Small Custom Closet Changes That Spark a Big Difference

Jessica Parsons • Feb 05, 2024

In all my years of home renovation work, one of the most common things I’ve seen is homeowners getting so overwhelmed by the thought of keeping an area clutter-free that they quit before they start. If you focus too much on the big picture, it can be tough to figure out where to start. That’s why the smallest changes can truly make the biggest difference.

From having a designated place for everything to committing to a weekly cleaning schedule, making use of cubbies, and more, there are plenty of small, everyday ways for you to keep your custom closet in order.

Here are my tips for small custom closet changes that spark a big difference:

Have a designated place for everything
Commit to a weekly cleaning schedule
Make use of cubbies
Remember: Labels and color coordination are your friends

Now that you know the basics, let me dive in and show you how to put these tips to work in your own home.

Have a Designated Place for Everything

One of the quickest ways to see your closet overrun with clutter is to just toss things wherever. On the other side of that, by far one of the most effective ways I’ve seen of getting your closet back in shape is to have a designated place for every article of clothing, accessory, and item, and to stick with your system.

This way, you’ll have no problem figuring out where everything goes and, of course, where you can find anything you need as well.

Commit to a Weekly Cleaning Schedule

Instead of letting your closet get overrun with junk, only to find yourself in the predicament of having to do a big overhaul cleaning all over again, I’ve seen clients have much more success when they stick to regular, smaller cleanings.

It’s too easy to get overwhelmed with all you have to do when you’re staring down a closet that's completely out of control. But when you just have a few areas to tidy up and clean every week, it can feel much more manageable to keep your closet in check. And that’s because it is!

Make Use of Cubbies

If you’re looking for tips you can put to use in your home right away, it’s tough not to agree with the pros at Better Homes & Gardens when they recommend making good use of smart storage solutions. And in my opinion, you can’t get smarter and more useful than a cubby system.

Instead of trying to work around your natural inclinations, I’ve found it works best to work with your existing patterns. If you tend to want to just toss items down after getting back from work, put cubbies at floor level so you can do just that without having to sacrifice the organization in your closet.

Remember: Labels and Color Coordination Are Your Friends

If you have trouble knowing where everything goes or just sticking with a system in general, I’ve found it’s best to make the space work harder for you, and not the other way around. With the simple addition of some labels and color-coordinated bins and other organizational systems, you’ll find it much easier to keep everything in order.

This is by far one of the cheapest and easiest items on my list, and it’s something you can put to work in your home right away.

Conclusion

I know keeping your custom closet in order can feel like an impossible task, especially if it’s been a while since the last cleaning. But by sticking with my tips and getting a little bit creative in your personal approach, you should have no problem getting your custom closet clean and organized, and keeping it that way.