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  1. Real Simple
  2. Home Organizing
  3. Organizing
  4. Closets
  5. 31 Ways to Make Over Your Closets

31 Ways to Make Over Your Closets

By Real Simple
Updated November 17, 2016
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Credit: Bob Hiemstra
Closets can be the bane of your existence. Steal some ideas from those pictured here.
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Use Proper Hangers

Credit: Bob Hiemstra

Proper clothing care calls for appropriate hangers: satin padding for more delicate items and sturdy wood hangers for tailored jackets.

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Mount a Pegboard

Credit: Formula Z/S

Pegboard mounted inside a closet door creates an inexpensive mini-dressing station.

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Stack Shoe Boxes

Credit: Frances Janisch

Slim plastic shoe boxes stack compactly, while hanging canvas shelves offer an inexpensive alternative to built-ins.

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Store Accessories in Clear Plastic Drawers

Credit: Bob Hiemstra

Clear plastic drawers make perfect storage quarters for neatly rolled scarves, underwear, and belts.

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Customize Drawers

Credit: Bob Hiemstra

One smart solution to a storage crunch: a customizable unit of wire drawers.

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Hang Bags on Hooks

Credit: Burcu Avsar

Durable hooks keep large bags from slumping and losing shape on shelves.

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Capitalize on Every Inch

Credit: Annie Schlechter

Even tight closets can be kept in check with helpers like bins and hanging shelves.

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See Your Shoes

Credit: Bob Hiemstra

A slanted plywood platform lets you take in your shoe collection at a glance.

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Hang a Shoe Shelf

Credit: Bob Hiemstra

A shorter version of the traditional hanging shoe shelf is perfect for double-hung closet rods.

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Stow Out-of-Season Pieces

Credit: Frances Janisch

Use large canvas boxes to store away neatly folded winter sweaters.

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Keep Clothes From Stretching

Credit: Bob Hiemstra

Canvas shelves, like this set with drawers, hold sweaters, T-shirts, and other clothing items that might stretch on a hanger.

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Gain Extra Space

Credit: Frances Janisch

Gain extra space in small closets by using slim hangers and stackable bins with pull-out drawers.

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Hang A Mirror

Credit: Jeff McNamara

A walk-in closet becomes a dressing area with the simple addition of a mirror.

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Start Labeling

Credit: Scogin Mayo

Employ gold plates and a label maker for the ultimate closet organization.

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Turn to Shelf Dividers

Credit: Scogin Mayo

Shelf dividers prevent leaning towers of cashmere and keep unruly items in their place.

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Categorize Clothing

Credit: Scogin Mayo

Group clothing by category―dress pants, jeans, casual shirts, work tops―to make putting together outfits easier.

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Color-Code Your Wardrobe

Credit: Scogin Mayo

Another take on organizing: Arrange clothes by color, from light to dark.

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Think Creatively With Storage

Credit: William Abranowicz

An armoire provides extra storage space in the bedroom; use baskets to collect odds and ends.

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Keep a Ladder Inside the Closet

Credit: Jeff McNamara

For little legs, stow a collapsible step ladder just inside a closet door, and place high-wear items―like baseball caps―in easy-to-access spots.

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Keep Toys Within Reach

Credit: Jeff McNamara

Keep toys in low drawers so they’re easy to take out (and put away).

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Work the Walls

Credit: Scogin Mayo

Up-to-the-ceiling cabinets, offering maximized storage space, are reached with a library-type ladder.

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Take Advantage of Doors

Credit: Bob Hiemstra

An over-the-door rack makes the most of the unused space behind a closet door.

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Store Sports Equipment

Credit: David Prince

Another use for it: Store bats, balls, helmets, and other sports gear.

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Hang Boots Above the Ground

Credit: David Prince

A neat way to store clunky rain boots off a closet floor: a metal shoe rack that affixes to the wall.

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Streamline a Coat Closet

A simple strategy (store less-used items up top and popular outerwear in a grab-and-go locale) and well-chosen hardware (like back-of-the-door hooks) streamline a coat closet.

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Organize Cleaning Supplies

Credit: David Prince

An organized broom closet allows you to quickly find the cleaning supplies you need―saving you precious time on a Saturday.

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Corral Mops and Brooms

Credit: David Prince

Keep mops and brooms corralled in a holder attached to the back of a door.

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Bring Order to an Overpacked Space

Credit: Annie Schlechter

Shaped like oversized magazine boxes, canvas bins bring order to an overpacked closet.

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Conceal Secret Storage

Credit: Jeff McNamara

Use an upright plastic bin―tucked into a closet corner―to harbor your umbrellas.

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Make the Vacuum Accessible

Credit: Jeff McNamara

Position your vacuum cleaner so it’s easy to get to, hanging the hose on a hook to free up floor space.

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Eliminate Clutter

Credit: Bob Hiemstra

Closet Nirvana? To streamline your space, constantly eliminate clutter: Every three to four months donate unused items to charity.

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