The Closet Reset That Made Getting Dressed Easier

When I moved into my new home, I quickly realized the builder-grade closet wasn’t actually designed for the way I use clothing.

The closet itself was plenty large, but it wasn’t particularly functional. I travel constantly for work, own more pairs of Rothy’s and sneakers than I probably need, somehow accumulated an entire category of SPF shirts after moving to a golf cart town, and have enough workout clothes to justify their own filing system.

The space technically held everything. It just didn’t help me find anything.

I didn’t have the budget for a custom closet, so I decided to create my own system using a combination of affordable organizers, matching storage bins, and a little bit of strategic planning. The goal wasn’t to create a showroom. The goal was to create a closet that actually worked for real life.

And honestly, that’s what made it feel more expensive.

Start With the Vertical Space

One of the first things I noticed was how much wasted space existed above the hanging rods.

Instead of leaving those shelves empty, I added a combination of ClosetMaid cube organizers across the top. Because every wall was a slightly different size, I mixed and matched several configurations—including 2x2, 2x4, and 2x6 units—to maximize every inch of available space.

Inside those cubes, I added matching blush storage bins and organized categories that were cluttering the rest of the closet: sports bras, SPF shirts, purse straps, shoe accessories, workout tops, skorts, and seasonal items.

The matching bins immediately made the entire closet feel calmer and more intentional.

Organize Like a Boutique

One thing I’ve always noticed about boutiques is that they don’t try to hide everything.

Shoes are visible.

Accessories have dedicated spaces.

Similar items live together.

Nothing feels crowded.

I wanted my closet to function the same way.

Instead of stuffing everything into drawers and bins, I focused on creating dedicated zones. Workout pieces live together. Travel pieces live together. Accessories have a home. Shoes are visible instead of forgotten.

Getting dressed became significantly easier because I could actually see what I owned.

The Shoe Situation

I have enough pairs of Rothy’s and sneakers that pretending they would fit on a single shoe rack was never going to happen.

I wanted every pair visible and accessible, so I added several ClosetMaid 25-cube shoe organizers underneath a section of shelving where I didn’t need additional hanging space.

This ended up becoming one of the best decisions in the entire closet.

Instead of digging through boxes or moving piles around, I can see every pair at a glance. Not only does it make the closet look more organized, but it also helps me actually wear more of what I already own.

Purse Storage That Keeps Everything Upright

Purses have a tendency to slowly collapse into each other over time.

I added stackable purse organizers to give each bag its own dedicated space and help them maintain their shape. Because the organizers stack vertically, I was able to maximize shelf space without sacrificing accessibility.

Everything stays visible, upright, and easy to grab.

Which means I’m far more likely to rotate through bags instead of reaching for the same one every day.

The Small Upgrade That Changed Everything

If I could recommend just one organizational upgrade, it would probably be matching velvet hangers.

They’re slim, they prevent clothing from slipping, and they instantly make the closet feel more cohesive.

It’s one of those small changes that doesn’t seem particularly exciting until you see the entire closet hanging on matching hangers. Suddenly everything looks cleaner, more organized, and more intentional.

Don’t Forget the Hooks

Some items simply don’t belong folded or tucked away.

The shelf hooks have been surprisingly useful for scarves, belts, lightweight accessories, and the random items that never seem to fit anywhere else.

They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and make use of space that would otherwise go completely unused.

A Closet That Works for Real Life

This isn’t a custom closet.

It isn’t a luxury renovation.

It’s a collection of simple systems that make getting dressed easier.

The best organized spaces aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones. They’re the ones that work for the way you actually live.

For me, that meant creating dedicated homes for shoes, workout clothes, accessories, travel pieces, and all the little categories that somehow accumulate over time.

The result is a closet that feels calmer, functions better, and makes everyday routines just a little easier.

And that’s exactly the kind of upgrade that never goes out of style. -LME

*I only share pieces I genuinely wear, use, and love. Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.