5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Coat Closet Organized

It’s the time of the year for coats and scarves and hats and all things cozy. To avoid a heap of parkas tossed on the entry bench (along with the mail and the muddy boots), we asked organizational experts for their must-know tips for keeping your coat closet clean and functional. Here’s what they said.

First things first, you’ll want to assess what’s currently sitting in your closet and keep only the active items, advises Amy Tokos, owner of Freshly Organized. Take each item out of the closet and assess its immediate value and level of use. Only keep pieces that get used a minimum of once a week. Store anything that’s not temperature appropriate. Donate, recycle, or toss items that you haven’t worn in six months or more.

It seems counterintuitive— after all, who wants to stare at their mess?—but the removal of doors means easier access. Plus, the fact that you’ve got to look at it may remove the instinct to overstuff. That plastic-wrapped dry cleaning surely won’t linger in the hall closet if you spy it every time to glance in that direction.

Your closet door is the perfect spot for all your pet needs, including leashes, compostable waste bags, and toys, as well as fix-it items such as lint rollers, safety pins and hem tape. Consider an over-the-door organizer or two; they’re cheap and versatile.

Assign a dedicated space to each family member or roommate—and label it. “Labels are the easiest and most inexpensive organization you can do,” explains Anna Bauer, owner of Sorted by Anna located in NYC and Atlanta. “They ensure everyone in your home is held accountable and it’s clear where things go.”

Another super-simple solution? Hooks. People are just more likely to hang their coat on a hook than on a hanger, and that’s especially true of ones that get constant use. 

Allow space for a catch-all container to cull clutter in one place. Edit the container weekly, if not daily.