How to Tidy Up Your Closet When Your Wardrobe is Overflowing

Some people embrace minimalism with capsule wardrobes and just a handful of pants. But if you lean towards the other extreme, your closet is probably bursting at the seams. Letting go of items can be tough, whether they’re seasonal pieces like cozy sweaters or breezy sundresses, or treasured, well-crafted garments you’ve invested in over the years. If parting with things isn't an option, reorganizing becomes essential to ensure you can still locate what you need. Here’s how to reset your closet when your clothing collection is overflowing. 

Let Go if You Can

Even if you believe there’s nothing to discard or donate, it’s still valuable to review your closet regularly and check if there are at least a few items you could part with. “A crowded closet can feel overwhelming, but there are methods to handle one that's overflowing. The key is to purge, purge, purge,” advises professional organizer and co-founder of The Thoughtful Home Rose Pulver.

She recommends taking everything out of your closet and asking yourself whether it’s in good condition. Do you love it? Does it fit? Will you wear it? “Then, do another sweep! Items often hide at the back of the closet that can be donated or discarded,” she says. And don’t forget to throw away broken hangers and old dry-cleaning bags. 

Add More Shelves—or Rearrange the Ones You Have

Good news! Your closet might be bigger than you realize. Most closet shelves are adjustable. You can raise or lower a shelf to better suit your storage needs. It’s also quite affordable to add an extra shelf or two, making this a great option for renters.

Add a Second Closet Rod

Similarly, when it comes to maximizing closet space, consider raising your storage potential... by adding a second bar! “If your closet has just one rod for long-hanging items, my first suggestion is to add another rod to one side of your closet to create double-hanging space. This is easy to achieve with an adjustable rod,” says professional organizer and founder of Clutter to Clarity Home Organizing LLC, Lindsey Mahanna.

Group Similar Items Together

There are many ways to organize your closet, but Pulver recommends grouping and storing items by season—such as keeping winter jackets with other winter jackets—so you can easily spot everything within that category. She advises, “This will help you keep track of what you own and what you might need. Separating seasonal items and storing them until the next season is also a great way to maximize storage space.” 

Look for Alternative Storage Solutions

Keep in mind, closet space is limited. Mahanna suggests exploring other unused areas in your home, like a guest room closet or extra space in a child’s room. “If you can find extra space elsewhere in your house, that’s the perfect place to store things you don’t need often, such as formal wear, bridesmaids' dresses, tuxedos, wedding gowns, or costume party outfits,” she advises.

If you have some extra space in your bedroom, think about getting an armoire. It’s also a more affordable option than adding a whole new closet. 

Remove Items from the Closet

Keep in mind, you don’t have to store every piece of clothing in your closet. There’s likely plenty that can fit into your drawers. “If you’re tight on hanging space, fold items that don’t wrinkle easily, like jeans and sweaters. Neatly stacking them and using shelf dividers will help keep them organized. Save hanging space for blouses, skirts, slacks, and dresses, and store the rest elsewhere,” suggests Pulver. 

She also recommends using open wall spaces to hang accessories like hats, belts, and handbags. “Make use of any available shelves for shoes and folded clothing,” she says. You can even place a coat rack or hat rack in other areas of your home.