Welcome to my new closet! This space in our basement was previously a workout room (see before photo below). One weekend a few months ago, we decided to move the workout room upstairs, which left this basement room empty. Not long after, I realized the space would actually make a great makeshift walk-in closet, so I proceeded to move all of my clothes (and shoes) into the space. It may not be a custom walk-in closet that’s been designed to a tee but I’ve been loving it, and its functionality, all the same.

Since I created this closet space, I’ve realized how incredibly nice it is to be able to have my clothing out in plain sight. I’ve organized it by like items so I can easily access each piece. And while not everyone has an extra room or walk-in closet to utilize, there are still creative approaches you can take to creating a more functional wardrobe. As it turns out, having your most worn clothing items on display can make a world of difference when it comes to getting dressed every day. 

Today I’m sharing before and after photos of my closet, plus tips for how you can optimize your closet and create a truly functional space. 

3 Ways to Optimize Your Closet and Make Getting Dressed More Enjoyable

1. Create your own version of a capsule wardrobe.

When my closet was upstairs in our bedroom, I had to be selective about what I hung in the small space at any given time. I typically hung up my go-to seasonal pieces and stored the rest away.

If you don’t have the space to have all of your clothes in your closet at once, I think the next best thing is intentionally displaying a capsule wardrobe. Whether it’s a separate rack in the corner of a room or a dedicated section of your closet, I think it’s so helpful to take a bit of time, pull out only the clothes you wear most often, and put them on display. Then, repeat the process and swap out pieces every season, month, or week—whichever you prefer.

2. Utilize vertical space.

When it comes to closet organization, especially in small spaces, every square inch counts! Make the most of your closet by utilizing vertical space to its full potential. Use it to store sweaters, shoes, denim, hats… whatever makes the most sense for you.

When I moved my clothes downstairs, I ordered a couple of these clothing racks. I love that they have two stacked hanging levels to maximize my storage options.

3. Gather inspiration.

Another thing that’s made the process of getting dressed so much more enjoyable for me lately is having printed inspiration photos hung on my closet wall. Having tangible pictures of outfits I love on the wall in front of me every morning has helped me be even more creative while getting dressed. It’s provided continued inspiration to help me make the most of the clothes I already have, rather than buying new things.

Find a section of wall space, whether it’s in your closet or elsewhere, and make a habit of hanging up photos of outfits you’d like to emulate. Be sure to switch them out as your outfit preferences change!

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Kate Arends

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.