While most closet and storage tips focus on clothing, accessories also need a place to stay organized. Use empty frames to hang up sunglasses, necklaces or hair accessories. Repurpose plastic bins to store cords that you don’t need frequently.
Drawer organizers make organizing your jewelry like your wedding band by type possible, making it easy to find and put on. Shelf dividers help create extra-neat stacks of folded knitwear and spare towels or sheets.
1. Drawer Organizers
Whether you have a drawer full of loose pens, pencils, and paperclips or a dresser full of jewelry that gets tangled in the process of getting ready for the day, drawer organizers are your savior. These drawer dividers allow you to organize everything in a neat and tidy fashion, making it easy for you or your loved ones to grab what they need without rummaging through a messy drawer.
Drawer organizers come in different shapes and sizes to fit your space and style. Some even include a matching bread bin to keep your fresh loaf of bread crisp and soft. Other drawer organizers feature multiple sections to organize utensils like your knives and spoons. You can also use them to keep your makeup and other bathroom supplies organized and easily accessible.
Once you’ve sorted your drawers using these divider trays, make sure to label each one so you can find what you’re looking for with ease. This is especially important if you have multiple people who use the drawers. This simple step will save you so much time and stress in the long run.
2. Hanging Racks
Many accessories like hats, scarves and jewelry need to be hung up to prevent tangles. A simple way to do this is by hanging a rack of small clothes pins on the back of your closet door or on a bedroom wall. It’s a great space-saving accessory organizer hack for small items that don’t fit into drawers or cabinets.
Other hangers can also help organize your accessories in a closet or dressing room. Garment racks are especially useful for accessories that can’t easily be folded or stored on shelves, such as a suit coat, dresses and long pants. They can also help you create a clear visual display of your outfits for the day, which is particularly helpful when planning what to wear in a morning rush.
Similarly, a pullout shoe rack is an efficient closet accessory organizer idea for shoes and bags. Rummaging through a messy collection of footwear every day takes up valuable time and can lead to scuffing or scratching that shortens the life of your shoes and boots.
3. Jewelry Boxes
Using jewelry boxes and storage containers to organize your accessories not only reduces clutter but also enhances visibility. These boxes typically feature compartments and drawers for organizing everything from stud earrings to chunky bracelets. Look for boxes that are lined with velvet to protect delicate items and create a more visually appealing display.
Consider arranging your accessories by type to streamline the process of selecting pieces to go with your outfits. Professional organizers like Heidi Lee, Caroline Solomon, and Britnee Tanner vouch for the effectiveness of this approach.
Another key technique for streamlining the process of selecting accessories is to hang necklaces on hooks to prevent tangles. This simple technique can make a huge difference in the time you spend getting ready in the morning by eliminating the frustration of untangling necklace chains.
When incorporating this organizational strategy into your jewelry collection, consider adding labels to drawers or containers. These practical additions provide a quick and efficient visual reference for finding specific items, ensuring that your storage solution remains organized and functional over time.
4. Food Storage Containers
If you’re a cook or a food-lover, then chances are that you have a lot of containers. But when they’re all mixed up in a drawer, it can be a pain to find the one you need.
A good solution is a wire shelving unit, such as the one from Ikea. It holds lots of containers without toppling, and you can label the dividers for easy identification. Another budget-friendly option is to repurpose a magazine holder that lies flat in a cabinet to hold lids (with the containers underneath). Invest in a set of clear or frosted containers, which will help keep contents fresher longer. Look for ones that are freezer safe if you plan to use them for frozen meals.
Avoid the classic round shapes that tend to take up a lot of space in cabinets; instead, opt for square or rectangular containers to make the most of your storage area.
5. Smartphone Boxes
While accessories dress up an outfit, they can also create a mess in the closet. The good news is, there are simple ways to tame your accessory collection.
The first step is to sort your accessories and decide what to keep. Then you can create storage solutions that fit your collection.
When you unwrap a new gadget, you probably want to save the box or plastic container. After all, the packaging is often as stylish as the device itself.
6. Drawer Knobs
When it comes to organizing accessories, drawer knobs can come in handy for storing everything from jewelry and cosmetics to sunglasses and hair ties. They’re also a budget-friendly way to give cabinets and dressers a quick makeover. Mix and match cabinet knobs to create a cohesive look, or choose one style to define an entire room. For example, give your kitchen a moody feel by pairing matte black paint with modern pull knobs, or go for an eclectic look with rustic drawer hardware in the shape of raw stones.
Just remember to measure the thickness of your items and use a drill for a tight fit. Also, keep in mind that the knobs you choose should be able to support the weight of your items to avoid pulling away from the wall or damaging the drawer. If you’re hanging multiple items on one knob, consider screwing two into the wall for added stability.
7. Tie Racks
If you’re someone who likes to wear ties, invest in a tie rack or belt hanger to keep your accessories organized and wrinkle-free. Unlike drawer storage, tie racks allow you to easily browse your collection and select the perfect accessory for any outfit. Choose from a variety of designs, including wall-mounted racks and rotating options. For even more convenient storage, opt for plastic storage boxes that have compartments to separate and organize your ties and belts. These storage solutions are also a great option for travel because they can protect your accessories from dust and moisture.
It’s important to regularly declutter your accessory collection by donating or disposing of items you no longer wear or that are in poor condition. This helps you maintain a well-organized collection and saves you time and money when shopping for new accessories. To make it easier to find your accessories when you’re in a hurry, try categorizing them by function or style. This will help you quickly locate a specific accessory when you need it, and save you from searching for hours in your closet.
8. Hanging Scarves
Most women wear scarves, but they can be difficult to organize and find when stored randomly throughout the house. Using a hanging scarf organizer is a simple solution that will keep your scarves neat and organized.
Hanging scarf organizers are great for thin and medium sized scarves, such as pashminas. For dressier or more delicate scarves, use padded hangers to protect them from creasing. You can also make your own DIY hanger from a piece of wood and decorative hooks.
For a more stylish option, utilize empty wall space by mounting a pegboard or other hanging storage system in your closet. You can then hang scarf hangers or even hooks to store your accessories in a visually appealing way. If you don’t have a pegboard, you can still create your own hanging scarf organizer by utilizing a piece of scrap wood and stylish hooks. This is a great way to organize your accessory collection and keep them within easy reach before heading out the door. You can even organize your scarves by color for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
