7 closet organizers pros always buy – making them easier to use and navigate

A well-organized closet is more than just a tidy space; it streamlines your daily routine, saves time, and reduces stress – and this starts with finding the best closet must-haves that professional organizers and interior designers swear by.

Finding suitable closet organizers for your clothing items will make them easier to locate, will keep your space tidier, and can even prolong the life of your clothing and accessories, since items in an organized closet are less likely to get damaged and crumpled.

Our experts have recommended the seven closet storage essentials that keep things organized.

5 organizers pros always buy for a closet

Whether you have a walk in closet, a fitted wardrobe, or a small closet, these simple closet organization ideas can make the most of your space. All of these buys are also easy to implement and use, making day-to-day life easier.

1. Custom shelving

Professional organizers always advise using adjustable shelving units that allow you to adapt the layout of your closet to accommodate the various sizes and shapes of your items.

'You can go for easy-to-install, DIY closet systems or get a custom-built one according to your needs,' says Raf Michalowski, interior designer and founder of Meble Furniture. 'Custom shelving systems offer a variety of options to organize your closet space efficiently. You can have shelves for folded clothes, hanging rods for dresses and suits, and even drawers for smaller items.

'These systems also come in different finishes like wood or metal, adding style to your closet. Look for a system that fits your closet size and has adjustable shelves to accommodate any changes in your wardrobe. This will help you maximize your closet space and keep it organized for the long haul.'

This also means you can continue to update your closet space according to your changing needs, for example, if you need to make more room to organize your closet for fall attire, such as bulky coats, or add more compactly installed shelves for summer items. You can find adjustable closet storage shelves at Amazon.

2. Valet rods

'Pull-out valet rods are a professional organizer's secret weapon' explains Angela Rubin, owner of Hellamaid. 

Valet rods are retractable rods or hooks that you can pull out when needed. 

Angela Rubin continues, 'They provide a temporary hanging space for planning outfits or setting aside clothes to be worn the next day. Installing one in your closet adds a touch of luxury and convenience.'

'Every walk-in closet should have an extendable wardrobe valet rod,' agrees professional organizer and founder of Embrace Your Space, Jill Viglione. 'Valet rods are available in many designs and can easily be installed. They are a perfect spot for hanging clothing for the following day or when choosing an outfit for a special occasion.'

The best storage solutions are always the ones that cater to your individual needs.

Angela Rubin

Hellamaid is an award-winning cleaning company in Canada that's been featured on multiple global media brands.

3. Hanging organizers

Hanging organizers that make the most of vertical space can be used for smaller items or those that need to be easily grabbed for convenience. 

'Hanging organizers can be in the form of hanging rods, shelves, or pockets and are great for storing clothes that need to be hung,' says David Mason, interior designer and founder of Knobs.

Another simple yet effective solution; hooks and racks can be placed on the inside of the closet door or on any unused wall space to store regularly used coats and bags. Opt for retractable hooks for a cleaner look when not in use. 'These can be used to store items like belts, ties, and scarves, making use of the often neglected space behind the closet door,' recommends David Manson.

4. Appropriate hangers

Many homeowners neglect to consider how big of a difference having the right hangers in your closet can make for keeping it functional and well organized. Hangers can be selected according to the type of clothes are used on them, their ability to maximize space and their ease of use. 

'The foundation of an organized closet often begins with the right hangers,' says  Angela Rubin, owner of Hellamaid.

'Purchase the right hanger for your needs,' advises Brenda Scott, professional organizer and owner of Tidy My Space. 'The felt-covered hangers are great for slippery blouses but are a pain to hang pullovers on. 

'I opt for thinner coated metal or the thinner plastic hangers. They reduce space and are strong enough for everyday clothing. 

'If you have heavier items, like a parka or wool peacoat, I would stick with the thicker wooden hangers. 

'Scarf hangers, multi-tiered hangers with clips for slacks or skirts are another great use of space and staying organized,' continues Brenda Scott.

'Space-saving hangers like slimline velvet hangers or wooden huggable hangers are a pro's go-to choice,' advises Angela Rubin. 'They maximize hanging space while preventing garments from slipping off and creating unsightly wrinkles.'

If you're looking to invest in some new hangers, Amazon have a wide range of slimline velvet hangers.

'These hangers are thinner than standard hangers, which means you can fit more clothing into your closet,' adds Janille Mangat, cleaning specialist at VMAP. 'They also have a velvety finish that prevents clothes from slipping off, helping you maintain a neat and tidy closet.' 

Brenda Scott

Brenda is passionate about home organizing, decluttering and creating a safe home. At Tidy My Space, she helps people to keep their homes tidy when life gets busy. Brenda shares useful tips and gives practical help with sorting and editing her clients' spaces, leading them to feel less stressed and bringing the luxury of time to be spent with family, friends, or on themselves.

5. Storage Bins

'Not all items in your closet need to be hung up. Baskets and bins are essential for storing smaller items such as scarves, belts, and hats,' advises Aleks Grigoriev interior designer and co-founder of Priority Home Buyers. 'Opt for clear containers to easily see what's inside, or choose decorative bins that add a touch of style to your closet.' 

Angela Rubin agrees, 'Clear storage bins are a game-changer for closet organization. They keep items visible and easily accessible, making it effortless to locate specific items without rummaging through stacks of boxes. These bins are ideal for storing shoes, seasonal clothing, and accessories.'

Alternatively, if your closets have open shelves or glass doors, you may want to choose storage boxes or baskets that are aesthetically pleasing and elevate your space.

5. Drawer organizers

'Drawer dividers are fantastic for keeping small items like socks, underwear, and jewelry neatly separated,' says Cyble Rizwan at Persimmon Design. 'Opt for customizable dividers to fit your drawer's dimensions precisely. This ensures that everything has its designated place, making your morning routine smoother.'

You can find foldable drawer organizers at Walmart, or invest in expandable drawer dividers, also at Walmart to customize to your different-sized drawers and your individual storage needs.

7. A closet light

Installing motion-activated closet lights is a sleek way to increase the functionality of your closet.

'Although this isn't an organizer, a closet light makes locating items inside a closet much easier,' explains professional organizer, Brenda Scott. 'If you don't want to go to the trouble or work of hiring an electrician to wire and install a light, you can purchase a stick-on battery-operated light. Tap the light and you can see your entire closet contents. Sometimes being organized is just knowing what you have to use.'

We recommend these motion sensor closet lights from Amazon.

The key to keeping an organized closet is dividing storage areas based on the types of items, such as clothing and accessories. Allocating separate areas will make it simpler to locate items and will make it easier to implement the organization tools we've discussed.

Remember that the specific organizers you choose should be based on your closet's size, layout, and your individual storage needs.