The One Area Of Your Closet That You're Underusing For Organizing

Like a goldfish growing as big as its bowl, we tend to keep collecting as much stuff as our storage space allows. Whether you have a walk-in wardrobe or a tiny, vintage-era wall closet, it's probably crammed with coats, shoes, and accessories. What if we told you there's more space to be had? Before you scoff in our faces, open those doors and look. Notice that all that blank space behind the door? With just a few budget-friendly ideas for organizing your closet, from simple, removable 3M Command hooks (here's looking at you, renters) to purpose-made hang-on-the-door shoe holders, you can make these spaces work for you and your stuff.

One of the best ways to organize your closet is to make use of hooks. They come in a vast range of sizes, shapes, and materials, and you can fit at least one into even the smallest of disused closet spots. West Elm sells an 8-hook poplar wood flip shelf for $50 — the hooks tuck away flat when not in use. We love these single, pewter dragonfly wall hooks by Brainerd for under $8 each at Lowe's. Who says you can't go cute in your cupboard? Use them to hang everything from scarves and bags to hats and necklaces that'll never tangle again. Focus on the most-worn items; hooks make them easily grabbable. If you're renting, use removable adhesive hooks. 3M makes a sleek black Command wall hook that's more decorative than the company's usual far. Get a two-pack from Amazon for under $13.

Another genius tip for a perfectly decluttered closet is to hang things on the back of the door. For just over $40 on Amazon, a Smart Design steel and black plastic over-the-door pantry organizer would work just as well in a closet. You can stow a lot of accessories in those six baskets! Need something for your smallest accessories? Walmart sells a pretty three-tiered macrame jewelry hanger for about $17. It's lightweight enough for even the flimsiest closet door. Use the back of the door to declutter your closet floor of shoes — Dollar Tree has an 8-pocket hanging shoe organizer for, believe it or not, $1.25!

Closet door hinges and the material doors are made of aren't typically designed to support a lot of weight. If you want to use the door to organize heavier items, it would pay to make it sturdier. Measure the width and length of your door, take 3 inches off, then head to the hardware store and buy a three-quarter-inch thick piece of plywood and screws that fit your specifications. Screw the board to the inside of the door and go wild with storage solutions. 

Other easy ideas for the back of the door or for blank wall space that's on the larger side is mounting a cork board or pegboard or adding some additional lighting — Amazon has motion-sensor LED closet light strips you can peel-and-stick for under $40. Or, if you can see the spot every time you open the closet, go all in on the aesthetic with wall art, framed family photos, or a chalkboard for daily affirmations.