DIY Closet Organization Guide: Declutter and Refresh Your Space

How To Organize Your Closet
Ready to take control of the closet chaos? This DIY Closet Organization Guide breaks down easy, budget-friendly tips to transform your space — no fancy tools or major overhauls required. Whether you’re short on space, low on time, or just craving a fresh start, these renter-friendly ideas will help you declutter and reclaim your mornings in style.

Table of Contents

DIY Closet Organization Guide: Declutter and Refresh Your Space

DIY Closet Organization

DIY Closet Organization Guide:

Declutter and Refresh Your Space with DIY Closet Organization Tips

Did you know that in a study performed by psychology today showed a correlation between disorganization, clutter, and mental health conditions, including, depressionanxiety, and stress. Messy environments can cause frustration, helplessness, and feeling overwhelmed.

If your mornings feel like a chaotic scavenger hunt for that perfect pair of jeans or your favorite necklace, it’s a clear sign your closet needs a refresh. The good news? Achieving an organized, functional space doesn’t require a pricey custom-built system. With a little creativity and DIY closet organization, you can transform your closet into a stylish, clutter-free haven.

Winter is the perfect time to tackle this project—while the colder months keep us indoors, why not put that time to good use? This step-by-step guide will help you declutter, implement DIY closet organization hacks, and make room for the clothes and accessories you truly love.

Take the first step toward a more organized, stress-free morning—your DIY closet organization makeover starts now!

DIY Closet Organization

Step 1: Start with Decluttering

Before you can organize, you have to declutter. Decluttering is the foundation of a clean, efficient closet. Think of your closet as precious real estate—only the best items deserve a spot!

Use these buckets or piles to sort every item in your closet:

Using DIY closet organization methods can help you maintain clarity in your wardrobe choices.

  • Keep (items you frequently wear)
  • Donate (gently used items)
  • Store (seasonal items or sentimental pieces)
  • Repair (items worth fixing or altering)

Decluttering Criteria

Use these questions to help determine whether to keep an item:

Consider how DIY closet organization can enhance your daily routine.

  1. Does it fit and feel comfortable? Anything that makes you uncomfortable or doesn’t fit should go.
  2. Is it in good condition? Check for irreparable stains, tears, or heavy wear.
  3. Have you worn it in the past year? If not, it’s likely time to donate it.
  4. Does it spark joy? If it doesn’t make you feel good or have meaning, it’s okay to part ways.

Pro Tip: Be ruthless with your decisions, especially with items you keep simply out of habit but never wear.

DIY closet organization allows you to express your personal style.

Remember, DIY closet organization doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be a fun project!

If you are one of those people who find decluttering overwhelming, know that you are not alone. According to an article from Cleango, over half of Americans, specifically 54%, express feeling overwhelmed by the clutter in their lives. Surprisingly, a significant 78% of individuals admit to having no clear idea about how to tackle and manage the excess belongings that contribute to this overwhelming clutter.

DIY Closet Organization

Step 2: Empty Your Closet, Clean, and Take Inventory

With DIY closet organization, you can keep your essentials easily accessible.

Once you’ve sorted your items into piles, remove everything from your closet. Yes, everything! This allows you to:

  • Deep clean the space (a damp cloth and vacuum do wonders).
  • Give you a fresh perspective on how much room you have.

Next, take inventory of what’s going back into the closet. Knowing what items remain (like tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories, etc.) makes organizing easier.

DIY Closet organization

Step 3: Organize Like a Pro (With DIY Tools!)

Now comes the fun part—organizing! Here are some simple DIY tips to make your closet not just functional, but appealing too:

1. Categorize and Group by Use

Group like items (e.g., shirts, pants, dresses) together. Within these categories, organize by color, season, or frequency of use—this makes finding items quicker and easier.

DIY Closet Organization: Decluttering for Productivity
DIY Closet Organization Guide: Declutter and Refresh Your Space 14

2. Use What You Have

Skip the expensive closet system and go DIY!

  • Bags or bins for accessories: Use small bins for belts, hats, and scarves.

Pro Tip: Try these foldable storage bags for under $30. The reason I love these is because they have a clear panel on the front, allowing you to see what exactly is inside so this is perfect for when you swap out wardrobe items.

Fab totes 6 Pack Clothes Storage, Foldable Blanket Storage Bags, Storage Containers for Organizing Bedroom, Closet, Clothing, Comforter, Organization and Storage with Lids and Handle, Grey
$24.99 $19.99

Premium Fabric: 6 pack storage containers for organizing clothing with 60L capacity; Fab totes clothes storage is made of high-quality odorless breathable non-woven fabric to protect your clothes from dust and moisture; Each blanket storage bag measures 21.65 x 13.78 x 12.40 in;


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05/07/2025 11:07 pm GMT

Explore different DIY closet organization styles to find what works for you.

  • Shower hooks for purses/scarves: Attach shower hooks on a rod to hang handbags or scarves neatly.
  • DIY divider boxes: Use leftover shoe boxes or cardboard, covered with fabric or paper, to create compartments inside drawers.

3. Add Vertical Storage

Make use of vertical space:

4. Tidy Up with Labeling

Label bins and boxes—it’s easier to stay organized in the long run when everything has a dedicated spot.

Use vacuum-sealed bags for long-term seasonal storage [purchase here].

DIY Closet organization

Step 4: Rotate Seasonal Items

If winter is your current season, make sure coats and heavier sweaters are front and center. T-shirts and summer dresses? Neatly store them away in bins or on higher shelves until it’s their time to shine. My favorite way to organize and hang my sweaters is using this handy hack – I also like to include a few dryer sheets because you aren’t washing sweaters after every use, and dry-cleaning is expensive, so putting a dryer sheet in the fold will help keep the sweaters smelling nice! You will also want to pick up some fabric hangers like these to prevent creasing and items falling off!

When the weather warms up, reverse the process by refreshing your closet for spring and summer. This rotation keeps things feeling fresh and prevents your closet from becoming crowded.

If you lacking in attic space (hi, that’s me) then these under the bed storage containers are a perfect solution while also keeping things organized.

Organize your closet

Step 5: Accessorize Strategically

Accessories have a way of vanishing into closet corners. Here’s how to keep them front and center:

  • Necklaces & Earrings: Use a corkboard and pins to hang jewelry in plain sight.
  • Belts: Hang them on an extra towel rod or install hooks on the inside of your closet door.
  • Shoes: A simple tension rod under your closet shelves can create instant vertical shoe storage.

Bonus idea? Use a DIY pegboard organizer for a fun and functional way to store purses, hats, and jewelry.

Organize your closet with Creative storage ideas for accessories and purses
DIY Closet Organization Guide: Declutter and Refresh Your Space 19

Incorporating DIY closet organization can also save you time in your daily routine.

Engaging in DIY closet organization can be a rewarding experience.

Organize your closet

Invest time in DIY closet organization for a more enjoyable wardrobe experience.

Step 6: Create a Maintenance Plan

Once your closet is organized, the key is to maintain it! Here are a few habits to avoid clutter:

  • Adopt a one-in-one-out rule: For every new item purchased, donate an old one.
  • Quarterly decluttering: Check your closet every three months and reassess what’s working.
  • Stay mindful of purchases: Shop consciously, favoring quality over quantity.

Grab your cleaning schedule, which can lower the stress associated with organization and cleaning.

Timing Your Home Organization

Closets aren’t the only things that need love! Try these seasonal targets for a fully organized home:

  • Spring: Tidy the garage and tackle outdoor storage.
  • Summer: Focus on kids’ playrooms or craft areas and purge unused items.
  • Fall: Organize drop zones like entryways and mudrooms.
  • Winter: Sort through closets and medicine cabinets when the weather keeps you indoors.

Reflect and Refresh

An organized closet isn’t just about neat clothes—it creates peace of mind and a sense of accomplishment. By decluttering and setting up a DIY system, you’ll have a space that’s easy to maintain and fun to use.

And there you have it! Whether you’re a minimalist enthusiast or simply tired of wrestling with overstuffed racks, these steps can help you reclaim your closet and fall back in love with your wardrobe.

Plan for DIY closet organization to maximize your space efficiently. Now, grab those empty bins, roll up your sleeves, and start creating the closet of your dreams!

Make DIY closet organization part of your home improvement routine.

Apply these DIY closet organization tips to make the most of your space.

The goal of DIY closet organization is to create a functional space that reflects your needs. Valuing DIY closet organization can lead to a more enjoyable living space. See how DIY closet organization can refresh your existing space.

Picture of Kali Runk
Kali Runk

Kali Runk is the creator of Creating from Chaos, a lifestyle blog dedicated to empowering busy moms with health & wellness tips, family-friendly recipes, quick workouts, DIY projects, and home decor inspiration. Follow along for practical advice and creative ideas to simplify and elevate everyday life! #MomLife #DIY #HealthyLiving

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