Deep closet shelves can be both a blessing and a curse. While they offer ample storage, they can quickly descend into disarray without a plan. Let’s explore some smart techniques to ensure these shelves enhance your space, not hinder it!

1. Mix and Match Your Storage

Using a mix of storage solutions makes it easy to store all kinds of items.
Using a mix of storage solutions makes it easy to store all kinds of items.

Using different storage solutions together can make your closet flexible. I often use a combination of baskets, bins, and shelves to hold different kinds of items.

A few relevant products:

  • Braided Baskets: Use these beautiful baskets to organize clothes and accessories in your closet.
  • Clear Plastic Storage Units: Make the most of your space and see your items easily with drawers made of clear plastic that stack in your closet.
  • Textile Storage Bins: Use these fabric bins for a neat look in your closet with versatile organization.

2. Add Stacking Structures

Stacking structures help maximize space for items like shoes.
Stacking structures help maximize space for items like shoes.

Stacking racks or bins for shoes can create double the space. I’ve found this particularly helpful for those with lots of shoes.

You might give these a try:

  • Adjustable Shoe Stacking Rack: Neatly stack your shoes to make the most of the vertical space using this adjustable rack.
  • Stacking See-Through Shoe Boxes: With stackable, clear boxes, you can find and get to your shoes with ease and full view.
  • Standing Shoe Tower: Turn your closet around with a tower to store shoes in a vertical way, which is great for organizing many pairs.

3. Keep Everyday Items Up Front

Place items you use most in the front so they're quick and easy to grab.
Place items you use most in the front so they’re quick and easy to grab.

Make things easier by keeping the items you use most in the front. I always make sure my clients can easily reach their most-used items to make their routines smoother.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Shelf Stacking Units: Use these stacking units to make the most of your space and keep items in an easy place.
  • Clear Storage Bins with Protective Tops: See and grab your essentials fast with bins that are clear and keep items visible.
  • Woven Storage Tubs: Make your closet more stylish and useful with baskets that are woven.

4. Get Creative with Hanging Organizers

Hanging organizers add more layers of storage in small spaces.
Hanging organizers add more layers of storage in small spaces.

Hanging organizers can create layers of storage where there were none. I suggest them for everything from sweaters to towels in tight spaces.

Explore these options:

  • Hanging Closet Organizer with Shelves: Add shelves in your tight closet to make the most of space for sweaters and towels.
  • Over-the-Door Hanging Accessory Center: Get extra storage space using an organizer that hangs over the door for all kinds of accessories.
  • Hanging Shoe Carousel: Keep your shoes in order with a carousel that hangs in your closet.

5. Label Everything

Labeled bins help keep things organized and easy to find.
Labeled bins help keep things organized and easy to find.

Labels are key to maintaining order. In my workshops, I emphasize that clearly labeled bins ensure everyone knows where things go, preventing future chaos.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Printable Sticker Machine: Organize with custom labels and keep your closet items neatly identified.
  • Storage Boxes with Tag Windows: These bins are great for easy identification and making closet storage solutions coordinated.
  • Erasable Slate Stickers: Use reusable chalkboard labels for a flexible organization system with an elegant twist.

6. Get Creative with Unique Materials

Unusual materials such as copper pipes can make a modern, chic statement.
Unusual materials such as copper pipes can make a modern, chic statement.

Try using unusual materials like copper pipes for a stylish spin. I once helped a client turn their closet around by using industrial elements for a modern, chic look.

You might like:

  • Copper Pipe Shelf Set: Use this stylish kit to make your closet look modern and chic with copper pipes.
  • Industrial Copper Pipe Hangers: Add style to your closet with these hangers made of industrial copper pipes for a unique touch.
  • Wall-Attached Copper Pipe Rack: Make the most of space and style with a rack for your clothes that is made of copper pipes and attached to the wall.

7. Change Out Seasonal Items

Change out and store items according to the season for an organized closet.
Change out and store items according to the season for an organized closet.

Keep your closet current by swapping out seasonal items. I recommend storing out-of-season clothing in vacuum bags to save space and maintain order.

May just do the trick:

  • Air-Tight Storage Pouches: Store your clothes for the season in air-tight bags to save space. Make your closet organized without effort.
  • See-Through Plastic Totes: Use clear bins to easily see and get to your items for each season while keeping your closet in order.
  • Hanging Sectional Organizer: Use a hanging organizer to make the most of the vertical space for bigger seasonal clothing pieces.

8. Opt for Transparent Bins

Clear bins allow you to easily view and access items stored on deep shelves.
Clear bins allow you to easily view and access items stored on deep shelves.

Clear bins are indispensable. The ability to see what’s inside without having to dig around is a game-changer. I rely on them for everything from shoes to seasonal clothing.

Some handy options:

  • Stackable See-Through Containers: Organize with ease using stackable clear bins – ideal for neatly arranging shoes and clothes.
  • Spacious Clear Plastic Cases: Keep seasonal clothes visible and accessible with roomy clear plastic containers.
  • Crystal-Clear Shoe Keepers: Show off your shoes and protect them with clear boxes that allow easy access.

9. Install Hooks and Pegs

Use hooks to maximize wall space for hanging different accessories.
Use hooks to maximize wall space for hanging different accessories.

Hooks are great for creatively using wall space. At my clients’ homes, they hang everything from handbags to hats on hooks so they’re easy to get to.

Consider these options:

  • Wall-Affixed Coat Pegs: Use these pegs to make the most of the vertical space to hang handbags or hats.
  • Over-the-Door Multi-Hook Hanger: Hang many items with a multi-hook that goes over the door so things are always organized and within reach.
  • Stick-On Wall Hangers: Put up these hooks quickly because they stick to the wall, keeping accessories within reach.

10. Leave Some Space

Leaving space means you can add things later and keep your closet flexible.
Leaving space means you can add things later and keep your closet flexible.

Don’t feel like you need to fill every single spot. I tell clients to leave a little room for things they might get later so the closet can change with them.

A few choices to try:

  • Expanding Closet System: Use a closet that can expand to store more items in the future.
  • Movable Shelf Dividers: Change your shelves using dividers that can be moved so you can easily put things in a new order as your wardrobe changes.
  • Folding Storage Bins: Keep your closet neat with bins that can be folded away easily when you don’t need them.

11. Take Advantage of Vertical Space

Get the most out of your closet by using the vertical space available.
Get the most out of your closet by using the vertical space available.

Vertical space is often overlooked. Stack your shelves high to maximize storage! I’ve guided clients in installing adjustable shelving that accommodates everything from tall boots to stacks of books.

Some ideas to consider:

  • Adaptable Closet Shelving Unit: Get the most out of your closet with shelves that can be adjusted to meet your organizational needs.
  • Nestable Storage Crates: Make use of stackable bins to sort and store items upwards, which helps save space in your closet.
  • Elevated Storage Platform: Install a rack above to keep items that aren’t used often out of the way but still within reach.

12. Use Over-the-Door Organizers

Make use of the back of doors for extra storage with organizers that hang over them.
Make use of the back of doors for extra storage with organizers that hang over them.

Don’t forget the back of your closet door—it’s great for additional storage. I find door organizers especially useful for small items like scarves and belts.

Try these:

  • Pocket-Packed Door Organizer: Create more room in your closet by storing accessories in this multi-pocketed organizer that hangs on the door.
  • Hanging Door Storage Unit: Organize small items with a storage rack that goes over the door to simplify your life.
  • Over-the-Door Footwear Holder: Keep your shoes or accessories organized and within reach with a handy organizer that hangs over the door.

13. Add Light with LEDs

LED lighting makes your closet look better and makes it easier to see how organized it is.
LED lighting makes your closet look better and makes it easier to see how organized it is.

Good lighting can change a closet completely. LED lights not only show off how organized you are but also make it much easier to find what you’re looking for.

Check these products out:

  • LED Light Strips: Make it easier to see in your closet with these light strips that are easy to bend, so you can grab items fast.
  • Rechargeable LED Small Lights: Use small lights that are easy to recharge to brighten up dark shelves in any closet.
  • LED Lights with Movement Sensors: Add LEDs that sense movement so you don’t have to use your hands, making your closet even more useful.

14. Begin with a Thorough Declutter

Start your organizing journey by removing unnecessary items from your deep closet.
Start your organizing journey by removing unnecessary items from your deep closet.

Before you even think about organizing, the first step is to completely empty your shelves. Assess each item and decide what truly deserves a spot in your newly organized space. I’ve learned that this initial purge creates space for innovation and efficiency.

A few helpful options:

  • Labeled Jumbo Bins: Simplify sorting with labeled bins. Easily categorize items and make decluttering simple.
  • Customizable Closet System: Make the most of your closet space with an organizer that adjusts. Tailor it to fit all your must-haves.
  • Long-Lasting Garment Protectors: Keep your seasonal clothes safe and neatly stored with durable garment protectors.

15. Set Up Zones for Quick Access

Create designated areas for different categories to make daily routines easier.
Create designated areas for different categories to make daily routines easier.

Allocate certain areas for different kinds of items. In my own closet, I have sections for work clothes, casual wear, and accessories, which makes getting ready in the morning so much simpler.

These products might help:

  • Closet Section Dividers: Sort by separating areas for clothes you wear to work, casual clothes, and accessories.
  • Hanging Accessory File: Use this file that hangs to make the most of space and keep accessories and smaller items organized.
  • Keep-Fresh Bins with Fast-Open Lids: Keep seasonal clothes neatly put away using these bins that stack and have lids that are easy to open.

16. Incorporate Pull-Out Drawers

Sliding drawers bring those hard-to-reach items forward.
Sliding drawers bring those hard-to-reach items forward.

Sliding drawers are perfect for those spots that are hard to reach. I’ve seen them completely change how people use the back sections of their deep shelves.

These products might be useful:

  • Slide-Out Closet Drawer System: Install these drawers that slide out easily in seconds to make the most of accessibility.
  • Changeable Sliding Drawer Set: Upgrade your deep shelves with drawers that slide and can be adjusted for organizing and grabbing items without difficulty.
  • Below-Shelf Sliding Basket: Make the most of space with baskets that slide under the shelf, perfect for organizing deep closets.