Sorting through your items can feel like a daunting task — especially if you’re not someone who regularly organizes or when you are limited to a small space and minuscule closets. But let’s be honest, living in clutter is a fast track to feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and constantly irritated by the mess around you. No one wants their home to look like a scene from Hoarders, and if you’re tired of the chaos, it’s time to make a change, one step at a time.

It doesn’t have to be a massive overhaul. Start with small, manageable steps, and over time, you’ll find that the space you call home feels a lot better — more functional, more peaceful, and more organized.

In this post, I’m diving into some practical tips and strategies to sort your items effectively. From clothing storage to creative solutions for small spaces, you’ll have a solid game plan for taking control of your home without it becoming a nightmare.

Storing Your Clothing – Think Beyond the Closet

Let’s kick things off with one of the most common problem areas: clothing. We all have that one section of the wardrobe that’s a nightmare to dig through — and that’s because just leaving your clothes hanging in the closet isn’t enough to keep them safe, especially when seasons change.

• Proper Seasonal Storage

For example, winter clothes need special attention during warmer months. Simply hanging them in your wardrobe exposes them to dust, moths, and potential damage. Instead, consider vacuum-sealing your seasonal items to protect them from moths and wear and tear. Use vacuum bags for bulkier items like sweaters, jackets, and scarves — it’s a game-changer when it comes to preserving your clothing long-term.

• Don’t Forget the Shoes

Footwear is often another source of clutter. Store shoes you don’t wear every day in stackable bins or clear boxes to keep them organized and easily accessible. You’ll save time searching for that one missing heel and your shoes will stay in better shape.

• Swap Out Hangers and Add Shelf Dividers

One of the easiest closet upgrades you can make? Slim, velvet hangers. They instantly give your closet a cleaner, more uniform look — and they take up less space than bulky plastic or wood ones. Add shelf dividers to prevent toppling sweater piles and separate categories like jeans, knits, or bags. These small upgrades make your space easier to navigate and much more functional.

• Add Hooks and Hanging Racks Inside Closet Doors

The back of your closet door is prime real estate. Use adhesive or over-the-door hooks for things like belts, bags, or hats. If you’re short on drawer space, you can also use a hanging shoe or accessories rack here to hold everything from scarves to workout gear.

• Double Your Hanging Space

If your closet has vertical room to spare, add a second tension rod below your existing hanging rail to double your hanging space. This is especially helpful for shorter items like shirts, skirts, and folded pants. Suddenly, one small closet can function like two — without needing any construction.

• Use Drawer Organizers for Underwear and Activewear

Drawers become chaotic fast - especially with socks, bras, underwear, or leggings. Use drawer dividers or small open bins inside your drawers to keep everything in its place. It saves time and keeps your daily essentials from becoming a tangled mess.

See my entire Small Closet Storage Shopping List Here

Declutter and Store Outside the Home

Sometimes, the best solution to sorting your items is to acknowledge that there’s just not enough room inside. If you’re holding on to things that you rarely use but still can’t bear to part with, consider renting a storage unit.

Research Storage Facilities: When looking into storage options, take the time to compare different facilities. Think about:

• Location: Is it easily accessible?
• Size: Do you need a large unit, or will a smaller one suffice?
• Price: Make sure you’re getting good value for the space you need.
• Security: Choose a facility with strong security measures if you’re storing valuable items.

Consider this a temporary solution while you get your home organized, or even a long-term option for things you don’t use every day, like holiday decorations or off-season furniture.

Get Creative with Your Storage Solutions

If space is at a premium in your home, you might feel like you're running out of options for where to put things. But before you give up and resign yourself to a life of clutter, start thinking outside the box.

• Under-the-Bed Storage

Under-bed storage is often overlooked but can be a goldmine for organizing. Invest in bins or drawers that slide easily under your bed to store extra linens, shoes, or seasonal clothing. This space is often wasted, so why not put it to work?

• Utilize Vertical Space

Look up. Vertical space is often underutilized, but it’s one of the most effective ways to store items. Install floating shelves, wall-mounted hooks, or overhead cabinets in areas like entryways, hallways, or bathrooms. Not only does this clear up floor space, but it can also add a touch of design to your room.

• Bespoke Storage Units

If you have oddly-shaped gaps in your space - like those awkward corners or areas under stairs - get creative with bespoke units. A custom-fit solution can be a life-saver for storing things without cluttering your home. Whether it’s a narrow shelf or a set of pull-out drawers, a little creativity can maximize storage without compromising on style.

• Outdoor Shed Storage

When indoor space is limited, an outdoor shed can be a perfect addition. This is especially useful if you have seasonal items, tools, or equipment that you don’t need in the house year-round. A shed offers a secure and accessible place to store things like garden tools, outdoor furniture, sports equipment, or even extra seasonal decorations. If you have a yard or garden space, consider investing in a high-quality, weather-resistant shed. With a little organization inside, it becomes a storage haven — freeing up your home for the essentials. I bought a Spanish Style bungalow that was built in 1925, so our house has absolutely no closets or storage. Adding a well-organized storage shed in our backyard made all the difference in keeping our home airy, organized, and free of clutter.

Make Use of Your Basement or Loft

If your home has a basement or loft, you have a hidden gem of storage space just waiting to be used. These areas are often underutilized, but with the right approach, they can serve as the perfect spot for items that don’t need to access frequently.

• Basement Storage

If you’re fortunate enough to have a basement, take advantage of it. This space is ideal for long-term storage — things like old furniture, seasonal decorations, and even bulkier items you don’t want cluttering up the house. Make sure to invest in moisture control (like dehumidifiers) to prevent damage from humidity.

• Loft Space

The loft is another area that many people forget about. If you’ve got a pull-down attic ladder or easy access to the loft, it’s a prime spot for storing things like holiday decorations, old books, or keepsakes that don’t need to be accessed regularly - and in a pinch you can just throw a load of your belongings in there. If you’ve got the space, it’s also worth considering a loft conversion for extra, usable storage or even living space.

• Loft or Basement Conversions

Don’t have enough space in your loft or basement? A professional conversion could unlock all that hidden potential. Whether it’s for storage or extra living space, an expert can help you make the most of your home’s layout.

Think Outside the Box – No Space Is Too Small

If you’re struggling to figure out where to put everything, remember that there’s always a solution. Even the smallest apartments or homes can be organized with a little bit of creativity and elbow grease.

Start small, and work with the space you have. The goal is to keep things manageable and only hold on to what’s useful. Don’t let clutter rule your life — take charge of your space, and you’ll be amazed at how much more peaceful and organized your home feels.