7 Winter Closet Tips That Maximize Space Even With the Bulkiest Clothes

The bulk of winter wear can quickly overtake a closet, but it’s easy to get this under control with the right tools. Cramming more into a small space leaves clothes wrinkled and makes it difficult to find pieces.

Here are seven ideas to help you maximize space in your closet during the winter.

Purge and Donate

As you transition the wardrobe in your closet from one season to the next, the best organizing tip is to purge items you don’t wear and donate or sell them to others. You can boost your bank account or help others, while creating more space in your closet.

If you have the space, store out-of-season clothes in bins or another closet.

Then, take a look at your winter clothes: If you haven’t worn that puffer coat or those ski pants in a couple of years, there’s no need to allow them to take up space and crush your other garments. Keep a donation bag or box in your closet to help with your purge.

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Double Your Hanging Real Estate

If your closet has only one hanging rod, organize clothes by length and add a second, lower rod to accommodate shorter garments. You can permanently install a second rod by moving the original rod up and adding one below.

Or, use a simple, temporary, adjustable hanging unit to double your hanging space.

To Hang or Not to Hang

Sweaters are a big component of a winter wardrobe, and if yours are hanging in the closet, it’s time to pull them out.

Knitted garments are best stored folded to prevent stretching. Take them off the hangers and fold them in drawers, a set of hanging shelves, or containers that can be placed on a shelf.

Once the knits are out of the way, evaluate your clothes hangers. Flimsy, thin plastic or wire hangers can’t support heavier coats and jackets. If the hanger buckles, the coat takes up more space.

Invest in some sturdy wood or thick plastic hangers that will support the shoulders of coats.

Add Hooks or Hanging Racks

Hooks or a hanging hat rack can be added inside your closet on the walls, on the door, or even outside the closet on the wall. Use it to keep scarves, belts, and hats organized and within easy reach.

Take Advantage of Vertical Space

You can add small baskets on the walls or inside the door to hold gloves, purses, or earmuffs. If you can’t drill into the walls or door, find an over-the-door organizer to keep things sorted and off of the floor.

Use Clear Storage Bins

While wicker baskets and color-coordinated boxes look lovely, they make it difficult to see what’s inside. Clear storage bins make it easy for everyone to see what they need to grab.

For delicate wool and knit pieces that are best stored in breathable fabric bins rather than plastic ones, add labels for easier organization.

Take Advantage of Floor Space

Rather than using the floor of a closet as a dumping ground, add storage bins, a short storage unit with drawers, or a shoe rack. You can label a basket or bin by type of item or in a shared closet for each family member for easier sorting.

Keep boots upright and orderly by using boot trees, cardboard tubes, or even a short length of PVC pipe.