13 Professional Organizer-Approved Hacks for Managing Closet Clutter—and Keeping It Tidy 24/7

The best thing about my bedroom’s his and hers closets is that the doors shut—hiding the absolute disaster within. Seriously, if anyone were to ever come into my room, they would be appalled, especially in comparison to what the rest of the house looks like. I have most of the common organizing solutions in place, like slim hangers and fabric storage bins, but still couldn’t figure out why our closets were becoming a mess. 

Desperate to break the cycle, I reached out to professional organizer Laura Ellis, CEO of Los Angeles-based Organized by Ellis, for help. As it turns out, not all storage solutions are created equal, and what I really needed were closet upgrades that actually pay off and make sense for the space.

Each one of Ellis’ 13 storage and organization picks help maximize space and will transform your closet into a boutique look without the price of a custom build. Most importantly, these hacks will protect your wardrobe against unwanted elements like moths and mold to extend the life span of your clothes and accessories.

Organizer-Approved Closet Storage Solutions

• Hayden Hill Luxury Cotton Sweater Storage Bags, $47 (was $52)
• StorageWorks Storage Bins, $25 (was $31)
• Utoplike 4-Piece Bamboo Drawer Dividers, $28 (was $33)
• Woa Woa 4-Step 10-Foot Ladder, $99
• Songmics Mirror Jewelry Organizer, $110 (was $140)
• HeZone Acrylic Organizer, $57 (was $60)
• Kdsksc Acrylic Belt Organizer, $25 (was $27)
• BaiNong 12-Inch Valet Rod, $23
• Simple Houseware Adjustable Closet Hanging Rod, $19 (was $20)

Hayden Hill Luxury Cotton Sweater Storage Bags

First thing’s first, if you’re storing cashmere out in the open or from hangers, stop. Do not pass go. According to Ellis, cashmere deserves its own storage solution and this two-pack, which includes one 15-inch and one 18-inch bag, is the perfect sweater saver that will protect and prolong the life of your cashmere.

“Keep your cashmere protected all season long in these 100% cotton luxury sweater bags,” Ellis says. “[They’re] spacious enough to hold even the chunkiest knits, and they have a transparent panel on the front, so you can easily see the garments inside. Storing out-of-season sweaters or any type of clothing in these breathable cubes shields them from dust and damage, ensuring protection and preservation, protecting your closet investment for years to come.”

StorageWorks Storage Bins

For smaller, less delicate fabrics, these StorageWorks bins have a metal frame that keeps them structured but are made from soft linen-esque material that won’t damage your clothing.

“Keep scarves, bathing suits, or file-folded tees in these smart-looking fabric baskets. Baskets act like a drawer on a shelf, offering a smart solution for closets short on storage space.” Ellis also recommends pairing these $17 eight-pack of clips for “clear, easy labeling.” She adds, “The basket/bin clip combo is the perfect pairing to an effortlessly tidy closet.”

Utoplike 4-Piece Bamboo Drawer Dividers

Maybe you’ve seen bamboo dividers before or even used them in kitchen or pantry drawers to divvy up the space. But according to Ellis, drawer dividers are for every drawer—not just the kitchen.

“These spring-loaded dividers are a game changer in any closet drawer,” Ellis says. “They turn chaotic sock salads into tidy lanes, so even tangled-up bathing suits, leggings, and T-shirts stay put. They’re gentle on finishes and easily adjust in seconds to fit in any drawer in your closet.” Ellis adds that they’re “reusable and durable” and “a smart, long-term upgrade.”

Woa Woa 4-Step 10-Foot Ladder

Whether you’re petite or have super-high shelves in your closet, this 10-foot ladder is a must. Right now, I keep a tiny step ladder in my closet that adds a little extra height when I’m folding and putting away clothes, but I still have to lightly throw sweatshirts with a little oomph so they reach the top shelves. I needed this step ladder like yesterday.

Ellis calls this four-step ladder “an often overlooked but must-have item in any closet with a bit of height.” She adds, “We love it because it is easy on the eye and allows you to safely access those hard-to-reach and out-of-season items stored on top shelves. It has wide, nonslip steps to keep you stable as you reach for those fall sweaters. The best part is that [the ladder sits] flat against the wall and [is] aesthetically pleasing.”

Songmics Mirror Jewelry Organizer

Ellis loves a hidden-storage moment as much as I do, and this mirror also moonlights as extra storage space for your jewelry.

“Discreetly store necklaces, rings, bracelets, and other accessories,” Ellis says. “Mount it on the wall or hang it over the door, saving you space in your closet and creating the perfect set up to style your outfits.” It’s one of Ellis’ best hacks for keeping your jewelry accessible, that way you’ll remember to wear it more often. “When you can see all your jewelry and accessories in one place it is more likely that you will wear and enjoy those pieces,” Ellis adds.

HeZone Acrylic Organizer

This four-compartment acrylic organizer isn’t just for the office. Sure, it’s designed to visibly display files, but for the same reasons, it’s super helpful for storing accessories in your closet.

“This [organizer] works beautifully to store clutches and small purses in your closet. It keeps the clutches standing up [and] easy to take out and put back in its slot at the end of a night on the town,” Ellis shares. It also features a transparent bottom drawer that you can use as a catch-all for miscellaneous accessories. “Use the drawer underneath to store purse accessories and straps. The clear color lets you easily see what you have and which purse will complete your look.” 

Kdsksc Acrylic Belt Organizer

This $25 hack keeps up to six belts visible and easily within your grasp, so you’ll see them every day and actually wear them, too. “No more tangled jumbles or forgotten favorites,” Ellis shares. This organizer allows you to “store your belts like your own boutique” and perfectly “sits in a drawer or on a shelf to keep your belts accessible.” Ellis adds, “Each one has its own slot, so they remain visible [and] easy to use,” plus, “you’ll wear what you own and your closet will feel elevated,” too.

BaiNong 12-Inch Valet Rod

Stop creating unnecessary wrinkles and miss the clothes you actually want to find and wear by installing a rod. “[It] extends to hold outfits you’re planning to wear or ones that have returned from the dry cleaner. Instead of piling clothes on the chair or the floor, dresses, blouses and suits stay neatly visible, and wrinkle free, saving you from unnecessary re-ironing.” Needless to say, this is a closet must-have.

Simple Houseware Adjustable Closet Hanging Rod

One word: genius. This adjustable hanging rod “instantly double[s] the hanging space” and is “easy to assemble,” too. Ellis explains, “Its sturdy design makes it especially useful in kids’ rooms, giving them the independence to get dressed on their own.” With two times the hanging space, there will be “no more struggling to reach hangers or squeezing hangers on jam-packed rods.” With it installed, “clothes stay visible and accessible—a simple upgrade to give your closet much needed breathing room.”

Engpow Fireproof Document Bag

If you store important documents like birth certificates and social security cards in a closet—whether that’s in your bedroom, office, or otherwise—this fireproof document bag is a smart decision you won’t regret.

“We call this the essential no one thinks about and everyone needs,” Ellis advises. “This fire-resistant document bag keeps passports, titles, insurance papers, and backup drives together in one grab-and-go place in your closet. It zips closed, tucks into a safe or file drawer, and the handle delivers real peace of mind. It’s simple to set up and easy to maintain. Your emergency prep—solved.”

mDesign Plastic Craft Storage Caddy

And if you’re wondering where all the miscellaneous, tangentially-related closet stuff goes, mine gets stuffed into a vanity drawer, but Ellis’ professional suggestion is, obviously, much better.

“We think of a caddy as a mini cart you can stash anywhere. It’s our go-to for messy categories like makeup, fashion emergency items, or garment care,” Ellis says. “Divided sections keep dress tape, safety pins, and lint rollers sorted and ready to grab-and-go. The sturdy handle makes it easy to carry to the dresser and just as easy to put away. [It’s] the key to staying organized.”

Max Houser 3-Tier Rolling Utility Cart

In the same vein as the closet caddy, Ellis also recommends using a utility cart if you have the room. 

Ellis describes carts as “the unsung heroes of organization,” because of how versatile they are.  “It creates vertical storage where there is none and rolls away when you’re done,” she shares and also suggests using the cart to “store accessories or garment care items like a steamer, lint brush or sewing kit.” 

Neakasa Magic Vacuum Steamer

Lastly, you may not think of a steamer as an organization product, but what use is it putting so much effort into organizing and tidying if your clothes are constantly wrinkled? Keep this tiny-but-mighty steam vac nearby, and your clothes will look and feel fresh out of the laundromat all the time. 

According to Ellis, “The gentle suction creates light tension to keep the fabric in place as you remove wrinkles. It’s what sets this steamer apart from the traditional, hard-to-handle steamers. The lightweight, super easy to use design allows you to pop it in your suitcase to travel wrinkle-free and freshly pressed.”