You Don’t Need to Purge Your Closet – You Just Need Better Storage

Rachel Makinson
by Rachel Makinson

We’ve all been there — standing in front of an overflowing closet, feeling the urge to just start tossing clothes out to make room. But what if the problem isn’t that you have too many clothes, but that you’re not using your storage space efficiently?


Before you purge your closet and give away things you love, take a step back and consider whether the right storage solutions could make all the difference.


With smart, affordable tools like specialized hangers, under-bed storage, and drawer organizers, you can make better use of the space you already have.


Here are some practical storage solutions (and some great recommendations from Amazon) that will help transform your closet into an organized, functional space—without losing the pieces that make your wardrobe yours.

Messy closet - image via Canva

Disclaimer: Simplify may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.


1. Slim, non-slip hangers

Bulky plastic or mismatched hangers take up more space than you realize. One of the easiest ways to make more room in your closet is by swapping out your current hangers for slim, uniform ones. Velvet or non-slip hangers are particularly great because they prevent clothes from slipping off, and their sleek design lets you fit more on the rod without overcrowding.


Recommended product:

The Utopia Home Velvet Hangers are durable, space-saving, and affordable. Their slim profile allows for up to 50% more space in your closet, and the velvet surface keeps even delicate fabrics from slipping.


Why it works:

Swapping out bulky hangers for slimmer ones creates more space instantly, without changing how much you’re hanging. Plus, your clothes will hang uniformly, giving your closet a cleaner, more organized look.

Utopia Home Velvet Hangers 50 Pack

2. Under-bed storage for seasonal items

One of the best ways to make room in your closet is to store off-season clothing and accessories somewhere else.


Under-bed storage is a fantastic option for things like winter coats, heavy sweaters, or summer clothes that you don’t need for several months.


This keeps your closet clear and focused on the clothes you’re currently wearing, while still keeping everything accessible.

Coats in closet - image via Canva

Recommended product:

The Lifewit Large Capacity Under Bed Storage Bags are large enough to hold bulky items like coats and blankets, yet slim enough to slide easily under most beds. They’re made from breathable fabric, have clear tops for easy visibility, and zip shut to keep dust out.


Why it works:

Storing seasonal items under your bed keeps them out of sight, but still easy to reach when the weather changes. By rotating your wardrobe seasonally, you’ll have more space in your closet for the items you actually need, and your closet will feel much more spacious.

Lifewit Large Capacity Under Bed Storage Bags

3. Over-the-door organizers

Doors are an often-overlooked space when it comes to storage. An over-the-door organizer can help you store shoes, scarves, hats, or even handbags—items that often clutter up the floor or end up thrown on top of other clothes.


By taking advantage of the vertical space behind your door, you’re essentially adding an extra shelf to your room without any construction.


Recommended product:

The Simple Houseware Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer has 24 clear pockets that can hold shoes, accessories, or even small clothing items like socks or lingerie. It hangs easily over any door and takes up virtually no floor space, making it ideal for small closets or bedrooms.


Why it works:

An over-the-door organizer frees up precious shelf or drawer space by moving items like shoes, belts, or scarves to a vertical, easily accessible space. It's a great way to declutter without giving up anything.

Simple Houseware Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer

4. Drawer dividers

Drawers can easily become a black hole for small items like socks, underwear, and accessories. Instead of shoving everything into one big space, drawer dividers help keep everything neatly organized.


You’ll be able to see exactly what you have, making it easier to find things and prevent overbuying or forgetting about items you already own.

Messy drawer - image via Canva

Recommended product:

The Simple Houseware Organizer Drawer Dividers fit most drawers and allow you to create customizable compartments for all your smaller items. They’re perfect for keeping things like socks, ties, or lingerie neatly separated.


Why it works:

Drawer dividers let you make the most of every inch of your drawer space, while also keeping things organized and easy to find. No more messy piles of socks or tangled scarves!

Simple Houseware Closet Underwear Organizer Drawer Divider

5. Hanging closet organizer

If your closet has plenty of hanging room but not enough shelves, a hanging organizer can help maximize that vertical space. These fabric organizers hang from the rod like a garment but have multiple compartments, perfect for storing folded clothes, shoes, or bags.


Recommended product:

The Amazon Basics 6-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer has six fabric shelves, allowing you to neatly store folded clothes, shoes, or handbags. It’s sturdy, easy to install, and collapses for storage when not in use.


Why it works:

A hanging organizer creates shelf-like storage in an area that’s often underutilized—the vertical space below your hanging clothes. It’s a simple way to add extra storage without needing to install new shelving.

Amazon Basics 6-Tier Hanging Closet Shelf Organizer With Pockets

You don’t need a bigger closet — just better storage

Instead of purging your wardrobe, the key to a clutter-free closet is finding better storage solutions. With tools like slim hangers, under-bed storage, and drawer dividers, you can maximize the space you already have and keep your closet organized. 


By being intentional about how you store your clothes and accessories, you’ll not only save space but also save money by holding onto the items you love and making your closet work for you.


Ready to upgrade your closet? Let us know how your closet transformation goes!


Next, check out this post on Fashion on a Budget: 5 Best Spots to Buy Cheap Clothes.

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