Why Is It A Mess?

Your closet didn’t get messy out of nowhere. Maybe you’ve been too busy to fold laundry, or maybe you forgot to clear space. It’s packed, disorganized, and somehow still missing the one shirt you need. So, first, here are ten reasons your closet might be in chaos—some you’ve noticed and a few that might surprise you.

1. Outgrown Clothes Take Over

Over time, your body changes, and so should your wardrobe. However, many individuals hold onto clothes that no longer fit out of hope that they’ll eventually fit again. The longer these outgrown clothes stay in your closet, the more they contribute to a sense of disarray.

2. Lack Of Organization Systems

When clothes are just randomly thrown together, finding anything becomes an exhausting task. A haphazard storage also leads to piles of clothing. As time passes, this lack of planning creates an environment where clothing is continuously thrown in.

3. Sentimental Attachment To Clothes

Clothing items tied to memories or important life moments can be hard to part with, even if they no longer serve a practical purpose. Old concert t-shirts or dresses from significant events fill up your closet, leaving little room for the things you actually wear.

4. Impulse Shopping Leads To Overcrowding

Impulse shopping can seem harmless, especially when an item is on sale or you’re in need of a quick wardrobe update. But the reality is that many of these purchases often end up being stuffed in the back of your closet.

5. Failure To Declutter Regularly

Many people view decluttering as a one-time event, not an ongoing necessity. When decluttering doesn’t happen frequently, things accumulate quickly. And so, things that are simply no longer in style contribute to the overwhelming clutter.

6. Using Improper Hangers

The types of hangers you use in your closet also have a big impact on the overall organization. Improper hangers that are too small, too large, or flimsy, can cause clothes to get wrinkled or damaged. When your clothes aren't properly hung, they can make the closet feel even more disorganized.

7. Limited Closet Space

Closets that simply don’t have enough space for the amount of clothing they hold are bound to be messy. Even the most organized person can struggle with maintaining order in a cramped closet. Lack of closet space also forces you to make decisions about what stays and what goes.

8. Clothes Folded Incorrectly

If you fold garments poorly—too tight or not neatly stacked—they tend to lose their shape, which creates an uneven and chaotic pile. This not only wastes closet space but also causes frustration when you're trying to find a specific item.

9. You Don’t Have Enough Drawers

Small accessories like scarves, belts, and hats often end up in piles, further complicating closet organization. With no dedicated drawers, these smaller pieces get lost in the shuffle and usually get shoved into corners.

10. You Have No “Donation” Box

You may tell yourself you'll donate those old shirts or pants eventually, but without a “donation” box or bag, they stay with you. These items slowly take over available closet space. Once the pile grows too big to ignore, it adds an overwhelming sense of clutter.

Now that you’ve seen what’s going wrong, let’s walk through ten ways to bring order, space, and sanity back into your wardrobe.

1. Sort By Clothing Type

Organize garments into categories such as shirts, pants, dresses, and outerwear. By grouping items together, you can easily assess what you have and reduce the clutter. This method also allows you to evaluate your wardrobe at a glance.

2. Use Uniform Hangers

Choose one type of hanger to create a streamlined look throughout your wardrobe. For instance, slim, velvet-coated hangers are a popular choice because they help conserve space in the closet and keep clothes securely in place.

3. Implement A Color-Coding System

Organize your closet by grouping clothes by color. Start with one section, like shirts, and arrange them from lightest to darkest. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can spot a specific item, and it also adds an organized aesthetic to your space.

4. Create A Seasonal Wardrobe Rotation

As seasons change, take out clothes that are no longer in use and store them in bins or on high shelves. For example, keep your coats and boots in plastic bins or vacuum-seal bags. Also, label each container with the season and contents.

5. Use Drawer Dividers For Smaller Items

Measure your drawer space and choose dividers that fit perfectly. Place them inside the drawer to create sections for different items. With everything in its place, you’ll no longer have to dig through piles to find that one missing sock or favorite scarf.

6. Maximize Vertical Space With Shelf Units

Make use of the vertical space in your closet by adding shelves. Install adjustable shelves on the closet wall or buy a freestanding shelf unit to store folded sweaters or bags. Keep heavy things on the lower shelves for easier access, and lighter items higher up.

7. Opt For Drawer Storage For Shoes

Instead of piling shoes in a corner or on a shelf, use drawers to store them. Choose shallow, pull-out drawers that can accommodate different types of shoes. Bonus: When your shoes are neatly stored in drawers, they stay away from dust.

8. Install Hooks Or Pegboards

Install hooks or a pegboard on the inside of your closet door or wall. Use these hooks to hang belts, scarves, hats, and bags. Arrange them so you can see each accessory clearly. Hooks also ensure you can grab them on the go without digging through drawers.

9. Use Storage Bins

The KonMari folding method involves folding clothes into neat rectangles and standing them upright in drawers. This technique helps maintain an organized and visually appealing closet, allowing you to easily see your entire wardrobe without rummaging through piles.

10. Use Adjustable Hanging Rods

Install adjustable hanging rods in your closet to optimize space for various clothing lengths. By adding a second rod below your main one, you can hang shorter items like shirts or pants while leaving the upper rod for longer items.