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Image Credit: Liudmila Chernetska/Getty ImagesBedroom closets often serve as the primary storage area in many homes, even if they fall short of being the spacious walk-in closets you might envision. Their ample storage capacity, however, can lead to them becoming a catch-all for items that don’t truly belong there, particularly in homes where space is limited.
To streamline your bedroom closet and keep only the essentials, consider this expert-curated list of items that professional organizers recommend relocating. Doing so will help you reclaim valuable space.
A quick note: If your home is severely lacking in storage, you might have to bend a few of these guidelines. However, organizers have shared practical tips to help you manage if you must store these items in your bedroom closet. "We frequently design multi-purpose closets due to limited space," explains Jamie Hord, a professional organizer and founder of Horderly. "The key isn’t necessarily what you store together, but how you organize each category."
1. Footwear
Credit: Liudmila Chernetska/Getty ImagesWhile Carrie Bradshaw famously showcased her shoes on elegant shelves in her expansive closet (which, let’s be honest, was larger than most bedrooms!), storing shoes near the entrance is a smarter choice. This placement aligns with the practicality of putting on and taking off your shoes at the door, preventing dirt from spreading through your home. Plus, let’s face it—shoes can develop odors, and keeping them out of your closet helps maintain a fresher space.
For those with an extensive shoe collection, Hord suggests storing durable footwear like boots and frequently worn pairs near the entryway. Reserve bedroom closet space for special occasion or seasonal shoes to keep things organized.
2. Purses and Totes
Image Source: Mariakray / Getty ImagesThe golden rule is to store items where they’re most practical. Handbags, much like shoes, are typically used when heading out. "Everyday essentials like handbags, umbrellas, and coats should be easily accessible near the entrance, as storing them in the bedroom closet only adds unnecessary clutter," advises Jill Czarnik, founder of The Tribalist, a home organization company.
If your entryway closet can’t accommodate your entire handbag collection, prioritize keeping daily-use bags there and store the rest in your bedroom closet.
3. Coats and Accessories
Photo Credit: kaorinne/Getty ImagesUnless something has gone terribly awry, you’re unlikely to wear coats, jackets, or winter accessories like mittens, hats, and scarves indoors. Store these items where they’re most practical—near the entryway, in a mudroom, or a dedicated coat closet—to free up valuable space in your bedroom closet for other essentials.
4. Pantry Items
Image Source: Getty ImagesHere’s an unpleasant truth: Food can attract pests, including rodents and insects, which are equally content to damage your clothing—especially natural fabrics like cashmere. To avoid this, ensure food is stored far from your bedroom closet.
If storing food in your closet is unavoidable, choose canned items, which are less likely to attract pests, or use sealed plastic containers to keep them secure.
5. Loose Beauty Products
Credit: 5second/Getty ImagesIf you’ve never experienced the chaos of spilled liquid beauty products like shampoos, lotions, or perfumes, consider yourself fortunate. These items can create significant messes and potentially ruin the clothing stored in your bedroom closet. To avoid this, store these toiletries in bathroom storage areas, such as a linen closet, medicine cabinet, or under-sink space.
"If you must store extra bathroom products in a closet shared with clothes, ensure they’re properly contained to prevent spills," advises Hord. Use leakproof plastic bins or similar containers to keep any potential messes contained.
6. Unwashed Clothes
Image Source: picture/Getty ImagesWhile hampers are practical in or near closets—since that’s where you change clothes—Hord advises against placing one inside your closet if you don’t empty it frequently or if you store workout gear and other items prone to odors.
To prevent unpleasant smells in your bedroom closet, Hord suggests a few solutions: "Consider using a lidded hamper to contain odors, wash your laundry more frequently, or relocate the hamper to an open area or the laundry room."
7. Cluttered Belongings
Photo Credit: stevecoleimages/Getty ImagesWhen closet space is limited, your bedroom closet might become a catch-all for items you rarely use in that space—think board games, cleaning supplies, or extra folding chairs.
If relocating these items isn’t an option, Hord recommends organizing them into designated zones within the closet. "Create specific areas to keep random items separate from your clothing," she suggests. This could involve using bins at the bottom of the closet for cleaning products and reserving top shelves for board games.
8. Unworn Clothing
Image Credit: Annie Japaud/Getty Images"Surprisingly, one of the biggest mistakes is … clothes," Czarnik explains. This is because a significant portion of bedroom closet space is occupied by items that are rarely, if ever, worn. "In the U.S., most people wear clothes only seven to 10 times before discarding them. Statistically, this means many closets are filled with items worn once or never at all."
Czarnik advises taking a critical look at your wardrobe and letting go of items you think you might wear someday or that no longer fit. "These pieces not only take up space but can also contribute to self-doubt and stress. Letting go of them can be liberating and add value to your life."
