Struggling to fit everything into a small closet? You're not alone. Tiny closets are one of the most common organizing challenges I see - and after 25+ years as a professional organizer, I've learned a few tricks that make a big difference.
In this post, I'll walk you through how I organized one of the small bedroom closets in my home using affordable storage bins, drawer organizers, and slim hangers (affiliate). The best part? The whole project cost less than $50. I'll share the exact products I used, my step-by-step process, and before-and-after photos so you can see the transformation for yourself.
Whether you're dealing with a cramped reach-in closet or a bedroom without a dresser, these small closet organization tips will help you maximize every inch of space.
Full disclosure: This is a sponsored post and is linked to my Amazon (affiliate) Associates affiliate account. I received minimal payment from this manufacturer.
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Key Takeaways
- Small closet organization can be challenging, but using Lifewit Storage products can simplify the process.
- I tested several Lifewit products like storage bins and drawer organizers, which fit perfectly in my tiny closet.
- To organize effectively, sort items by category and utilize drawer organizers for small items like socks and scarves.
- Fabric bins (affiliate) help conceal clutter and maximize space; I organized exercise clothing and casual tops in them.
- Overall, I transformed my small closet using Lifewit products and enjoyed the results.
The Lifewit Products I tried when organizing this small closet.
- Lifewit 3 Packs Foldable Storage Bin Decorative Fabric Storage Baskets for Organizing Home Polyester Organizers with Handles for Living Room, Shelves (affiliate), Closet, 14.6 x 10.6 x 7.9 Inch, Grey
- The Lifewit Drawer Underwear Organizer Divider 4 Pieces Fabric Foldable Dresser Storage Basket Organizers and Storage Bins for Storing Bra, Lingerie, Undies, Grey
- Lifewit Large Capacity Clothes Storage Bag Organizer with Reinforced Handle Thick Fabric for Comforters, Blankets, Bedding, Foldable with Sturdy Zipper, Clear Window, 3 Pack, 90L, Grey
How much did this Small Closet Organization project cost?
This project didn't cost me a lot since the products were given to me to test and use. But if you wanted to buy these items, plus the hangers (affiliate), it would cost less than 50 dollars.
Small Closet Organizing Tips
I took everything out of the small closet and placed it on the bed.
Then, I assembled the drawer organizers. The package came with three drawer organizers. They were the perfect width and fit right on the shelves (affiliate).
Lifewit Drawer Underwear Organizer Divider 4 Pieces
I sorted and added socks into the drawer organizers by folding them up, Marie Kondo style. See the YouTube video here to learn how to do this. It is an easy method, and the socks stay nicely in place.
Second, the square drawer organizer (affiliate) is usually used for padded bras. But, instead, I used this one for scarves. I folded the scarves the width of the organizer and then slid them into the sections. Doesn't it look amazing?
I then folded the undergarments in a similar way so that I could see every one of them when looking down on the organizer. I was so happy that these drawer organizers fit on these shelves (affiliate)! Adjusting the above shelves (affiliate) a bit allowed them to fit nicely, and when I pulled them out, the bins didn't fall. Watch the video to see! The sizes even fit next to each other on this small shelf. YAY! I love the compartments, too.
The drawer organizer (affiliate)'s zipper is handy for collapsing the drawers when needed.
3-Pack Foldable Storage Bin Decorative Fabric Storage Baskets by Lifewit
Fabric bins (affiliate) soften a small closet and hide a little of the clutter. I used these three for organizing exercise clothing, pants, and casual tops. Picking the correct width for the shelves (affiliate) is best. Try measuring the width and depth before buying some.
The best way to fold these clothes is to make them 8 inches wide by 4 inches high. This will fill in the fabric bin and allow for maximum clothing.
Large Capacity Clothes Storage Bag Organizer by Lifewit
The blanket bins came with three clear plastic front bins. I was only able to use one for this small closet organization project. I was able to fit several memorabilia blankets in it. Because the fabric storage bag was so large (affiliate), I had a lot more room than I needed. Now, I can add more stuff to it later. =) I will be using the other two that came in this set in additional closets in my home. Yay!
Additional Small Closet Organization Tips:
In a small closet, using slim hangers (affiliate) worked nicely. These are the best for small closets because they actually remove any excess space in the hanging area. Below is one I found on Amazon (affiliate) (affiliate).
Felt Hanger Option
Hangers/Premium Velvet Hangers 50 Pack - Non-Slip Clothes Hangers
Buy Now →(affiliate)
Please note that the above affiliate links are through Amazon (affiliate) and at no additional cost to you; I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase.
Here's another tip: Adding fabric bins (affiliate) to shelves (affiliate) helps wrangle the small items in a closet and organize things in a closet. Some things that can be stored in a fabric bin are sweaters (affiliate), pants, workout clothing, and sleepwear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Closet Organization
Below are some solutions for questions you may have.
If your bedroom doesn't have a dresser, your closet needs to do double duty. Use fabric bins on shelves to store folded items like workout clothes, pajamas, and casual tops.
Drawer organizers placed directly on closet shelves work great for socks, underwear, and scarves - exactly how I set up the closet in this post. Slim velvet hangers also free up extra hanging space for items you'd normally fold in drawers.
You don't need an expensive custom closet system. Start by purging items you no longer wear, then invest in a few key products: slim hangers (around $10-15 for a 50-pack), fabric bins ($10-20 for a 3-pack), and drawer organizers ($10-15 for a set). The entire closet makeover in this post cost under $50. You can also repurpose shoe boxes and small baskets you already own.
The biggest space-savers for a tiny closet are: switching to slim velvet hangers (they take up about half the space of plastic hangers), using the vertical space on shelves with stackable bins, file-folding clothes so you can see everything at a glance, and storing out-of-season items in large storage bags on the top shelf. Measuring your shelf width and depth before buying bins ensures a perfect fit.
File folding (also called the KonMari method) is the best technique for small closets. Fold each item into a rectangle about 8 inches wide by 4 inches high, then stand them upright in bins or on shelves. This lets you see every item at a glance without digging through stacks. It also fits significantly more clothing into the same space compared to traditional stacking.
A bra organizer with compartments works surprisingly well for scarves. Fold each scarf to the width of the organizer section and slide it in. Each scarf gets its own slot, so you can see all your options at once. This is exactly the method I used in this closet makeover - it keeps scarves wrinkle-free and easy to grab.
The Big Reveal!
What does the small closet look like now after I organized it with some Lifewit products? I am pleased and will try their other products in the future. What do you think? Please leave a comment below! I would love to hear from you.
Visit our other posts about closet organization for tips.
WHAT TO KEEP IN YOUR ORGANIZED CLOSET
ELEVEN EASY 15 MINUTE CLOSET ORGANIZING TASKS TO CLEAR OUT THE CLOSET
5 SUPER IMPORTANT MENS CLOSET ORGANIZATION TIPS
THE BEST WAY TO ORGANIZE CLOTHING DURING THE FALL MONTHS
4 AREAS OF AN ORGANIZED CLOSET MADE SIMPLE
THE ULTIMATE CLOSET ORGANIZATION TIPS FOR OLDER ADULTS
Full Disclosure: Some of these links are Amazon (affiliate) Affiliate links, and others are do-follow links requested by the sponsorship.
Please note that some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase.
