When was the last time you actually looked inside your coat closet? Be honest—can you even see the floor?
Between coats, boots, scarves, umbrellas, and a dozen “just-in-case” things, this little space can easily turn into a black hole for clutter.
But with a few smart tricks and the right mindset, you can turn that chaos into a space that actually works for you.
Here are 15 practical, easy-to-follow tips to help you organize your coat closet once and for all—so getting out the door in the morning feels a whole lot easier.
1. Start Fresh with a Closet Review
Before you buy a single bin or hanger, start by pulling everything out. I mean it—all of it. You’ll be amazed at what’s hiding in there.
Take a quick inventory: Which coats do you actually wear? Which ones are collecting dust? If you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s probably time to donate it.
Rotate items seasonally too. Keep your winter coats front and center during cold months and lighter jackets handy for spring. A quick 15-minute review every few months keeps your closet fresh and functional.
2. Upgrade to the Right Hangers
Using mismatched or flimsy hangers makes your closet feel messy before you even start. Invest in sturdy hangers that can handle heavier coats—wood or thick velvet ones are perfect.
Ben Soreff, a professional organizer with H2H Organizing, also recommends using slim hangers save a surprising amount of space and make everything look neater.
Here’s a bonus trick: use skirt hangers with clips to hang scarves or gloves together.
It’s such a small thing, but it prevents all those little accessories from getting lost at the bottom of the closet.
3. Get Creative with the Closet Floor
That back-of-the-door area is pure gold for storage—you just need to use it wisely. Hang an over-the-door organizer with clear pockets for hats, gloves, and scarves.
You can even label each pocket with your family’s names so everyone knows where their stuff goes.
Add a few small hooks for umbrellas, purses, or the dog leash.
If you like DIY projects, install a slim wire rack or even a towel bar with shower hooks for extra versatility. You’ll be surprised how much that “wasted” space can hold.
4. Creative Ideas for the Closet Floor
Let’s talk about the floor—because, honestly, that’s where most of the chaos ends up.
Once you measure the space under your hanging coats, you can add a low shoe rack or sturdy baskets for boots.
If you prefer a cleaner look, choose baskets with lids to hide visual clutter.
For families, consider labeling baskets for each person or type of item (like “shoes,” “sports gear,” or “umbrellas”). It keeps everything off the floor and easy to grab.
5. Make the Most of Your Upper Shelf
That high shelf is often forgotten, but it’s prime real estate. Use bins or decorative baskets to store items you don’t need every day—like off-season hats, travel gear, or extra gloves.
Clear bins are great because you can see what’s inside, but if you prefer a prettier look, go with woven baskets and add simple labels.
And if there’s enough vertical room, you can even install an extra shelf for added storage.
6. Don’t Forget Wall Space
If you have a narrow closet, don’t waste those side walls. A few wall-mounted hooks or narrow shelves can make a big difference.
I love using the wall near the door frame for slim hooks—perfect for umbrellas or tote bags.
Wire shelving is another easy option. It’s simple to install and keeps things visible and tidy. Even a few inches of vertical space can turn into extra storage if you think creatively.
7. Install Built-In Storage
If you’re ready to go beyond quick fixes, consider adding a built-in closet system. These setups combine rods, shelves, and drawers for maximum organization.
You can store accessories in drawers and keep shoes or baskets on open shelves.
Even a small built-in can double your space and make your closet look custom-designed. It’s an upfront investment, but one that truly pays off if you want a long-term, clutter-free setup.
8. Store Coats Smartly with Garment Bags
When coats are out of season, don’t let them hog space.
Pack them into vacuum-sealed garment bags and store them toward the back of the closet. You’ll instantly free up room for the pieces you wear every day.
For delicate or expensive coats (like wool or faux fur), use breathable fabric garment bags instead. They’ll protect from dust and moths while keeping your closet looking uniform and tidy.
9. Double Your Hanging Space
Here’s a classic trick that really works: add a second hanging rod below your main one. It instantly doubles your hanging space and works beautifully for lighter jackets, raincoats, or sweaters.
If your closet is tall, move the upper rod a few inches higher to make space. The lower rod is also great for kids’ coats—no more asking you to reach every time they need something!
10. Hang Baskets from Clothing Rods
This one’s for small-space lovers. If you don’t have enough coats to fill the rod, hang baskets from shower hooks or S-hooks instead.
These can hold everything from gloves and hats to flashlights and mail.
It’s a clever way to keep little things from landing on the floor or getting lost in drawers. Plus, it adds a touch of rustic charm to your closet.
11. Choose Clear Bins for Your Least-Used Items
We all have those “just-in-case” items that rarely see the light of day—extra scarves, old boots, or emergency rain ponchos. Store these in clear plastic bins so you can instantly see what’s inside.
Stack smaller bins on the top shelf and one larger one on the floor. This not only keeps things dust-free but also saves you the trouble of rummaging when you’re in a hurry.
12. Save Space in Deep Closets
If your closet is oddly shaped or too deep, you’ll need to get a bit creative.
Try moving the clothing rod from side-to-side to front-to-back so you can reach everything easily.
You can also hang small cubbies or fabric organizers along one side for scarves, gloves, and hats. The goal is to make every inch count—no more coats getting buried in the dark corners.
13. Store Seasonal Accessories in the Back
Keep frequently used items within arm’s reach and move the rest to the back. During summer, store scarves and heavy hats there; in winter, swap them for lighter accessories.
Hooks on the back wall are perfect for this. It’s an easy system that helps you rotate items with the seasons, keeping your closet organized year-round.
14. Organize Your Closet by Zones
Once everything’s decluttered, create zones for different types of items. Hang heavy coats together, light jackets on another side, and keep shoes or boots grouped by family member.
You can also dedicate small sections for accessories—like one basket for scarves and another for gloves. When everything has a clear “home,” the closet practically stays organized on its own.
15. Add Cubbies Below Your Coats
If you’ve got a bit of floor space left, add cubbies underneath your hanging coats. These can be store-bought or built-in.
Use them for shoes, folded sweaters, or bins filled with smaller accessories.
For families, cubbies are a lifesaver. Everyone gets their own little section, which makes mornings smoother and keeps the entryway from turning into a pile of shoes and backpacks.
(Bonus Tip!) Separate Each Family Member’s Accessories
If you’ve got a busy household, give each family member a hook or basket for their things. It’s a simple system that prevents mix-ups and saves time when everyone’s rushing out the door. Label baskets or hooks with names—it’s functional and cute.
Final Thoughts
Organizing your coat closet doesn’t have to be a weekend-long project. With the right setup—and a few clever storage tricks—you can transform that messy space into one that’s neat, easy to maintain, and maybe even a little stylish.
Start small: one hanger, one shelf, one bin at a time. Before you know it, you’ll open your coat closet and actually smile. And honestly, isn’t that the best feeling?
