The highlight of my bedroom’s dual gender closets is their ability to close, effectively concealing the chaos inside. Imagine someone walking in on my room; they’d be shocked, particularly when they compare it to the rest of the house’s pristine condition. Despite having most standard organization methods in place, such as slim hangers and fabric bins, I’ve struggled to maintain order in our closets.
In a bid to break this pattern, I sought assistance from professional organizer Laura Ellis, CEO of Los Angeles-based Organized by Ellis. It turns out that not all storage solutions are equally effective, and what I really needed were closet improvements that were both cost-effective and practical for the space.
Each of Ellis’ 13 storage and organization picks is designed to maximize space and transform your closet into a chic boutique without the need for a custom build. Most importantly, these clever tips will safeguard your wardrobe from pests like moths and mold, extending the life of your garments and accessories.
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)
To start, if you’re storing cashmere on hangers or out in the open, stop right there. According to Ellis, cashmere requires a specific storage solution, and this two-pack, including a 15-inch and an 18-inch bag, is the ideal way to protect and preserve your cashmere sweaters.
“Keep your cashmere safe all year round in these 100% cotton luxury sweater bags,” Ellis advises. “They are spacious enough for even the bulkiest knits, and the clear front panel allows you to easily see the garments inside. Storing out-of-season sweaters or any type of clothing in these breathable containers shields them from dust and damage, ensuring protection and preservation for years to come.”
For more delicate fabrics, these StorageWorks bins offer a sturdy metal frame yet are crafted from a soft, linen-like material that won’t harm your clothing.
“Store scarves, bathing suits, or folded tees in these stylish fabric baskets. Baskets serve as a shelf drawer, providing a smart storage solution for closets with limited space,” Ellis suggests. She also recommends using this $17 eight-pack of clips for clear labeling. “The basket/bin clip combination is the perfect match for an effortlessly tidy closet.”
Drawer dividers, like those made from bamboo, are often seen in kitchen drawers but are equally beneficial for every drawer, not just those in the kitchen.
“These spring-loaded dividers are a game-changer in any closet drawer,” Ellis explains. “They transform disorganized sock piles into neat rows, keeping even tangled bathing suits and T-shirts in place. They’re gentle on finishes and can be adjusted in seconds to fit any drawer in your closet.” Ellis adds that they are “reusable and durable” and “a smart, long-term upgrade.”
Whether you’re of petite stature or have towering shelves in your closet, this 10-foot ladder is an essential tool. Currently, I have a small step ladder in my closet that helps me reach the top shelves, but it’s still not ideal. I needed this ladder yesterday.
Ellis describes this four-step ladder as “an often overlooked but must-have item in any closet with high shelves.” She adds, “We love it because it is visually appealing and allows you to safely access those hard-to-reach items stored on top shelves. The wide, nonslip steps ensure stability as you reach for those fall sweaters. The best part is that it sits flat against the wall and is aesthetically pleasing.”
Ellis and I both appreciate hidden storage solutions, and this mirror doubles as an extra space for your jewelry.
“Store necklaces, rings, bracelets, and other accessories discreetly,” Ellis says. “Mount it on the wall or hang it over the door to save space in your closet and create the perfect setup for styling your outfits.” It’s one of Ellis’ best tips for keeping your jewelry accessible and more likely to be worn.
This four-compartment acrylic organizer is not just for the office; it’s also great for storing accessories in your closet.
“This organizer is perfect for storing clutches and small purses in your closet,” Ellis shares. “It keeps the clutches upright and easy to retrieve at the end of a night out, and the clear bottom drawer serves as a catch-all for miscellaneous accessories. The clear color lets you easily see what you have and which purse will complete your look.”
This $25 organizer keeps up to six belts visible and easily accessible, ensuring you’ll wear them more often. “No more tangled messes or forgotten favorites,” Ellis explains. This organizer allows you to “store your belts like in a boutique” and keeps them “accessible and easy to use,” plus, “you’ll wear what you own, and your closet will feel elevated,” too.
To avoid unnecessary wrinkles and make it easier to find and wear the clothes you want, installing a rod is a must. It extends to hold outfits you plan to wear or those that have just been cleaned, keeping dresses, blouses, and suits neatly visible and wrinkle-free, saving you from the hassle of re-ironing.
This adjustable hanging rod “instantly doubles the hanging space” and is “easy to assemble,” making it especially useful in kids’ rooms, where it gives them the independence to dress themselves. With twice the hanging space, there will be “no more struggling to reach hangers or squeezing hangers on crowded rods.” This simple upgrade provides your closet with much-needed breathing room.
If you store important documents like birth certificates and social security cards in your closet, whether it’s your bedroom, office, or elsewhere, a fireproof document bag is a wise choice you won’t regret.
“We consider this the essential item that no one thinks about but 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 offers peace of mind. It’s simple to set up and maintain. Your emergency prep is solved.”
For all the miscellaneous items that don’t fit neatly into your closet, a vanity drawer is a simple solution, but Ellis offers a more sophisticated approach.
“We think of a caddy as a mini cart that you can stash anywhere,” Ellis says. “It’s our go-to for disorganized items like makeup, fashion emergency items, or garment care. Divided sections keep dress tape, safety pins, and lint rollers organized and ready to use. 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.”
In a similar vein, Ellis also recommends using a utility cart if you have the space.
Ellis describes carts as “the unsung heroes of organization” due to their versatility. “They create vertical storage where there is none and roll away when you’re done,” she shares and suggests using the cart to “store accessories or garment care items like a steamer, lint brush, or sewing kit.”
Lastly, while a steamer may not be the first thing that comes to mind as an organization product, it’s essential if you want to keep your clothes wrinkle-free. Keep this compact yet powerful steam vacuum nearby, and your clothes will always look and feel as if they’ve just been pressed.
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 traditional, hard-to-handle models. The lightweight, super easy-to-use design allows you to pack it in your suitcase for a wrinkle-free, freshly pressed travel experience.”
