Are there even any coats in there?

Keeping the area organized makes morning and evening routines easier for every member of the family.

Rotate clothing based on seasons to keep the closet functional and not overstuffed.

Coat closet organized with bag hooks, wire shelves and shoe bench

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Consider donating coats or accessories to clear up space if they are rarely used.

Use the Right Hangers

Invest in some sturdy hangers forheavy coats.

This will keep them from falling to the floor.

Materials and tools to organize a coat closet

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Wooden cedar hangers are an excellent choice for woolen items.

Include a few skirt hangers.

The clips are great for holdinggloves or scarves.

Coat closet filled with coats and jackets

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Ben Soreff, a professional organizer withH2H Organizing, also recommends using slim velvet hangers to maximize closet space.

“These slim hangers really do save you a ton of space in your closet,” Soreff says.

Organize the Upper Shelf

Almost all coat closets have at least one upper shelf.

White plastic bag with clothes and umbrella sticking out in front of closet

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

This is the perfect spot for baskets or plastic tubsdon’t forget to add labelsfor additional storage.

Look up in the closet.

There may be room to add another coat closet shelf above the one already in place.

Sturdy wooden hanging with brown coat closeup

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Wire shelving is simple to install and very practical.

Install Built-In Storage

Permanent storage solutions can be used tomaximize space in a small closet.

Consider installing a built-in storage system that offers upper shelves and a clothing rod.

Coat closet door with hooks to hang crossbody bags and umbrella

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Opt for a system that includes shelving and drawers underneath the clothing rod.

This works great to maximize hanging room for coats, light jackets, sweaters, and more.

This will allow you to hang two levels of coats with extra storage space below them.

Wooden bench with shoes and basket in coat closet floor

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Use simple shower hooks attached to the basket’s handle for an easy, removable option.

Adding a basket specifically for mail can keep important papers organized without them cluttering your home’s living areas.

Clear storage binsmake it extra easy to see everything inside without taking items out.

Upper shelf of coat closet placed with decorative baskets to store seasonal items

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

This works best in deep closets with enough room to walk on one side.

Add small hanging cubbies on one side wall before the clothing rod to store accessories and other small items.

“Cramming everything inwill lead to unhappiness.”

Wire hanging shelves hooked underneath upper shelf to store extra items in coat closet

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Here, you canstore seasonal clotheslike scarves and hats during warm weather.

In the winter, this space can hold your favorite swimsuits and summer hats for a year-round storage solution.

However, you might still set up the entire closet with zones.

Coat closet emptied with umbrellas, shoes and other clothing items before organizing

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Separate other zones by placing shoes together, along with dedicating specific places for accessories and miscellaneous items.

Instead of focusing on outerwear, look to the floor.

Here, you canadd cubbies(either built-in or store-bought) to separate items for easy access.

Laundry basket filled with toys, sports equipment and other items to be removed

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Thankfully, there’s an easy way to store them functionally in your coat closet.

“It gives everyone their own little spot and makes it easier to keep track of personal items.”

Items stored in the closet during summer activities won’t always be suitable for cold, winter days.

Closet contents sorted into plastic bag, boxes and basket to keep or donate

The Spruce / Sarah Lee