Simple Closet Organizer Ideas: Must-Have Accessories & DIY Tips

Must-Have Closet Organizing Accessories

Before investing in a complete closet system, begin with these budget-friendly accessories that provide instant organization. These straightforward tools can turn a messy closet into a practical space without emptying your wallet. Each one has a unique role in making the most of your current space.

Thin Velvet Hangers

Standard plastic or wooden hangers take up a lot of room and can cause clothes to fall onto your closet floor. Thin velvet hangers fix both issues while immediately freeing up hanging space. Their slim design allows more clothes to fit in the same space, while the soft velvet covering holds clothes in place, stopping shoulder bumps in knits and keeping strappy items from falling.

These handy space-savers are available in a range of colors, making it easy to color-code your clothing or simply choose a color that matches your closet. Many of them have notches for hanging items with straps and hooks for hanging multiple hangers vertically to save space.

Drawer Separators

Drawer separators can turn a messy drawer full of socks, underwear, and accessories into a neatly organized space where you can easily find what you need. These simple inserts provide a barrier to stop items from getting mixed up when you open and close the drawer. They come in expandable, adjustable, and customizable options, so they can fit almost any drawer size or setup.

Separators are also perfect for keeping workout clothes, t-shirts, and folded jeans in order. The trick is to make specific spaces that make it easy to put away and find items. If you want to see all your clothes at once, try the file-folding method. This is where you fold and store clothes vertically like files in a cabinet.

Shelf Dividers

Shelf dividers can turn teetering piles of sweaters and jeans into orderly, easy-to-reach stacks. These basic metal or acrylic panels slide onto your existing shelves, creating upright barriers that stop folded clothes from falling over. Best of all, shelf dividers work with your current closet and can be moved around as your needs change with the seasons. 

It's best to place shelf dividers every 12 inches. This creates compartments that are easy to reach into and narrow enough to keep things tidy. This way, you can sort items by type (like sweaters, jeans, t-shirts) or by event (like work, casual, special occasions), so it’s easy to find exactly what you need without messing up the other stacks.

Simple storage containers can make strange spaces much more practical

Storage Containers

Storage containers can turn weird closet spaces into practical storage, while also keeping seasonal or infrequently used items free of dust and within reach. Clear plastic containers let you see what's inside at a glance, and fabric containers can add a bit of texture and style to open shelves. Pick sizes that are consistent and will make the most of your shelf space, and label everything well so you don't forget what's in there just because you can't see it.

For top shelves, think about bins with a pull-down front. This allows you to access the contents without needing to take out the whole bin. For items you don't use often, stackable bins with secure lids are a good option. They protect the contents while also maximizing your vertical space. Vacuum-sealed bags inside bins can compress bulky items like winter coats or bedding. This effectively doubles your storage capacity without needing to add more shelves.

Organizing Your Shoes

Shoes can be a real headache to store in a closet, as traditional methods often waste space or leave your shoes inaccessible and covered in dust. Over-door organizers can solve this problem by using vertical space that is often left unused, and can store up to 24 pairs of shoes. 

Under-bed boxes are also a great solution, as they protect your special occasion shoes from dust. For the most efficient everyday use, consider using angled shoe shelves that make each pair easy to see, or stackable clear boxes that protect your shoes while still keeping them in view.

Shoe shelves can make organizing your shoes less of a headache.

Speedy DIY Organization Projects

Some of the best ways to organize your closet can be made with things you already have or cheap materials from the hardware store. These DIY projects give you the ability to make it exactly how you want it, and they are often much cheaper than what you would buy at the store.

PVC Pipe Boot Stands

Tall boots often look messy and can be damaged over time when they are stored because they flop over. You can create boot forms that are custom-made using PVC pipe that is inexpensive from any hardware store. 

Just buy a PVC pipe that’s 3–4" in diameter, cut it into lengths that are about 12–18" high (depending on the height of your boots), and put them inside your boots. The pipes keep boots standing upright, prevent creasing, and maximize floor space by allowing boots to stand next to each other instead of in pairs that overlap.

Organizing with Tension Rods

Tension rods can be used as versatile closet organizers, and they don’t damage your closet walls. You can place them vertically between shelves to create dividers for storing purses, clutches, or even folded jeans. 

You can also install short horizontal tension rods in unused corners to create hanging space for scarves, belts, or even jewelry. For closets with high shelves, placing a tension rod a few inches below the shelf can create the perfect spot to hang spray bottles of clothing care products or to hook bags of accessories.

Shower Hooks with a New Purpose

Shower curtain hooks can be slid over your closet rod so you can hang purses by their straps. This keeps them in sight and stops the handles from getting damaged. You can also use the same hooks to keep your scarves, belts, and even tank tops or camisoles organized. Plus, they won't stretch out delicate fabrics.

System of Labeled Bins

By creating a comprehensive storage system with labels, you can change the way you interact with items stored in bins and baskets. Instead of general labels such as "Winter" or "Accessories," create specific categories that remove the guesswork: "Wool Sweaters," "Beach Accessories," or "Formal Clutches." The more specific your labels are, the less time you'll spend looking for items and the more likely you'll put things back where they belong.

Get Your Closet in Order with John Louis Home

John Louis’ wood closets help keep your clothes organized and make your closet space look chic.

Once you've got the basics of closet organization down pat with accessories and DIY hacks, you might be ready for more. 

John Louis Home systems have helped many homeowners create their perfect closet. Our solid wood closet systems offer the warmth and beauty of custom woodwork with the affordability and satisfaction of a weekend project. Unlike wire systems that can catch delicate fabrics or laminate options that wear down over time, our solid wood solutions are built to last for decades and add real value to your home.

John Louis Home stands out because of our flexibility: our modular systems can be designed to fit in virtually any closet shape, from simple reach-ins to complex walk-ins. Each component is made from real wood in a variety of finishes to match your home's aesthetic. Installation just requires some basic DIY skills and common tools, making it doable for most homeowners and helping them save thousands compared to professional custom closet installation. 

The end result is a completely revamped closet space that uses every inch while providing the satisfaction of a luxury custom solution you installed yourself.

See how John Louis can help transform your closet space!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it possible to organize a small closet effectively?

Small closets can be just as organized as large walk-in closets—you just have to be a bit more strategic and thoughtful about how you use the space. Try making the most of the vertical space by using the full height of the closet, including the often-overlooked areas above the hanging rod and on the closet floor. 

Double-hang rods can instantly double your hanging space, and door-mounted organizers can turn previously unused space into storage. Slim velvet hangers can increase your hanging space compared to plastic or wooden hangers.

When should I reorganize my closet?

You should aim to reorganize your closet every 3–4 months or so. This is the perfect time to evaluate what you've been wearing, what needs to be fixed, and what you can donate. 

It also allows you to rotate your clothing and clean your shelves. Plus, you can adjust your organization system to fit seasonal items like heavy sweaters or sandals.

How can I arrange shoes in a small space?

Over-door organizers are a great solution for small spaces, as they can hold 12–24 pairs of shoes in a space that would otherwise go unused. Under-bed storage containers with dividers are perfect for storing shoes that you only wear on special occasions. If you have a few pairs that you wear often, consider getting stackable shoe shelves. 

These shelves display each pair at an angle, which makes it easy to see all of your shoes while also saving space. Clear shoe boxes are another great option. They protect your shoes from dust and make it easy to see what's inside, and they can be stacked to make the most of your vertical space.

Should I consider investing in a custom closet?

If you’re a homeowner who plans on staying in your current house for a significant amount of time, high-quality systems like those from John Louis Home are a wise investment. 

They’ll make your daily life more convenient and can even bump up your property value if you ever decide to sell your home. These solid wood solutions are far more durable and luxurious than basic wire systems, and they often become a selling point for potential buyers.