A deep closet can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it offers a wealth of storage space. On the other hand, without proper organization, it can quickly become a black hole where items disappear, never to be seen again. Deep closets, whether they’re part of a walk-in closet, linen storage, or even a pantry, require thoughtful planning to make the most of the space.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through strategies, tips, and tricks to help you organize a deep closet efficiently. From optimizing vertical space to smart storage solutions, you’ll learn how to transform your deep closet into a well-organized, accessible, and functional space.
Why Organizing a Deep Closet Is Challenging
Deep closets present unique challenges compared to standard closets. The extra depth often leads to items being shoved to the back, creating cluttered and hard-to-reach areas. Here are a few common issues with deep closets:
- Hard-to-Reach Areas: Items at the back are often forgotten or inaccessible without pulling out everything in front of them.
- Underutilized Vertical Space: Tall closets often have unused space above or below where items could be stored more efficiently.
- Lack of Visibility: When items are stacked deep into the closet, it's hard to see what's there, leading to lost items and duplicated purchases.
- Clutter Build-up: Without an organization system, a deep closet can quickly become cluttered with random items that pile up.
Fortunately, with the right approach, you can tackle these issues and turn your deep closet into an organized haven.
Step 1: Declutter and Assess Your Items
Before jumping into the reorganization process, the first step is to declutter and take inventory of what’s in your closet. Deep closets tend to accumulate a wide range of items, many of which you may no longer need or use.
Sort Through Everything
Pull everything out of the closet and sort your items into three categories:
- Keep: Items you use frequently or need to store.
- Donate/Sell: Items that are in good condition but no longer serve a purpose for you.
- Trash: Broken, outdated, or damaged items that can’t be reused.
Decluttering helps eliminate unnecessary items, making it easier to organize what’s left. As you go through this process, think about how often you use each item and whether it really belongs in the closet. For instance, seasonal items, rarely used belongings, or duplicates may need to be relocated or donated.
Take Measurements
Once the closet is empty, take measurements of the space. Knowing the dimensions of your closet will help you determine the right storage solutions, shelving, or bins that will fit properly. Measure the depth, width, and height to make the most of every inch.
Step 2: Use Vertical Space Effectively
One of the most overlooked aspects of deep closet organization is vertical space. Deep closets typically have a lot of height, and utilizing this space can help keep things organized and accessible.
Install Adjustable Shelves
Shelves are a game-changer for deep closets, especially if they’re adjustable. Install shelving units that span the depth of the closet but are customizable in terms of height. Adjustable shelves allow you to change their positions to accommodate different items, whether it’s tall boots, storage bins, or folded clothes.
If your closet already has fixed shelving, consider adding additional shelves in between, maximizing the vertical space. For example, if there’s a large gap between two shelves, install a smaller one in between for shoes, accessories, or smaller boxes.
Add Hooks and Pegs
Hooks and pegs are perfect for using vertical wall space in deep closets. You can attach them to the sides or back walls to hang items such as:
- Handbags or backpacks
- Scarves and belts
- Jewelry or hats
- Small baskets for accessories
By utilizing vertical space with hooks, you free up shelves and floors for bulkier items.
Use Hanging Organizers
Hanging organizers that attach to a closet rod are excellent for storing shoes, bags, or folded clothes. They add multiple levels of storage, which can be used for anything from towels to sweaters. Additionally, over-the-door organizers can be attached to closet doors to store smaller items, like accessories or shoes, using space that would otherwise be wasted.
Step 3: Keep Frequently Used Items at the Front
Deep closets are notorious for swallowing up items that are rarely used. To prevent this, make sure that frequently used items are kept in the most accessible parts of the closet, ideally near the front.
Use Clear Bins or Baskets
Clear storage bins or baskets are a great way to keep items visible and easy to access. For frequently used items such as everyday shoes, outerwear, or linens, use bins that you can quickly pull in and out. Clear containers make it easy to see what’s inside without having to dig through piles or labels.
Create "Zones" for Different Purposes
One of the best ways to stay organized is to create designated zones within your closet for specific items. For example, if you’re organizing a clothing closet, create zones for:
- Daily Wear: Keep your go-to outfits near the front for quick access.
- Seasonal Clothing: Store out-of-season items like winter coats or swimsuits toward the back or on higher shelves.
- Accessories: Use small bins, baskets, or drawer inserts for organizing accessories like belts, scarves, or jewelry.
By designating zones, you’ll know exactly where everything belongs and can easily find what you need without rifling through everything.
Step 4: Invest in Sliding Drawers or Bins
Sliding drawers or pull-out bins are incredibly useful for deep closets, especially for items stored in the back. Instead of having to reach into the depths of your closet, these bins slide out, giving you easy access to the contents.
Install Sliding Bins on Lower Shelves
Lower shelves are often where items get buried. By installing pull-out bins or drawers, you can prevent items from becoming lost in the back of the closet. Use sliding bins for shoes, folded clothes, or miscellaneous items that tend to create clutter.
Add Wire or Plastic Baskets
Wire or plastic baskets that pull out like drawers are perfect for storing bulky items, such as blankets, bags, or sporting equipment. You can stack these baskets vertically to maximize the use of your closet’s height. Since they’re pull-out, you won’t have to pull everything off the shelf to get to what’s in the back.
Step 5: Utilize the Back of the Closet Door
The back of the closet door is often an underutilized space. However, with a few clever accessories, it can provide additional storage.
Over-the-Door Organizers
Over-the-door organizers come in various designs, from clear plastic pouches to metal racks. These are excellent for storing small items like shoes, scarves, or toiletries. If you’re using your deep closet as a linen or pantry closet, over-the-door organizers are perfect for cleaning supplies, towels, or extra toiletries.
Towel or Coat Racks
Another option for utilizing the back of the door is installing a towel rack or coat rack. These can be used for hanging larger items like coats, towels, or bags, making them easy to access when you need them.
Step 6: Group Similar Items Together
Keeping similar items grouped together is one of the best ways to stay organized and maintain your closet's neatness over time.
Categorize by Type
For clothing, categorize items by type, such as:
- Tops: Store all your shirts, blouses, and sweaters in one section.
- Pants and Skirts: Keep trousers, jeans, and skirts grouped together.
- Outerwear: Jackets, coats, and blazers should have their own designated section.
This method also works for non-clothing items in deep closets. For example, in a linen closet, group all towels, bedding, and extra pillows together in their respective sections.
Store Items in Labeled Bins
Labeled bins help keep grouped items together and organized. Whether you’re storing shoes, seasonal items, or accessories, labeled bins make it easy to know what’s inside without opening each one. Labels also help everyone in the household know where things belong, maintaining order in the long run.
Step 7: Rotate Seasonal Items
Since deep closets tend to have space in the back or higher up, use these areas for items that are not in season. Keep out-of-season clothing, shoes, or bedding in the back, and rotate them as the seasons change. This will ensure that the items you’re using regularly are always easily accessible.
Store Seasonal Items in Bins or Vacuum Bags
Store out-of-season items in labeled bins or vacuum-sealed bags to save space. Vacuum bags are especially useful for bulky winter items like coats or blankets, compressing them to take up less space. Once packed, these items can be stored on the top shelves or in the back of the closet.
Step 8: Maintain Your Closet Organization
Finally, maintaining your deep closet’s organization is key to keeping it functional over time. Once everything has its place, commit to returning items to their designated spots after use. Every few months, revisit your closet, declutter items you no longer need, and refresh your organizational system.
Regularly Assess Your Closet
Closet needs change over time. Regularly assessing what’s in your closet and adjusting your storage system as needed will help keep things organized and functional. For example, as the seasons change, rotate items from the back of the closet to the front and vice versa.
Keep Up with Decluttering
Make it a habit to declutter your closet every season. If something hasn’t been used in the past few months, consider donating or repurposing it to prevent clutter from building up.
Conclusion
Organizing a deep closet can be a challenging but rewarding task. By decluttering, utilizing vertical space, grouping similar items, and making use of sliding bins, you can transform your deep closet into an organized, efficient, and accessible storage space. With these practical strategies, you’ll make the most of every inch of your closet, ensuring that everything is easy to find and neatly stored. Keep up with regular maintenance, and your deep closet will stay functional for years to come.
