are sold separately. Other types of shoe storage include over-the-door organizers, shoe cabinets and closet shoe racks.

Over-the-Door Organizers

Hanging closet organizers are ideal for shoes, small purses or winter gear like hats, scarves and gloves. These small bedroom closet organization items maximize shelving space and help keep frequently worn items handy.

Hooks and Racks

Use hooks and racks in the closet or on the inside of closet doors to hold accessories like ties, belts, hats, umbrellas and jewelry.

Seasonal Storage

If you need off-season clothes storage, consider using underbed storage totes.

Drawer Organizers

If you’re wondering how to arrange clothes in a small closet , you can use dividers and drawer organizers to easily sort and find socks, T-shirts and undergarments.

Bins and Baskets

Use baskets and bins to organize purses or accessories that don’t sit easily on shelves. Label them for quick and simple access.

Hangers

Wood hangers look great, but they take up a lot of room. In small closets, we recommend using velvet hangers. They’re space savers, and clothes won’t slip off like they would with plastic hangers.