Yellow sofa with polka dot pillows, round marble table, and bookshelves filled with colorful books and decor items.
25 of the Smartest Storage Solutions We Saw This Year
From IKEA storage hacks, to floating shelves, to narrow cabinets, and more, you'll find storage solution inspiration in all of the ideas these renters and owners came up with for their homes.
Jan 12, 2021
This 4-Step Method is the Quickest Way to Clean and Declutter Any Closet
January Cure
When you don't have time for a full-on decluttering, "good enough" is enough.
Jan 12, 2021
Home Stagers Pick 6 Items That Will Upgrade Your Closet for Less Than $5
Try out one of these affordable closet staples.
Jan 10, 2021
This Stylish $25 Product Makes Me Smile Every Time I Open My Closet
I'd be lost without this pair!
Dec 18, 2020
4 Completely Free Things Home Stagers Do to Make Your Closet Look Nicer
You can lend the illusion of space without buying anything.
Dec 7, 2020
Before and After: This Closet's the Same Size, But Holds So Much More—for $600
"I wanted the space to look beautiful and be more functional," this DIYer says.
Oct 30, 2020
How Pro Organizers Store Shoes Without a Mudroom or Closet
If rogue shoes have you down, here's how pro organizers suggest keeping things tidy without a formal mudroom.
Oct 26, 2020
Before and After: A $110 Closet Makeover Filled with Smart, Renter-Friendly DIYs
From top to bottom, this closet's packed with clever fixes.
Oct 20, 2020
This 320-Square-Foot NYC Studio Is Stuffed With Smart & Organized Storage Ideas
Every inch of this studio apartment has been intentionally designed and maximized with DIY ideas and clever storage hacks.
Oct 15, 2020
Before and After: Just $125 Gave a Cramped Closet a Colorful New Life
This new closet puts the "fun" in "functional."
Oct 11, 2020
7 Designer-Approved Ways to Transform a Closet into a Multifunctional Space
If you have a closet to spare, these ideas will make it work harder for you.
Sep 14, 2020
These Soft Foam Cabinets are the Funkiest Storage Spaces We’ve Ever Seen
Designer Dewi van de Klomp aimed to utilize the whimsical material in a "poetic way."
Sep 6, 2020
5 Common Kitchen Space-Wasting Mistakes and How To Quickly Fix Them
Your kitchen is only so big, so if you’ve run out of storage room, it’s time to make the space work harder and be more efficient. It’s easy to miss potential, but look closely and you’ll find lots more opportunities to store essentials and clutter. Here are five ways we often get it wrong, and how you can quickly remedy your kitchen mistakes.
Jul 17, 2020
Real Life Closet Makeover: Aimée and Jonny’s Shared Catch-All Storage
Closet size: 25.3 square feet How many people use this closet? Two! My husband Jonny and I. How long have you lived in your home? 2 years Your closet in 5 words or less: jam-packed, chaotic, mysterious, lazy, hoarding Aimée and Jonny’s closet is a major multi-tasker. When they first moved into their current home, Jonny had the closet all to himself. A year later, Aimée started sharing it with him.
Jul 17, 2020
Real Life Closet Makeover: Katy’s Woefully Unkempt Walk-in
At first this closet was perfect. Then it slowly fell apart over the course of a couple of months.
Jul 17, 2020
Real Life Closet Makeover: Melanie & Steven’s Skinniest Closet in the World
Closet size: 4.125 ft² plus a garment rack How many people use this closet? 2 How long have you lived in your home? We moved into this apartment about 8 months ago. It’s gone smoothly for the most part, but I’m definitely messier than Steven. Your closet in 2 words: Cramped and cluttered Can Melanie and Steven’s closet even be called a closet?
Jul 17, 2020
A Real Life Chaotic Closet Gets a Makeover: Esteban & Todd’s Clutter Challenge
Closet size: 24 square feet How many people use this closet? Two. My partner Todd and I share the closet. How long have you lived in your home? Five years Your closet in 5 words or less: Small, narrow, chaotic, cluttered, disorderly. We moved into our Oakland apartment five years ago, and our bedroom closet has been a mess ever since. It’s not the amount of space that’s the problem, but how we use it.
Jul 17, 2020
Small Space Secrets: Swap Out Your Bookcases for Wall Mounted Shelving
When you’re living in a small space, every detail counts. But sometimes those little things — the things that elevate a place from not quite right to effortlessly chic — can be hard to identify. Our first bit of advice? Swap your freestanding bookshelves for wall-mounted shelving. It’s an approach that was recommended by Maxwell in his “Apartment Therapist” column for Better Homes & Gardens.
Jul 17, 2020
How to Do a Closet Inventory (And Why You Should)
Do you know what’s in your closet? Like, way in there? Do you ever find two or three of the (nearly or exactly) same clothing items because you didn’t realize you had already bought one? Do you not buy items you really like because you know you already have something — even though you don’t really love it? A closet inventory is more than just a cleverly disguised way to declutter your closet (though it is that, too).
Jul 16, 2020
Out of the Closet: How To Make a Rope Wrapped Hanging Clothes Bar
Tired of pulling my shirts, all wrinkled and creased, out of my over-stuffed closet, I decided to come out of the closet completely and create a hanging clothes bar in the corner of my bedroom. Say goodbye to these colorful (but useless) drawers-turned-shelves and hello to my new rope wrapped hanging clothes bar…This is actually a project I’ve had in mind for a couple of months.
Jul 15, 2020
20 Ways to Hack, Tweak, Repurpose & Reimagine IKEA’s Trofast
Think you’re clever using IKEA’s Trofast to round up all your kids’ toys, do ya? Well, okay, it is perfect for that, but that’s so Trofast 1.0. You’ve got to expaaaaand your miiiiind. Think outside the biiiiiin. Like these folks, who show that mere toy storage is just the tip of the Trofast iceberg. Check out these 20 ways to use the use the Trofast. Some are true hacks and reimaginings, others minor tweaks and adjustments. Not familiar with Trofast?
Jul 15, 2020
Fresh Start: Small Closet Updates that Make a Big Difference
It’s easy to close the door to your closet and forget about what’s in there…until the next time you get changed or put on your coat. Here are a few simple ideas for upgrading your closets’ style and organization so that each look and rummage inside is enjoyable.Go uniform. The easiest way to make your closet look more orderly is to use single-color multiples.
Jul 15, 2020
4 Places to Squeeze an Extra Closet into Your Rental, According to Home Stagers
Don't underestimate garment racks.
Jul 15, 2020
4 Ways to Make Sure Your Closet Isn’t Sending the Wrong Message to Buyers
You know that buyers will absolutely open your closet and cabinet doors during open houses, right?
Jul 12, 2020
Cut Your Wardrobe in Half by Asking Yourself These 3 Organizer-Approved Questions
Host of HGTV's new show “Hot Mess House” Cassandra Aarssen says this can help you get rid of half your closet clutter.
Jun 25, 2020
Before and After: A $250 DIY Closet Redo Looks Like a High-End Custom Design
The after is more functional and more beautiful, too.
Jun 16, 2020
The First 4 Things You Need to Do to Declutter Your Closet
The trick to a stress-free declutter? Break down the process and focus on just the first few things you have to do.
Jun 10, 2020
You Can Fake a Walk-In Closet With IKEA’s Bedroom Layout Trick
It doesn’t look like a traditional walk-in closet, of course, but it does block off space that you can now use for one thing in particular.
May 24, 2020
Notes You Need: Here’s a Closet Decluttering Checklist You Can Copy/Paste to Your Phone
Use your note to keep track of exactly how you should declutter your closet, and it will make all the difference in staying on top of clutter in a way that feels sustainable.
May 6, 2020
Of Course Reese Witherspoon’s House Has the Reading Nook of Your Dreams
She shared an amazing peek at what's probably the best part of her home.
May 4, 2020
Before and After: A $500 Closet Redo Packed with Smart Storage Ideas
Who doesn't love some spring cleaning inspo?
May 1, 2020
8 Closets That Became So Much More Than Just Storage
These are so unexpected.
Apr 21, 2020
Before and After: This “Awkward Corner” Laundry Closet Gets a $150 Organizational Overhaul
Five hours of work and $150 later, this fresh new laundry space was clean and organized, and most importantly, fit her needs.
Apr 14, 2020
Small Space Solutions: Compact & Smart Home Workstations
A clean, organized, and well-lit home work space is a must. And what better time to tackle this issue in your home than the fresh start of a new year! Many of us don’t have the luxury of a separate home office or studio, but that doesn’t mean we can’t create a healthy environment for working at home. Even if you don’t work from home, carving out a space for productivity is important and a smart way focus on specific tasks without distraction.
Mar 11, 2020
A Pro Organizer's Brooklyn Apartment Has Impeccably Neat Closets and Cabinets
Professional organizer Claire DeBoer shares this inspiringly tidy and organized Brooklyn home with her partner.
Jan 22, 2020
This Tidy Toronto Condo is Packed with Organizing Ideas You’ll Want to Steal
If you like labels, you're going to love getting to see inside this professional organizer's drawers, closets, and more.
Jan 10, 2020
This Genius $31 Shoe Storage Hack Takes Advantage of An Unused Spot in Your Closet
Since you probably own more pairs of shoes than, say, sweaters, it can be tricky to come up with strategies for storing them. Creative shoe storage like over-the-door or under-the-bed shoe organizers become even more important if you have limited storage space (or if you just have tons of shoes).
Jan 5, 2020
19 of the Smartest, Sexiest Storage Solutions We Saw in 2019
These are 19 of the best storage ideas from house tours this year.
Dec 17, 2019
Before and After: A Super Functional Closet Redo with a Tropical Twist
The only thing missing from this adorable closet redo is a daiquiri.
Dec 12, 2019
The 21 Most Clever Storage Hacks of All Time
You don't have to buy up the organizing aisle every time you run out of space.
Dec 2, 2019
4 Organization Ideas to Steal from Kacey Musgraves’ Closet
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves recently redid her master closet for her new Nashville home with the help of The Home Edit—right on time for the season change.
Oct 16, 2019
Before and After: The Happiest, Most Colorful Closet You've Ever Seen
See ya, '70s-style mirrored doors. Wallpaper and paint pair up to make this closet way more fun.
Oct 9, 2019
Make Your Closet Feel Way Bigger with These 5 Budget DIYs
Sometimes it's not about how much space you have, it's about how you use it. Max out your storage with one of these low-cost tricks—one of them is totally free!
Oct 5, 2019
Before and After: This $100 Storage Closet Makeover Comes with So Many Organization Lessons
This family's toy closet was better looking than many, but it definitely had some room for improvement.
Sep 23, 2019
Before and After: Here’s Proof That a Linen Closet Can Actually Look Stylish
The space needed function and organization, but now this well-organized linen closet is too pretty to be hidden behind closed doors.
Sep 6, 2019
This Obvious (But Genius!) Bed Sheet Storage Tip is the Free Alternative to a Linen Closet
And it works in virtually any space—big or small.
Aug 12, 2019
Meet the Cloffice: 8 Offices that Store Clothes, Too
Never underestimate the power of a well-accessorized home office.
Aug 5, 2019
This House Has Some of the Neatest Built-Ins We’ve Ever Seen
Name: Kevin Morin, my partner, David, and Nigel the golden retriever. Location: Strawberry Vale — Victoria, British Columbia, CanadaSize: 2,300 square feetYears lived in: 3 years, ownedBuilt-in furniture and storage—particularly when done beautifully—can maximize a home’s available space like nothing else can. And the built-ins found in this house are great inspiration, all crafted by Ali Alamolhoda of Alamo Finishing.
May 6, 2019
Battle for the Best: Closet System Shopping Experience
When it comes to making a closet as efficient as possible, the right shelving can make all the difference. The Container Store’s Elfa Shelving is a well-known system but Home Depot, Lowe’s and IKEA all offer similar options. On a recent Sunday afternoon I visited all four stores to shop for closet systems so I could compare the shopping experiences. THE CONTAINER STORE Overall Shopping Experience: I’ll admit from the start that I’m a bit crowd averse.
May 5, 2019
Before & After: Mumsy Bedroom Turned Chic Closet
47 Park Avenue Michael and Jonathan have SO MANY good rooms to share that it was hard to choose just one. You are highly encouraged to click on over to their website and see what else they are capable of, both at 47 Park AvenueShoot Factory Thanks so much you guys. Well worth the effort I say.
May 5, 2019
10 Alternatives to Plastic Storage Bins
If you live in a small space, you know that organization is key. We don’t all have the luxury of garages, attics and basements to hide all those plastic bins full of ‘stuff’ that seem to accumulate with life. Nope, we must cohabitate with the ‘stuff’ and stare at it every day. If it’s going to be out for everyone to see, it should look good and intentional in your space. Here are some stylish storage alternatives to keep you organized with style.
May 4, 2019
How To Deep Clean Your Closet
With the change of seasons comes a change of clothes. But before you head to the stores to buy something new, give your old wardrobe a fighting chance. Which means it’s time to put some waders on, dive in, and clean out your closet. I know it’s not high up there on your list of fun times, but it’s a necessary evil that must be done. Go forth young fashion pilgrim and make us proud. 1. Put on Some Music: This is no time for Adele.
May 4, 2019
No Storage, No Problem: Workarounds for Renters for Every Room
So, you just found that vintage apartment of your dreams: perfect millwork, cute tile, and a nifty fireplace. But the downside is that there’s no storage, just one tiny closet and nowhere to put all the stuff that you’re sure you’ll need. Don’t despair! Here are some renter-friendly solutions to work around that storage shortage. If you don’t have much storage space, you can take some tips from Tamar’s tiny kitchen.
May 4, 2019
Dorm Room Survival Ideas: How To Pack the Clothes You’ll Actually Wear at College (and Leave the Rest at Home)
That time is upon us! Back-to-school, off-to-college time. Which means that all across the country, a whole bunch of soon-to-be-freshman are staring at their wardrobe and wondering what on earth should I pack? Here are a few helpful tips for navigating the college closet quandary! Make a list of what you’ll need. Make a list of the clothes you’ll need for going to class, going out, lounging around, sleeping, and going to the gym.
May 4, 2019
5 Objects You Can Repurpose to Organize Your Closet Beautifully
Think you need an expensive bespoke solution to organize your closet? Think again. These five household objects can pull double-duty and wrangle tough-to-store jewelry and purses (at least while you save up for that Kardashian-style closet of your dreams). When stashed vertically in a magazine rack (or four), clutches and wallets take up virtually zero space. Plus, like the spines of magazines, you can still see and grab every single one.
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Turning a Walk-In Closet Into a Nursery
With a baby on the way, Anna and her husband had to decide how they were going to fit a little person in their San Francisco one bedroom. The walk-in closet held the solution. From Anna: We had no extra room for a baby. The only “room” we had was our walk-in closet so we decided to convert that to our nursery. Or what we so lovingly call, a “Closery.” It took us about 2 months to purge all of our stuff and find wardrobes to replace the clothes we were keeping.
May 4, 2019
My Capsule Wardrobe Experiment: Part Three – Lessons Learned, Tips & Takeaways
This is the final post in my mini-series on capsule wardrobes. If you’ve been following along, you’ve seen why I decided to give this a go and how I created my first capsule, and now it’s time for the results. Read on for my thoughts (warning: I’ve got a lot of ’em) on living with a 37-piece wardrobe for three months. First up: I really loved opening my closet every morning to see a small, edited collection of clothing that I really wanted to wear.
May 4, 2019
The Lazy Girl’s “Clueless” Closet: Keep An Outfit Album on Your Phone
If you were born between, say, 1975 and 1990, there’s no doubt that (a) you think “Clueless” is a classic and (b) you’ve definitely dreamed about Cher Horowitz’s super high-tech (for the nineties, at least) digital closet. Being able to browse your outfit options with a quick finger-swipe is as close as it gets to heaven for some of us, and you can actually get pretty damn close to Cher’s “Clueless” closet right now with just your smartphone.
May 3, 2019
Closet Door Makeovers That Look Like a Million Bucks
These closet makeovers look expensive and difficult to pull off, but are actually extremely easy. In addition to being gorgeous, most are also affordable, and super renter-friendly. Here are nine ways to get your storage style in line with the rest of your decor…. Above, this closet is a major improvement, both inside and out. Room for Tuesday both did a massive purge and re-organization effort, and then finished the space off with newly framed doors and agate pulls for added style.
May 3, 2019
Organizing Zen: How To Declutter Any Closet in 5 Simple Steps
Shira Gill believes that “less is more” and that a tidy, organized home can lead to a simplified, happier life. Through years of helping people edit, organize and style their homes, Shira has learned what works and how to approach the process—and she’s sharing some of her best tips with Apartment Therapy. Is your small or cluttered closet causing you stress? Tired of things falling on your head every time you open the door?
May 3, 2019
No Regrets: How To Clean Out Your Closet & Feel Good About It Later
Is your closet overflowing with outdated sweaters and old jeans that require a month long juice cleanse to get into? Do you really want to clean out your closet and pull some metaphorical weeds that take the form of sherbet Gap polos and asymmetrical halter dresses, but feel like you can’t? Chances are you’re afraid to take anything out of your wardrobe because you’re worried you’ll regret it later.
May 3, 2019
How To Create a Bedroom Closet Out of Thin Air
Though it would seem like life without a closet in your bedroom is an impossible way to live, it’s more than just possible — it can even look stylish. All these beautiful homes below have something in common: The master bedroom either doesn’t have a built-in closet or doesn’t have nearly sufficient closet space. But, these home dwellers were able to come up with an elegant storage solution anyway.
May 3, 2019
Real Life Closet Makeover: Esteban & Todd’s New Closet is Now the Stuff Of (Organized) Dreams
Closet size: 24 square feet How many people use this closet? Two. My partner Todd and I share the closet. How long have you lived in your home? Five years Your closet in 5 words or less: Small, narrow, chaotic, cluttered, disorderly. My partner Todd and I challenged ourselves to clean out our closet from head to toe, then reorganize it in a way that made more sense. We did a massive purge session, shopped for smart storage solutions, and are now ready to share our new space.
May 3, 2019
Real Life Closet Makeover: Aimée and Jonny’s Shared Catch-All Storage is Now Super Clean
Aimée and Jonny just gave their shared closet a major makeover from head to toe, breaking it down and building it back up to be better than before. Their main take away? Don’t be afraid to purge! It makes all the difference. See what changed, and how they tamed their trouble spots. Aimée and Jonny’s linens refused to stay stacked neatly on their shelving, preferring instead to fall over, flop around, and unfold themselves.
May 3, 2019
Real Life Closet Makeover: Melanie & Steven’s Skinny Storage Sorrows Solved
Closet size: 4.125 ft² plus a garment rack How many people use this closet? 2 How long have you lived in your home? We moved into this apartment about 8 months ago. It’s gone smoothly for the most part, but I’m definitely messier than Steven. Your closet in 5 words or less: Cramped and cluttered Melanie and Steven had their work cut out for them. Their teeny tiny closet was small for even New York standards, and the added garment rack overflowed with clothing and shoes.
May 3, 2019
Real Life Closet Makeover: Katy’s Walk-In Is Perfectly Pulled Together Now
Katy’s walk-in closet had plenty of space. It was just poorly thought out and lacked the proper organizers for the job of keeping all their clothes, shoes and accessories in place. Katy moved a bunch of stuff around, and added in more variety to meet their different storage needs. Katy wasn’t making the best use of her upper shelves – when she stored shoes up there, the heels fell through the slots. Bags were hard to organized and flopped over on their sides.
May 3, 2019
Here’s How I (Painlessly!) Purged 80 Percent of My Closet
The realization that I had way too many clothes hit me the way it usually hits us: When we’re running late for an appointment and all we can do is stand in our underwear in front of our closet and glare. The whole situation made no sense to me. I had more sweaters than a Gap mid-season sale, too many skirts to count, and there were so many shirts stuffed onto shelves that one literally tumbled out and plopped in a heap in front of my toes. And yet, nothing in there was doing it for me.
May 3, 2019
Step-by-Step: A Closet Makeover Fit For an Instagram Star
Kate Rumson is the founder of the The Real Houses of IG Instagram account (1.5 million followers and counting). In between running the account and her business, The Real Houses, Kate’s also been in the process of updating her New Jersey home to fit her simple-yet-luxe aesthetic. The first order of business: Tackling the bedroom. Specifically, the closet. Kate was lucky enough to have a huge closet space, but it didn’t offer much in the way of storage or style.
May 3, 2019
10 Under $10: Life-Saving Organizers for Serious Shoe Lovers
Too much of a good thing can be wonderful, especially when it comes to shoes. And while collecting cute pairs of kicks is almost as fun as wearing them, finding space-savvy (and cost-effective) ways to store them at home is a whole other story. Thankfully, the web is filled with affordable options for organizing a vast collection of footwear—it just takes a little research.
May 3, 2019
This Closet App Helped Me Live Like Cher Horowitz (and Here’s What I Learned)
Since the first time I saw Clueless, I have envied Cher Horowitz’s closet. Not even her clothes—although she’s still one of my style icons, so I’ll take those too!—but the computerized system that she used to pick out her outfits. I mean, it was truly amazing, both because it was pretty high-tech for the 90s (It was 1995! Her computer had a touch screen!) and because it meant that she always looked flawless and her closet could so easily stay impeccably organized.
May 3, 2019
Take Back Your Space: Conquering a Monster of a Messy Closet
See it "magically" transform from chaos to order.
May 3, 2019