Easy Closet Organisation Tricks to Streamline Your Space

When closet organization is out of control, your mornings are too. Piles of clothes, missing pieces, and the constant feeling of “nothing to wear”—sound familiar? The truth is, most closets aren’t short on space. They’re short on systems.

At Ottawa Custom Closet Solutions, we’ve seen first-hand how the right organisation techniques can make any space feel calmer, more efficient, and more functional. Below, we’re sharing proven tricks—from budget-friendly fixes to layout principles that last—so you can take back control of your wardrobe.

Declutter With Purpose, Not Guilt

Before any real organising can begin, it starts with one thing: less.

Instead of shuffling clothes around or adding more hangers, take everything out and go piece by piece. Ask yourself:

• When was the last time I wore this? 
• Does it still fit my style and needs? 
• Would I buy it again today? 

Be ruthless, and don’t overthink it. Set aside a bin or bag for donations. You’ll not only make room—you’ll rediscover pieces you forgot you loved.

Tip: Add a donation basket right inside your closet for quick decluttering throughout the year.

Group by Type, Then by Colour

Once you’ve narrowed your wardrobe down to what you actually wear, start sorting in a way that makes sense.

• Group clothes by type first: jeans, sweaters, jackets, dresses, tops. 
• Then colour-code within each section from light to dark. 

This small step can shave minutes off your daily routine. Instead of scanning your entire wardrobe, you’ll go straight to what you need.

If your current closet layout makes this difficult, consider one of our custom reach-in closet designs to maximise hanging space and visibility.

Use Acrylic Shelf Dividers to Keep Stacks Upright

Open shelves can easily become catch-alls for messy piles. The fix? Clear acrylic shelf dividers.

They create clean zones between your sweaters, joggers, or jeans—so nothing topples over and you can keep things folded neatly.

These are ideal if you’re short on drawer space or prefer folding certain items instead of hanging them.

Looking to upgrade open shelving? Our walk-in closet options offer plenty of space to incorporate built-in shelf zones with dividers included.

Rethink Shoe Storage Beyond the Floor

Shoes tend to multiply fast—and take up way more space than they should. A few smart additions can fix this without needing to toss half your collection:

• Use stackable shoe organizers to keep pairs together vertically. 
• Install a back-of-door metal rack to hold sneakers or flats. 
• Store seasonal or special-occasion shoes in clear ventilated bins up high. 

Shoe clutter is one of the biggest complaints we hear from clients. Our closet accessories include built-in racks and slide-out trays to keep footwear tidy and accessible.

Store Socks and Small Items in Clear, Labelled Bins

Drawers full of mismatched socks, tights, or accessories? Switch to labelled acrylic or plastic bins or leather dividers.

• Separate daily-use socks from specialty or seasonal pairs. 
• Use smaller containers to hold belts, gloves, or hair items. 
• Label bins clearly—especially if you share the space with a partner or kids. 

This method keeps little items from becoming big headaches.

Ditch the Open Drawers—Switch to a Closed Cabinet

Open shelving looks organised for about five minutes—until clutter takes over. A closed-door cabinet gives you the flexibility to store what you need, without having it on display.

Look for features like:

• Slim profile with drawers and interior shelving 
• A combination of tall and shallow compartments for better sorting 

Our team can help design custom storage that fits even in tight areas like entry closets, ensuite corners, or sloped ceilings. Check out our built-in wardrobe options for inspiration.

Create a Jewelry Station That Works for You

Jewelry can quickly turn into tangled chaos. Wall-mounted jewelry armoires are great for necklaces and bracelets—but not always practical for studs, rings, or hoops.

Combine wall storage with acrylic drawer inserts to get the best of both:

• Felt-lined compartments prevent scratches 
• Pull-out drawers let you see everything at once 
• Keep your most-used pieces up top for quick access 

Still not finding what works? Ask us about incorporating jewelry drawers with velvet dividers in your custom closet design.

Use Specialty Hangers and Hooks to Save Space

The hanger you use matters. Swap bulky mismatched ones for slimline velvet hangers—they grip slippery items and save space.

Also consider:

• S-hooks for shower caps, belts, or frequently used accessories 
• Connector clips to hang top-and-bottom sets together 
• Tank top hangers that hold multiple camisoles in one vertical line 
• Valet hooks for setting out next-day outfits 

These small tools create huge efficiency, especially when you’re tight on rod space.

Label and Rotate Infrequent Items

Rarely used items (like seasonal gear or travel essentials) should go up high and out of the way—but not out of mind.

• Use matching bins to avoid visual clutter 
• Add clip-on labels to each container 
• Store them on the top shelf or in deep wardrobe corners 

Things like winter scarves, backup toiletries, and travel gadgets are still accessible—just not in your face every day.

Our wardrobe systems make use of every square inch—including those forgotten upper shelves.

Tidy Your Purses, Hats, and Bags

Handbags and tote bags are bulky, awkward to store, and easy to forget. But with a few clever setups, they can stay visible and protected:

• Hang bags on gold knobs or hooks attached to closet sides 
• Stack small clutches in bins, separated by dividers 
• Use hanging hat hooks with adhesive for baseball caps or sun hats 

Avoid piling bags inside one another—they lose shape and become hard to find when you need them.

Ready for a Closet That Actually Works?

You don’t need more space. You need a smart system.

Our team at Ottawa Custom Closet Solutions designs and installs storage that reflects your real-life needs—whether it’s a small hallway closet or a full walk-in. From design to installation, we’ll help you turn “overflowing and chaotic” into “organised and effortless.”

📅 Book a free consultation today.

Let’s talk about what’s working, what’s not, and how we can build a closet that works better for you. Book your free consultation with Ottawa Custom Closet Solutions.