A Professional Organizer Overhauled My Closet—Here’s What I Discovered

Admission: Despite having penned countless articles on home organization, my own home is far from perfectly organized. My bedroom closet, in particular, was a chaotic mess. Essential items were misplaced, random objects cluttered every corner, and I often struggled to locate what I needed.

Recognizing the need for expert intervention, I enlisted the help of professional organizer Emily Preciado-Fonseca to tackle my closet. Observing her process and witnessing the remarkable transformation of my space completely shifted my perspective on home organization.

The outcome was a neatly organized, highly functional closet and a profound sense of relief. Below are nine key takeaways I gained from the experience.

Everyone Else’s Closet Is Poorly Designed, Too

It’s easy to overlook the fact that those stunning closets showcased on social media—complete with jewelry islands and custom shoe racks—are the work of professional designers. For most of us, such luxuries are out of reach. My home, though charming, is a century old, meaning my dream of a Kardashian-level closet remains just that—a dream.

Preciado-Fonseca assured me I’m not alone. She explained that most homes suffer from poorly planned storage solutions. Whether it’s a closet or pantry, few spaces are designed to accommodate standard organizers seamlessly, which is a significant factor in why staying organized feels like an uphill battle for many.

You Might Be Giving the Least Important Things the Best Real Estate

I seldom wear bold hats, yet I had four of them in various colors occupying a prime shelf that could have been better utilized. When Preciado-Fonseca relocated them to the top of my closet, she created room for more essential items. Though it seemed like a small adjustment, I hadn’t realized how much space these hats consumed. This highlights the importance of not just organizing what’s in your closet, but also carefully considering where each item is placed.

All Those Little Things Belong in Stackable Drawers

From compact purses that barely fit a phone and cards to scarves, lingerie, and an almost excessive collection of sunglasses, my shelves were cluttered with small items. This made it impossible to see what I actually owned. However, once Preciado-Fonseca stored these items in clear acrylic drawers and labeled them, I finally had a clear overview of my belongings. Additionally, this method saved space, proving that these drawers aren’t just for bathrooms—they’re perfect for closets too.

You Can Hang Up Purses

As a self-proclaimed handbag enthusiast, I’ve always struggled with storage solutions for my collection. It never occurred to me to use purse hangers for larger bags and totes. This simple solution made it easier to view and access my bags. While my smaller shoulder bags remain on shelves, my larger ones now have a dedicated space.

Always Take Advantage of Vertical Space

Despite including this advice in countless home-organizing articles, I hadn’t fully implemented it myself. Preciado-Fonseca’s clever use of vertical space in my closet—from adding a shoe rack to stacking drawers—left me thoroughly impressed. If your closet has unused areas, consider thinking vertically and finding creative ways to utilize that empty space.

You Might Have More Space Than You Think

I used to believe my closet was too small for my wardrobe. However, after Preciado-Fonseca worked her magic, I discovered there was plenty of room. While I did declutter a few items, simply reorganizing what I already owned created far more space than I expected. This proves that sometimes the issue isn’t the size of your closet, but how you arrange it.

Good Systems Make Adjustments Easy

Even after professional organization, adjustments will occasionally be necessary. For instance, the organizer you hire might not perfectly categorize your clothing, as they aren’t mind readers and rely on your input to prioritize frequently used items. However, a well-designed system makes it simple to tweak and adapt your closet to fit your lifestyle.

Sometimes, It’s Better to Fold Than Hang

I never considered folding items in my closet, but my top ten sweatshirts are better stored as a neat stack on a shelf rather than occupying half a hanging rod. Similarly, jeans can also be folded. If your closet lacks vertical shelving, consider adding cubbies or drawers to maximize space.

Keepsake Clothing Should Be Organized Separately

From a denim coat I bought at sixteen to my mom’s vintage '80s dress, I cherish certain clothing items too much to part with. Preciado-Fonseca explained that many people store sentimental pieces in their closets, even if they’re rarely worn. To solve this, we moved these special items into a memory box, freeing up valuable closet space while preserving their sentimental value.