How to Organize a 3 Foot Wide Closet

Maximize the space you have in a small closet by organizing the contents.

Getting your closet organized will save you time when you get dressed in the morning and make it easier to keep track of your clothes and accessories. Keeping your closet organized is even more important when you don't have much closet space. Organize your 3-foot-wide closet to take advantage of what space it does possess, which will allow you to fit more inside of the small closet.

Things You'll Need

• Hangers
• Shelves, racks or another closet rod
• Plastic containers or lined baskets
• Hooks
• Mirror (optional)
• Drawer dividers (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove everything from the closet. Separate the items into piles of things you use frequently, use occasionally and don't use at all. Donate or throw away the things you don't use.

2. Assess your storage needs to determine what sort of system you need to install in the closet. For example, if you only need to hang clothes in the closet, you'll want to double the amount of available hanging space. If you have a lot of shoes, you'll need a place for them to go.

3. Configure your closet by installing or adding shelves, drawers, shoe racks or another clothes rod. Install hooks on the wall behind the hanging space and install an organizer or mirror on the inside of the door.

4. Hang belts, ties, scarves and similar items on the hooks on the back wall. Hooks can also line the side walls to hang bags, purses or other accessories. This will keep those items handy and accessible. Hang any clothing that is "in season" on proper hangers. If you haven't worn something in two or three years, give it away. Store out-of-season clothes in clear plastic boxes or your luggage on the top shelf.

5. Put your shoes away in an over-the-door shoe organizer or on designated shelves. If it's summertime, store winter boots on the top shelf so they're out of the way; store your sandals during the winter.

6. Fill small spaces with shelves or drawers for the miscellaneous items that need a home in the closet too. Put socks, hosiery and undergarments in drawers with organizing dividers. Store purses, bulky sweaters or other large items on shelves, in baskets or clear plastic containers.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a pop-up laundry basket to store in the corner of the closet if you must keep the hamper in the closet.

• Avoid padded hangers unless they're needed for delicate clothes.

• Use plastic organizers with wheels to make it easier to access those small items, when needed.

• Install sufficient lighting in the closet so you can see every nook and cranny.

• Avoid going on a shopping spree because you see some space in your small closet. Instead, stick to the rule that you must give away one item for every new item you bring home. This will keep your belongings in check and make it easier for you to stay organized.

References

• Rented Spaces: How to Organize a Small Closet
• Better Homes and Gardens: Organize Your Closet
• Creative Homemaking: Organizing Small Closet
• The Closet Organizers: Small Closet Organization
• Apartment Therapy: Organize Your Bedroom Closet