My Must-Have Closet Organizing Products

I have always fantasized about a glamorous closet. Maybe one of those huge, custom built dreamers, with a fancy ottoman in the middle and a chandelier. I could sit there on my ottoman, sipping coffee in the morning and contemplating which of my 300 pairs of shoes I would wear. Sadly, I must make do for now with my humble walk-in, lined with wire shelving and a mismatched array of Ikea cubbies and plastic storage drawers. I don’t have 300 pair of shoes but am grateful to have a lot. My closet may not be ready for a magazine shoot any time soon, but it is organized, accessible and neat.

Regardless of which version of closet you own, I have found that every style can be perfectly organized with the right products. If you’ve read many of my other posts, you know that I don’t usually share details on the most expensive and lush products. Like most of you, I have had to get creative over the years. I have had to get very good at striking the perfect balance between, say Ethan Allen and Walmart. Here are 6 of my favorite must-have organizing products for any closet:

1. Velvet Non-Slip Hangers – These beauties come in just about any color imaginable, and hold all types of clothing with confidence, even that ridiculous off-the-shoulder number that you bought last summer! Their thin and flat design allow you to fit a ton of them in your closet, meaning you get to keep more stuff in a neater, more organized fashion. Plus, you can get them just about anywhere. I find packs of 10-20 at TJ Maxx for something like $5 on a regular basis.
2. Lingerie Drawers – Every woman needs a designated and well-organized spot for her undies and lingerie. And men, your underwear and socks should get the same treatment! I found a small, 3-drawer dresser at a yard sale a lot of years ago that I painted and lined with great shelf paper. It has been the proud supporter of my favorite lace and satin unmentionables ever since. There are lots of options out there, so find something that works for your budget and needs.
3. Shelf Dividers – I have paired them down a lot over the years, but I still must own close to 30 sweatshirts. I keep them neatly folded into piles on the top shelf of my closet and depend on these little dividers to keep things in order and prevent avalanches. Just make sure that you measure the depth and thickness of your shelves before you purchase. Different types seem to work better for different shelving options.
4. Shoe Storage – Your shoes are the largest culprit of tripping hazards and roadblocks in your closet, so it is important to keep them in check. Whether you prefer the over-the-door variety or an on-the-floor cubby system, there are endless options for storing and organizing shoes. I store mine in a combination of shelves and hanging organizers by category. Heels and work shoes go in one unit, workout shoes and flip flops in another.
5. Purse and Bag Storage – Store empty gym bags, beach totes, backpacks and the like in clear plastic storage totes for ease of visibility and access. Higher end purses and bags can be hung from hooks on the wall or stored on the shelf inside of each other to maintain their shape. I also like using those shelf dividers to corral clutches and structured bags.
6. A System for Belts and Scarves – There are many varieties of racks available to hang these items on the wall or back of the door. If wall space is at a premium, a drawer system with organizing inserts works well. You can also loop scarves over a hanger and store them along with your clothing if space is truly limited.

If you use the right storage systems and commit to keeping shoes off of the floor, you will find that it is very easy to maintain a well-organized and enjoyable space within your closet. Even if an ottoman won't fit, there will still be room to sip that cup of coffee in the morning while you decide what to wear!