The right hangers, baskets, and drawers – how to get your closet organized

The right hangers, baskets, and drawers – how to get your closet organized

A well-organized closet can make your mornings smoother, your space calmer, and your wardrobe easier to navigate. When everything has its place, you save time and stress — and your clothes last longer, too. The secret lies in choosing the right hangers, baskets, and drawers that fit both your wardrobe and your space. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your closet in order.
Start by clearing out
Before you start organizing, take everything out of your closet. Yes, everything. This gives you a clear picture of what you actually own and what you really wear. Sort your clothes into three piles: keep, donate/sell, and discard.
Ask yourself when you last wore each item — and whether you’ll realistically wear it again. Be honest. The less clutter you have, the easier it is to create a system that works.
A helpful tip is to rotate your wardrobe by season. Store winter coats and sweaters in bins during summer, and swap them out when the weather changes. It frees up space and keeps your closet manageable year-round.
Choose the right hangers
Hangers might seem like a small detail, but they make a big difference in how your clothes look and how much you can fit in your closet.
- Wooden hangers are perfect for coats, blazers, and dress shirts. They support the shoulders and help garments keep their shape.
- Slim velvet or metal hangers save space and prevent clothes from slipping off — great for blouses, dresses, and lightweight tops.
- Pant hangers with clips or bars keep trousers wrinkle-free.
- Multi-tier hangers let you hang several items vertically, ideal for small closets or apartments.
For a clean, cohesive look, stick to one hanger style throughout your closet. It instantly makes the space feel more organized.
Baskets and bins – for what doesn’t hang
Not everything belongs on a hanger. Sweaters, workout clothes, accessories, and undergarments are better stored in baskets or bins.
- Fabric or woven baskets add warmth and texture while keeping scarves, belts, and small items tidy.
- Plastic bins with lids protect clothes from dust and are great for off-season storage.
- Clear boxes make it easy to see what’s inside without rummaging.
- Labels help you find what you need quickly and keep everything in its place.
If you have open shelving, choose baskets that match your room’s style — storage can be both practical and decorative.
Drawers and dividers – make the most of your space
Drawers are ideal for folded items like T-shirts, socks, and underwear. The key to keeping them organized is compartmentalization.
Use drawer dividers or small boxes to separate categories so you can see everything at a glance. Try folding clothes vertically (the “file fold” method) instead of stacking them — it saves space and makes it easier to find what you need.
For deep drawers, use adjustable dividers to create layers or sections. This maximizes space and keeps things from getting messy again.
Think in zones and routines
A functional closet is one that fits your daily habits. Organize your space into zones based on how you use your clothes:
- A zone for everyday wear
- A zone for work or formal clothes
- A zone for activewear
- A zone for seasonal storage
Keep your most-used items at eye level, and store less-used pieces higher up or toward the back. This makes it easier to maintain order — even on busy mornings.
Small details that make a big difference
Once your main system is in place, add a few finishing touches that make your closet more efficient and enjoyable to use:
- Hooks on the inside of doors for bags, belts, or jewelry
- A small tray for watches, sunglasses, or accessories
- Lighting, such as LED strips or motion-sensor lights, to brighten dark corners
- A dedicated laundry basket to keep dirty clothes off the floor
These small upgrades can transform your closet from functional to fabulous.
Keep it up
An organized closet doesn’t stay that way by accident. Spend five minutes each week putting things back where they belong and checking if anything needs washing, mending, or replacing. Do a deeper clean and re-sort every six months — ideally when the seasons change. This keeps your system fresh and prevents clutter from creeping back in.
A closet that brings calm to your day
With the right hangers, baskets, and drawers, your closet becomes more than just a storage space — it becomes a place of order and calm. It’s not about having more clothes, but about creating a system that fits your lifestyle. With a little planning and the right tools, you can enjoy a closet that works beautifully for you, every single day.

