The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Coat Closet like a Pro
Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to organize your coat closet like a pro! Have you ever opened your coat closet only to find it jam-packed with items you don’t even use? Whether it’s the closet near your front door for guest coats or the family entrance catchall closet, it’s essential to keep it functional and well-organized. A well-organized coat closet not only makes your mornings and evenings smoother but also creates a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with 17 valuable tips and ideas to help you transform your coat closet into a clutter-free oasis of efficiency.
Why Organize Your Coat Closet?
Before we dive into the tips, let’s understand why organizing your coat closet is crucial. A well-organized coat closet offers the following benefits:
– Saves time: Easily locate your coats and accessories without rummaging through clutter.
– Maximizes space: Utilize every inch of your closet efficiently.
– Enhances functionality: Streamline your morning and evening routines.
– Creates a welcoming atmosphere: Impress your guests with a tidy and organized coat closet.
Now, let’s explore the tips and tricks to turn your coat closet into a well-organized space that works for you and your family.
1. Do a Closet Review
Regularly reviewing and taking inventory of your coat closet items is essential. Ask yourself if you still need those items and consider donating coats or accessories that are rarely used. As Carrie Ypma, founder of Clutter Keeper, suggests, “If it wasn’t used in the last year, it’s probably time to say goodbye.”
2. Use the Right Hangers
Invest in sturdy hangers for heavy coats to prevent them from falling to the floor. Wooden cedar hangers are excellent for woolen items, while slim velvet hangers maximize closet space.
3. Make Use of the Door Space
Utilize the interior of the closet door to hang lightweight items such as scarves, hats, or gloves for easy access.
4. Creative Ideas for the Closet Floor
Assess the floor space in your coat closet and consider installing shelves for shoe and boot storage. You can use open shelving or add baskets to hide clutter.
5. Organize the Upper Shelf
Utilize the upper shelf in your coat closet for additional storage by adding baskets or plastic tubs with labels. Consider adding another shelf above the existing one for more storage space.
6. Don’t Forget Wall Space
If you have limited coat storage, dedicate wall space to shelves or hooks for additional storage. You can hang umbrellas or dog leashes on hooks between the door and coats.
7. Install Built-In Storage
Maximize space in a small closet by installing a built-in storage system with upper shelves, a clothing rod, shelving, and drawers for hats, gloves, scarves, and shoes.
8. Use Garment Bags
Store out-of-season coats in garment bags that can be vacuum-sealed to create more space in your coat closet. Standard garment bags are also great for protecting delicate items.
9. Double Up on Space
Maximize hanging room in small coat closets by adding a second clothing rod below the upper rod. This creates extra storage space for coats, jackets, and sweaters.
10. Hang Baskets From Clothing Rods
If your coat closet has empty space, hang baskets from clothing rods for storing small accessories, tools, flashlights, or mail. This keeps items organized and easily accessible.
11. Choose Clear Bins for Your Least-Used Items
Store your least-used items in clear bins on shelves or the floor. Clear bins make it easy to see the contents without removing items, keeping your closet organized.
12. Save Space in Deep Closets
Optimize space in deep coat closets by adjusting the clothing rod placement from front to back. Add hanging cubbies on one side to store accessories and small items for easy access.
13. Store Seasonal Accessories in the Back
Utilize the back wall of your coat closet to store seasonal accessories like large scarves and hats. This frees up prime real estate for frequently used items.
14. Organize by Zone
Divide your coat closet into zones for coats, jackets, sweaters, shoes, accessories, and miscellaneous items to streamline organization and retrieval.
15. Add Cubbies Below Your Coats
Install cubbies below coats for organized storage of shoes, baskets, or small accessories. Choose cubbies with compartments or varying sizes for versatile storage.
16. Separate Each Family Member’s Accessories
Assign a basket, hook, or hanger to each family member to keep accessories and personal items organized. This helps prevent mix-ups, especially in homes with multiple children.
17. Hang Gloves From Clothespins
Install thin rods or a vertical clothesline in your coat closet to hang gloves using clothespins. This ensures pairs stay together, dry properly, and are easily accessible.
Bonus Tip: How Often to Clean and Organize a Coat Closet
To maintain an organized coat closet, review and rotate its contents with the changing seasons. Spend at least an hour twice a year to declutter and reorganize your closet. This simple habit prevents unnecessary clutter buildup and saves you time in the long run.
By following these 17 tips and bonus advice, you can transform your coat closet into a well-organized space that caters to your family’s needs. From utilizing door space to installing built-in storage, these ideas will help you maximize every inch of your coat closet efficiently. Say goodbye to clutter and hello to a functional, welcoming coat closet that simplifies your daily routines!
