5 Big Closet Organizing Mistakes You’re Probably Making (And How to Fix Them)

Have you ever looked at your closet and felt overwhelmed? You’re not alone! Many of us dream of a neat, tidy closet but struggle to make it happen. 

Even when we try our best, we might be making some common mistakes without realizing it.

Let’s dive into the world of closet organization and learn from the experts. 

Top 5 Common Closet Organizing Mistakes to Avoid

We’ll explore five big mistakes people often make when trying to organize their closets. 

We would like to thank Story Decoded Home Improvement experts to help us to complete this guide.

More importantly, we’ll discover how to fix these mistakes and create a closet that works for you.

Why Closet Organization Matters?

Before we jump into the mistakes, let’s talk about why having an organized closet is so important:

• It saves time: No more searching for that missing sock or your favorite shirt!
• It reduces stress: A tidy closet means a calmer mind.
• It helps you see what you have: You might rediscover clothes you forgot about.
• It makes getting dressed easier: When everything has its place, choosing outfits becomes a breeze.

Now, let’s look at those common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Buying Generic Organizing Products Without a Plan

Picture this: You’re excited to organize your closet, so you rush to the store and buy a bunch of bins, baskets, and drawer organizers. Sounds good, right? Well, not so fast!

Why It’s a Problem:

• Generic products might not fit your closet’s size.
• You could end up with stuff you don’t need.
• It might make your closet look messy instead of organized.

What the Experts Say: Sarit Weiss, a pro organizer from New York, warns that this is a “huge mistake.” She explains that every closet is different, with its own unique sizes and shapes.

How to Fix It:

1. Measure first: Get out that tape measure! Write down the length, width, and height of your shelves and drawers.
2. Plan your layout: Think about what you need to store and where.
3. Buy products that fit: Look for bins and organizers that match your closet’s measurements.

Pro Tip: Weiss suggests buying bins that use all the space on your shelves. This stops clutter from building up in front of shorter bins.

Mistake #2: Using Bulky Hangers

Hangers might seem like a small detail, but they can make a big difference in your closet space.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Bulky hangers take up more room.
• They can make your closet feel cramped.
• You might not be able to fit all your clothes.

What the Experts Say: Sarit Weiss points out that many people use hangers from stores, which are often too big. These can waste valuable closet space.

How to Fix It:

1. Switch to slim hangers: Look for thin, space-saving hangers.
2. Choose quality: Good hangers will keep your clothes in shape.
3. Be consistent: Using the same type of hanger makes your closet look neater.

Hanger Comparison Table:

Hanger Type	Pros	Cons
Slim Velvet	Space-saving, non-slip	Can be pricier
Plastic	Cheap, various colors	Can be flimsy
Wooden	Sturdy, good for heavy items	Takes up more space
Wire	Very slim, cheap	Can leave marks on clothes

Mistake #3: Keeping Bad Habits

Sometimes, the way we use our closet every day can create more mess than we realize.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Clothes end up on the floor or a chair.
• It’s hard to find what you need.
• Your closet becomes cluttered quickly.

What the Experts Say: Ria Safford, a celebrity home organizer, says it’s crucial to spot your bad habits and find ways to change them.

How to Fix It:

1. Plan outfits ahead: Lay out your clothes the night before.
2. Use a hanging organizer: Try products like the Command™ Folding Clothes Hanger for next-day outfits.
3. Remove the “clothes chair”: Don’t let that chair in your room become a clothing dump!
4. Make a “worn but not dirty” space: Find a spot for clothes you’ve worn but don’t need to wash yet.

Quick Tips for Better Closet Habits:

• Put clothes away right after laundry.
• Hang up or fold items right after trying them on.
• Do a quick tidy-up every night before bed.

Mistake #4: Not Decluttering Regularly

It’s easy to let our closets fill up with clothes we don’t wear anymore. But this can cause big problems!

Why It’s a Problem:

• Your closet gets too full.
• It’s hard to find what you need.
• You might forget about clothes you actually like.

What the Experts Say: Elizabeth Grace, an interior designer, explains that holding onto things we don’t use makes our closets overcrowded.

How to Fix It:

1. Schedule regular decluttering: Set a date every few months to go through your closet.
2. Use the “one year” rule: If you haven’t worn it in a year, consider letting it go.
3. Donate or sell: Give away clothes in good condition or sell them online.
4. Keep only what you love: If an item doesn’t make you happy or serve a purpose, it’s okay to let it go.

Questions to Ask When Decluttering:

• Does this fit me well?
• Have I worn this in the last year?
• Do I feel good when I wear this?
• If I saw this in a store today, would I buy it?

Mistake #5: Not Using Vertical Space

Many people focus on hanging rods and shelves, but forget about all the space above and below!

Why It’s a Problem:

• You’re wasting valuable storage space.
• Your closet feels more cramped than it needs to be.
• Items get crammed together, making them hard to find.

What the Experts Say: Elizabeth Grace points out that overlooking vertical space wastes storage potential. She suggests thinking “up and down” when organizing.

How to Fix It:

1. Install extra shelving: Add shelves above hanging rods or in empty corners.
2. Use door organizers: Hang organizers on the back of your closet door.
3. Try stackable bins: Clear bins that stack can help you use vertical space efficiently.
4. Hang organizers: Use hanging shelves or shoe organizers for more storage.

Vertical Storage Ideas:

• Over-the-door shoe organizers (great for shoes, accessories, or even folded clothes)
• Hanging closet organizers with multiple shelves
• Wall-mounted hooks for bags, scarves, or belts
• High shelves for out-of-season or rarely used items

Putting It All Together: Your Action Plan for a Better Closet

Now that we’ve covered the big mistakes, let’s make a plan to fix them and create your dream closet!

Step 1: Take Everything Out

• Empty your entire closet.
• Clean the space thoroughly.

Step 2: Sort and Declutter

• Make piles: Keep, Donate, Sell, Trash.
• Be honest with yourself about what you really use and love.

Step 3: Measure and Plan

• Measure your closet space carefully.
• Sketch out a plan for where things will go.

Step 4: Invest in the Right Tools

• Buy slim hangers.
• Choose storage solutions that fit your space and needs.

Step 5: Organize by Category

• Group similar items together (e.g., all shirts in one area).
• Use clear bins for small items like socks or accessories.

Step 6: Use Vertical Space Wisely

• Install extra shelves or rods if needed.
• Use hanging organizers and over-the-door solutions.

Step 7: Create a System for Daily Use

• Set up a spot for planning outfits.
• Make a place for “worn but not dirty” clothes.

Step 8: Label Everything

• Use labels on bins and shelves to remember where things go.

Step 9: Maintain Your New System

• Spend a few minutes each day tidying up.
• Do a quick declutter every few months.

Bonus Tips for Closet Success

Here are some extra ideas to make your closet even better:

1. Color code: Arrange clothes by color to make them easier to find.
2. Use dividers: Put dividers in drawers to keep small items organized.
3. Try vacuum bags: Store out-of-season clothes in vacuum-sealed bags to save space.
4. Add lighting: Good lighting makes it easier to see what you have.
5. Make it pretty: Add some personality with fun wallpaper or paint inside your closet.

FAQs About Closet Organization

Q: How often should I organize my closet? 

A: Try to do a big organization once or twice a year, with small touch-ups every few months.

Q: What’s the best way to fold clothes to save space? 

A: The “KonMari” method of folding clothes vertically can save a lot of space in drawers.

Q: How can I make my small closet feel bigger? 

A: Use matching slim hangers, utilize vertical space, and keep only what you really need.

Q: What should I do with clothes I’m not sure about keeping? 

A: Try the “backwards hanger” trick: Turn all your hangers backwards, and after you wear an item, put it back the right way. After a few months, you’ll see what you actually wear.

Q: How can I keep my closet smelling fresh? 

A: Use cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or small air fresheners designed for closets.

Conclusion: Your Path to Closet Happiness

Remember, organizing your closet isn’t just about making it look nice. It’s about creating a space that works for you and makes your daily life easier. 

By avoiding these common mistakes and following the experts’ advice, you can transform your closet from a stress-inducing mess to a calm, organized oasis.

Don’t feel like you have to make all these changes at once. Start small, maybe by switching to slim hangers or decluttering one section at a time. Every little step helps!

The key is to create a system that you can maintain. Your perfect closet might look different from someone else’s, and that’s okay. 

The goal is to have a space that makes you feel good and helps you start each day on the right foot.

So, are you ready to tackle your closet? With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to creating a closet that not only looks great but also makes your life easier. 

Happy organizing!