How to Organise a Small Wardrobe Without Throwing Anything Away – 7 Clever Tricks
- Beril Yilmaz
- May 22
- 4 min read
If you've ever stood in front of your wardrobe thinking, "Where am I supposed to put this?"—you're not alone. Small wardrobes can be a daily frustration, especially when you're trying to balance your favourite fashion finds, seasonal gear, and everyday essentials in one tight space. But it doesn’t have to be a chaotic battle every morning.
Learning how to organise a small wardrobe is all about smart strategy. With a few clever tweaks, you can create a wardrobe that not only fits everything you need but is also a joy to use. Whether you’re in a compact flat, sharing a bedroom, or simply want to optimise your existing space, this guide will help you rethink the way you store your clothes.
We’ve rounded up the most practical ideas—from the best types of hangers to surprising underused storage zones—so you can finally reclaim your wardrobe and enjoy a clutter-free start to the day.
1. How to Organise a Small Wardrobe: Prioritise By Usage, Not Category
Instead of sorting clothes by traditional categories like tops, trousers, or dresses, group them based on how often you wear them. Keep your weekday go-to outfits front and centre and place rarely worn pieces higher up or tucked to the side.
Create zones in your wardrobe: "Daily Wear", "Occasional", and "Rarely Used". This way, you're not rifling through old party dresses when you're just trying to find a clean T-shirt on a Tuesday morning. It also highlights items you may no longer need—making editing down your wardrobe even easier.
Quick tip: Use hanging dividers or coloured garment tags to visually separate these zones.
2. How to Organise a Small Wardrobe: Opt for Single-Function Storage Boxes
Multi-use containers often promise a lot but end up being bulky or awkward. Instead, choose single-function boxes tailored to specific clothing types: thin felt boxes for scarves, clear stackables for shoes, zippered canvas bins for knitwear.
Avoid the temptation to mix items in the same box—even if it seems like a space saver. You'll lose visibility and forget what you own, which is one of the fastest ways to reintroduce clutter.
Recommended products:
Muji Fabric Storage Boxes – slim, stackable and breathable.
IKEA SKUBB Box Set – perfect for socks, underwear, and accessories.
The Big Stuff Shoe Drawers by The Holding Company – great for shallow wardrobe floors.
3. How to Organise a Small Wardrobe: Add Tension Rods to Double Hanging Space
An overlooked trick that works wonders in small wardrobes is installing a tension rod halfway down your wardrobe to create a second hanging tier. It’s ideal for shorter garments like skirts, T-shirts, and blouses.
Tension rods don’t require drilling and can be adjusted to suit your space, making them perfect for renters or those avoiding permanent changes. For best results, place longer items on one side of your wardrobe and keep double hanging to the other side.
Best buys:
Croydex Telescopic Tension Rod – strong enough for light clothing.
InterDesign Extendable Wardrobe Rod – offers anti-slip ends and easy installation.
4. How to Organise a Small Wardrobe: Use Hidden Corners Creatively
Corners often become dead zones in tight wardrobes. Reclaim them with swivel hooks, mini carousels, or adhesive spinning organisers to store belts, jewellery, or bags.
Another tip: Install a triangular hanging shelf or a multi-pocket corner caddy. These are game-changers for storing folded items without cluttering central hanging space.
Where to look:
Lakeland Corner Hanging Shelf – clever design and easy to clean.
The Range Over-Door Accessory Spinner – for small items that need to stay visible.
5. How to Organise a Small Wardrobe: Maximise Vertical Space with Tiered Hangers
Forget standard hangers. Tiered hangers—those that let you hang 3–5 items vertically on a single hook—are perfect for trousers, camisoles, and scarves.
They not only save horizontal space but also help you see all your options at once, reducing morning outfit decision fatigue.
Top picks:
Maison & White 5-Tier Trousers Hanger – strong and slip-resistant.
John Lewis Multi Garment Hanger – stylish and functional.
6. How to Organise a Small Wardrobe: Create a Wardrobe ‘Command Centre’
Reserve a small zone of your wardrobe or top drawer for essentials you reach for daily—like your watch, spare buttons, lint roller, or perfume.
This little “command centre” keeps frequently used items accessible and reduces clutter across the rest of your room. Use a shallow drawer organiser or a hanging pocket file for this.
Try:
Kikkerland Felt Drawer Organiser – simple, clean design.
Dunelm Hanging Shoe & Accessory Storage – repurpose it for personal essentials.
7. How to Organise a Small Wardrobe: Rotate with the 3-Month Rule
Instead of storing seasonal clothes under the bed or in the loft, try a rotating system inside your wardrobe based on what you’ve worn in the last three months.
Keep one small section for “current favourites”, and use labelled garment bags to temporarily hide the rest. Every quarter, refresh the rotation. This way, you're not constantly shuffling through clothes you don’t need.
What helps:
HOMCOM Zip-Up Hanging Garment Bags – discreet and moth-resistant.
Wilko Fabric Hanging Storage Shelf – allows quick swapping of folded clothes.
FAQs on How to Organise a Small Wardrobe
How do I fit everything into a small wardrobe?Start by streamlining your collection using the “wear it or store it” rule. Then, choose storage tools that work vertically (tiered hangers, hanging shelves) and divide zones by use.
What should I store elsewhere?Out-of-season clothing, fancy-dress items, sentimental pieces, and backup bedding can all be stored in under-bed drawers or high shelves elsewhere in your home.
How do I keep it organised long-term?Commit to a quarterly review and rotate items. Use labels, dividers, and clear boxes to ensure everything has a place. If you bring something new in, aim to take something out.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
If you're tired of battling cramped wardrobes or dreaming of a custom storage solution, let us help you create a home that works for your lifestyle. BY Design And Viz offers bespoke interior, exterior, and architectural design services tailored to your space and needs.
