I have been living in the same one bedroom apartment for 3 years. I LOVE my apartment but the floor plan I chose came with one con: a super small closet. For first 2 years of living here, I had clothes jam-packed into my closet. I didn’t like the way everything was shoved in so tightly. I also didn’t like not being able to see all my clothing options. I, obviously, was part of the problem – I didn’t need the amount of clothes I had. Many of which I had back in college and didn’t wear them anymore. Therefore, step one of this project included purging anything I hadn’t worn in awhile or didn’t anticipate ever wearing again//having the need to wear again.

This was a difficult and daunting task. I don’t love getting rid of clothing that I think I *might* wear one day or clothing that has never been worn. I had to decide what was more important: the clothes or a less chaotic closet. I, of course, chose the latter option. I was able to narrow down by sorting out items I truly didn’t need and were just taking up space and items I knew I would never wear again. The second step was figuring out how I wanted to arrange my closet.

I wanted to keep items that are pretty to look at on display, so I chose to put bags, hats, + jewelry on the center shelves (pictured below).

I put my duffle on the top shelf because I don’t travel frequently and don’t need to access it often. I purchased a bag stuffer from The Container Store so the duffle would hold its shape and look nice sitting on the shelf. On the middle shelf, I displayed my favorite hat + favorite bag. Then, I replaced my old jewelry box that had a hinged top section with this more functional, stackable, + customizable acrylic jewelry box. I also found the perfect clutch organizer to contain all my smaller bags!

Next, I decided to tackle the top shelf.

Since I’m short, I knew I needed to put things I didn’t need to access often on the top shelf. I decided to put seasonal clothing in baskets up top – currently housing my winter clothing.

I keep longer-hanging items on the left side of my closet such as dresses and jumpsuits. I utilized hanging shelves from The Container Store for athletic wear, comfy tees, and sweatshirts. The drawers for the shelves are currently out of stock. Once back in stock, I plan to use them on several of the shelves to hide clothing. I also use the no-slip hangers – they are amazing and not only prevent clothes from falling off the hangers, but also are thin enough to give you added closet space.

Now for the built-in drawers + bottom of the closet:

The built in drawers serve as a space for all of my old, oversized college tees, sweatpants, joggers, and jeans. I used to use a shoe rack; however, this tiny closet doesn’t allow the space for that, so I lined them up along the bottom of my closet. This way I can still see them all!

Lastly, I utilized over-the-door shoe storage to allow for additional storage space.

Here, you can see my flip flops + flats are stored in this plastic over-the-door shoe rack on the left. I utilize this space for winter gloves, scarves, as well as other miscellaneous clothing necessities.

I also found this other neat shoe rack on the right – perfect for tennis shoes, sneakers, and wedges!

On the top hanging rod, I hung my pants, jackets, and blazers. On the bottom hanging rod, I hung all tops, denim jackets, Boys Lie sweatshirts, and shorter dresses + rompers (toward the back).

For the most part, I can see all of my items and easily choose what to wear. Although it’s not “perfect”, it is functional and looks SO much better than before!

It took some time to get my space figured out and configured in a way that works for me. I never thought I would be able to make this small closet work but luckily with help from The Home Edit and The Container Store, I was able to figure out a way to make it work for me!

I’m sure you notice the blue + purple tags on my hangers – those are tiny Post-Its. I use them as a way to help me remember which items I’ve worn and which I haven’t. This way, as I’m changing clothes out for the seasons, I can donate or sell items I didn’t wear and have space for new items once the next season rolls around. I chose to do this because I often find myself reaching for the same 5 or so outfits every week and the rest ends up being unworn or in the way. I’ve also found the fewer items I have, the easier it is for me to decide what to wear and it minimizes the time I waste trying to choose. I still have a lot of clothes, many unworn, but this strategy has helped a ton!

For product links, click here! Check out my linen closet organization post here!

I would love to hear everyone’s closet organizing tips so please share below!