Organizing your closet can feel like a daunting chore, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re someone who loves a good shortcut, this guide is for you. With these simple hacks, you can turn even the messiest closet into a functional, easy-to-maintain space—no Pinterest-level perfection required.
Let’s dive into the lazy-girl guide to closet organization.
Step 1: Sort Smart, Not Hard
The first step to a better closet is sorting—but keep it simple.
Instead of spending hours agonizing over each item, focus on a system that works for your habits.
My favorite method? Organizing by type first and then by color.
Why? Because it’s both practical and aesthetic.
Having all your shirts together, then arranged from light to dark, makes finding what you need (and putting away laundry) so much easier. Bonus: it makes your closet look polished without much effort.
If color coding isn’t your thing, try organizing based on frequency of use. A “last in, first out” (LIFO) system is perfect for keeping your rotation fresh. Hang freshly laundered clothes at the back of each section and grab items from the front when getting dressed. This keeps your outfits varied without needing to think too hard about it.
Step 2: Use Every Inch of Space
Closets can feel too small fast, but that’s often because space isn’t used wisely. Here’s how to maximize what you’ve got:
- Double Your Hanging Space: Install a second closet rod above or below your main one. Use the upper rod for seasonal clothes or items you don’t wear as often. A step stool or reaching rod can help you access these easily.
- Deep Shelves Done Right: Got deep shelves? Use the back for off-season items or shoes in boxes. Fold clothes neatly and store them vertically so you can see everything at a glance. Vertical stacking works for drawers too—especially for T-shirts, socks, and even underwear.
- Hooks Are Your Best Friend: Keep a few hooks on your closet door or walls. They’re perfect for quick clean-ups—think jackets, bags, or scarves that you’re too lazy to store properly at the moment.
Step 3: Streamline Hanging Clothes
Hanging clothes should feel effortless. Here are some hacks to make it happen:
- Matching Hangers: Invest in slim, non-slip hangers. Not only do they save space, but they also keep your clothes from slipping to the floor. Uniform hangers also give your closet a tidy, cohesive look.
- Tiered and Cascading Hangers: These are lifesavers for anyone short on space. Use them for pants, skirts, or even shirts. Cascading hooks let you group similar items while keeping them accessible.
- Fold Wisely: Some items don’t belong on hangers. Sweaters, knit tops, and delicate blouses should be folded to prevent hanger bumps and stretching. Store them on shelves or in drawers where they’re easy to grab.
Step 4: Accessories Without the Mess
Accessories can turn into clutter fast, but a few smart strategies will keep everything neat and accessible:
- Over-the-Door Organizers: Perfect for shoes, bags, or scarves. These organizers free up shelf and hanging space while keeping your most-used items within reach.
- Scarves and Belts: Hang scarves on towel racks or hooks for easy access. Use screw-in hooks or dedicated hangers for belts.
- Jewelry and Small Accessories: Corral small items like jewelry, sunglasses, and hair accessories into jars, cups, or open boxes. Place these on a shelf or inside drawers for easy access without creating visual clutter.
Step 5: Shoes, Bags, and Beyond
Shoes and bags are closet space hogs, but with these tips, they don’t have to be:
- Bookcase Shoe Storage: Small bookshelves are excellent for storing shoes, especially boots. Arrange them by type or frequency of use for easy access.
- Bag Maintenance: Stuff bags with tissue paper to maintain their shape and line them up on a shelf. If you’re short on shelf space, use bookends to keep them upright. For less-used bags, create a “drawer” by lining them up in a long box and sliding it onto a shelf.
Step 6: Seasonal Storage
Out-of-season clothes can clutter up your closet unnecessarily. Rotate these items out to keep your space manageable:
- Vacuum-Sealed Bags: These are a lazy person’s dream. Store bulky winter sweaters or summer dresses in vacuum-sealed bags under your bed or on a high shelf.
- Out-of-the-Way Shelves: Use high shelves for seasonal storage. Keep things like hats, gloves, or swimsuits in labeled bins so you can grab them when needed.
Step 7: Maintenance Made Simple
The easiest way to keep your closet organized? Make maintenance a no-brainer:
- Quick Declutters: Keep a donation bin in your closet. When something doesn’t fit or you don’t love it anymore, toss it in the bin. Once it’s full, take it to a donation center.
- Weekly Tidy-Ups: Spend five minutes each week putting things back in their place. This tiny effort prevents messes from piling up.
- Labeling: Label bins, shelves, and sections of your closet. It’s especially helpful for keeping accessories and out-of-season items in check.
Step 8: Lazy-Girl Hacks You’ll Love
Here are a few extra tricks for making your closet work for you:
- Hooks and Hangers Galore: Keep extra hooks and hangers handy for impromptu organizing.
- Use Empty Space: The back of doors, high shelves, and even walls inside your closet can all be used for storage.
- Start Small: Don’t tackle your entire closet in one go. Start with a single section, like shoes or tops, and work from there.
The Lazy Organization Philosophy
The best way to keep a closet organized is to make it as low-maintenance as possible. Start with one section at a time and don’t overthink it. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just functional and easy to use.
Your Closet, Your Rules
At the end of the day, your closet should work for you. These hacks are meant to make life easier, not add extra stress. So don’t worry about making it perfect—focus on creating a system that fits your habits and lifestyle. With these tips and a little effort, you’ll have an organized, functional closet that even the laziest among us can keep up with.
Happy organizing!