When our foyers or entryways get messy, we often treat coat closets like extra-large junk drawers. We shove things in there just to get them out of sight instead of taking the time to put them away where they actually belong.
It seems like a good idea at the time, but it can turn into a real headache down the road, especially when you’re rummaging through all that junk trying to find what you need when you’re in a hurry to get out the door!
Instead of letting chaos reign in your coat closet, make it more functional by narrowing down its contents and get them properly organized. Whether your coat closet is large or small or you have one or multiple of them, today’s tips will help you do just that!
To see another clever closet organization hack in action, check out the video at the end of the post!
7 Easy Ways To Make A Coat Closet More Functional
1. Get Rid Of What Doesn’t Belong
A clutter-free closet is a functional closet. If your coat closet contains items you don’t use or that take up too much space (looking at you, bulky sports equipment!), donate them or find a new place to keep them.
The same can be said for gift wrap, snow shovels, and other things you only use sparingly and can be stored elsewhere. Save your precious closet space for things you use regularly and consistently while coming in and out of your house, like shoes, hats, pet leashes, and (of course) coats.
2. Keep It Seasonal
To keep your newly uncluttered closet from getting overcrowded, take anything that isn’t currently seasonally appropriate and put it with your longer-term storage. When the seasons change, swap out the items in your coat closet to reflect the new season, because you won’t always need your bulky boots and winter coats at the ready.
3. Organize Coats By Length
While it may seem oddly specific, there’s actually a perfectly practical reason to arrange your coats from shortest to longest. When all of your shorter coats are hung in the same section of the closet, you’ll have room underneath them for a shoe rack, storage bins, or even a second rod to hang things from.
4. Utilize The Back Of The Door
For optimal organization in even the smallest of closets, take advantage of the backside of the closet door. Consider using hooks or an over-the-door shoe organizer for items like umbrellas, scarves, face masks, dog leashes, keys, and small purses. An organizer with clear pockets will make things especially easy to find.
If you only have a few purses or handbags, this over-the door organizer can help you save valuable closet space. It features 3 curved hooks that will perfectly accommodate the handles of your favorite bags. Need a spot for your collection of sunglasses? Showcase them in a glasses organizer.
5. Make Good Use Of The Upper Shelf
Most coat closets have a shelf above the rod, so be sure to make good use of it. This is the perfect spot to store tubs or baskets filled with seasonal gear like scarves, mittens, and gloves (or flip flops and sunscreen during the summer). If you have a pet, it’s a convenient place to store toys, leashes, and treats.
6. Put Things Away Dry
Don’t hang your coats in your coat closet while they’re still wet. Not only can they transfer moisture and dirt to the items they’re hanging next to, but the enclosed environment can make it hard for them to dry properly and may even lead to mold or mildew growth—no thanks!
7. Add Some Lights
Rummaging around in a dark closet can be frustrating and create a big mess, especially when you’re in a hurry to get out the door. Avoid unnecessary stress and make everything easy to find by putting up a few lights in your closet—I like these adhesive motion sensor lights.
Do you have any tips or tricks for coat closets?
VIDEO: Closet Space-Saving Clothing Hack
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We are in Southern California and have been in our home almost 30 years. We aren’t big coat users with our great weather and didn’t really need the closet. It has had many remakes, custom shelves for VCR tapes, food storage, DVDs, an actual coat closet and now it is the best design and use. It is a walk in pantry. The door was in the hall and the back wall was against the kitchen. We moved the door to the side. Pipes are in the way of putting door in kitchen. We inset the shelves between the studs and they are filled with large canning jars. There’s a shelf around the 4 sides above the door height. That’s where I store all my spices and herbs overstock. It’s not a huge pantry but it works great for me. Best of all, I get to say I have a walk in pantry.
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