Before and After: See How a Pro Organizer Revamps This Messy, Underutilized Closet

It’s easy to blame disorganization on a lack of space. Trying to fit what you have into a too-small space is hard on its own, and keeping it orderly is an ongoing challenge. This is a big part of the reason decluttering is such a crucial component of creating and maintaining organized areas in the home. But having enough space most certainly does not automatically lead to organization. Sometimes having ample room makes it easier to skip decluttering and organizing altogether. 

When Marie Jackson of Organized Marie set out to bring order to her client’s closet, the issue wasn’t a lack of space. Rather, as Marie describes it, “items were scattered” and “the top hanging space wasn’t being utilized.”

The project’s goals were to: 

1. Create storage for the top hang space with stackable storage bins. 
2. Utilize the center for shoes.
3. Use the top of the closet for seasonal storage items (with labeled rectangular bins).
4. Display the beautiful handbags by using hangers.
5. Switch hangers to velvet hangers to create a cohesive look and maximize space.
6. Use stackable jewelry organizers to organize jewelry in the drawers.
7. Move headbands from the drawer and display them (with a headband holder) on top of the sweaters.

Marie overhauled the entire closet in four hours with a budget of $800. She sourced products from Amazon, The Container Store, and Bloomingdale’s. She started by taking everything out from the closet and putting items into categories. “This client purges on a regular basis, so all that needed to be done was organize,” shares Marie.

She then changed out the hangers and organized the shoes in the middle with sneakers, boots, and closed-toed shoes at the bottom and sandals at the top. The sweaters were organized by color and put into bins that stack. A lid was placed at the very top so that the headband holder could be displayed there. Large purses were hung up with handbag hangers and smaller bags and clutches were placed just below them.

According to Marie, the hardest part of the project was sorting through the jewelry, while the easiest was organizing the hanging clothes. The best hidden organizational element is that the top row of the bins stashes seasonal items. Marie’s favorite part is “the stackable sweater bins with the headbands on display (because) it makes great use of the space.” A pro tip from Marie: the top hanging space doesn’t always have to be used for hanging clothing.

“I love that you can see all of her beautiful pieces of clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories,” says Marie of the results. “She has great taste and it was really fun seeing this closet come to life. I wouldn’t change a thing.” 

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