13 Ways To Keep Closets Organized Without The Expense Of Custom Shelves

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Is your closet overflowing with clothes or shoes, but you just can't stand to let them go? Whether you're saving that vintage bomber jacket for the perfect occasion, or have a sizable shoe collection — and a builder-grade closet system isn't cutting it — there are lots of smart ways to add more storage. Yes, it's important to declutter the items in your closet and toss or donate clothes you never wear. But, beyond that, you can use organization hacks to make the most of your closet space, without shelling out for custom shelving.

For instance, just because your closet only came with one hanging rod doesn't mean you can't add another one. Or maybe you don't have too many shoes; you just need a shoe storage rack. Maximize drawer space by stacking two dressers on top of each other. Here are some clever ways to get your closet neat and tidy without breaking the bank on a custom closet. 

Many custom closets include unique shelving units to add space for shoes or folded items. Instead, consider buying a freestanding drawer unit as a more affordable, plug-and-play option. Forget putting your shoes on the floor or trying to keep your smaller items in bins — a freestanding unit is a great way to keep everything in the right place.

There are a number of factors that will affect which freestanding unit would work best for your space. For example, if you have a small footprint but need lots of storage, a tall and narrow unit may be the best option (like this Tall Dresser with 8 Drawers from Dictac). Alternatively, if you need a shorter shelving unit, try these Closet Drawers from Boluo. Drawers can be very convenient for storing undergarments, socks, and more. 

Who said you can only have one hanging rod in your closet? Adding an additional rod can double your hanging space, and is a great option if you're looking to hang shorter items like shirts or shorts. You don't have to get a custom unit or hire a professional to install a second rail.

In general, it's a good idea to put a bottom rail about 40 inches above the floor. This will allow for enough space below for clothes to not drag on the ground while also providing enough space for the top rail. This Closet Rod for Hanging Clothes from Supforce comes with the rod and hardware to install in your space. You'll just need some basic tools and a level to install a bottom rail.

Wondering what to do with those open shelves in your closet? Keeping folded clothes there may seem like a good idea, but high piles can topple easily. Instead, consider placing boxes or bins on these shelves to store smaller items like socks, undergarments, and more. This is especially helpful if you don't have a separate dresser with drawers for these items.

You can choose from clear plastic bins, like these Storage Bins from ClearSpace, or these Closet Organizer Bins from Homsorout that are more of a trapezoid shape. Beyond keeping socks organized in bins, go crazy and only buy one type of sock (that's a sock shopping habit that actually keeps things organized). Labeling your bins with the items inside is another way to make a major impact in closet organization.

Your shoes shouldn't just sit on the floor. Not only can it look messy and disorganized, but it can also damage your shoes. Whether you're a collector or not, you don't want your shoe storage habits to ruin your favorite pairs. A shoe storage rack is the ultimate solution that's much easier than designing a custom unit.

You can find a shoe storage solution in almost any style — from stylish and aesthetic to clear bins to simple but effective metal shoe racks. This 3-Tier Stackable Shoe Rack from Simple Houseware is an affordable and practical solution. Or if you have an open closet and need a visually appealing shoe rack, consider this Sturdy Solid Pine Wood Bench with Shoe Storage from Amazon Basics. For the shoe collectors, this 10 Tier Shoe Rack from VTRIN can fit up to 50 pairs.

If you have a large amount of hanging clothes but need some additional space, valet rods are the way to go. A valet rod is an aesthetic closet addition that also adds function and storage. Typically, these rods are used as a temporary hanging station to either steam or air garments, plan outfits, or even help organize clothes for travel. But there are a few different varieties of valet rods you can utilize to organize your space.

This Valet Rod for a Closet from BaiNong actually has hooks attached, so not only can you have some extra hanging space for clothes, but you can also store small bags, ties, or other accessories. Or, this Pull Out Closet Rod from Cicufy is actually more of a permanent hanging solution, which can help maximize space. 

Maximizing vertical space is crucial in order to keep your closet organized. If you already have a rod at regular height but want to add additional hanging space, consider adding a pull-down hanging rod. Not only does this fill in any empty space at the top of your closet, but it is also very ergonomic. You don't have to grab a stepstool to reach these items but rather pull the rod down so it's at a very reachable height. It's considered a smart solution for tall closet storage if you can't reach.

A custom closet with shelving often goes floor to ceiling, but you can achieve that same space efficiency with the pull-down closet rod. This Pull Down Adjustable Rod from Rev-A-Shelf is a durable, affordable choice. Very similar to installing an additional hanging rod, installing a pull-down rod is generally DIY-friendly.

Shoe storage racks aren't for everyone, but you have to organize your shoes somehow. That's where the over-the-door storage comes in. Not only is this extremely helpful in small closets, but it's also a great way to display your shoes and keep them tidy. One thing to note, this hack is helpful for sneakers and sandals, but may not be as efficient for larger boots.

Over-the-door shoe organizers are popular for a reason: They just work. If you're looking to store a lot of shoes, consider this Over-The-Door Shoe Organizer from Whitmor that can hold up to 36 pairs. Or, this Hanging Organizer from Fentec has various sizes of compartments for different types of shoes. There are a ton of smart ways to use an over-the-door shoe organizer to keep your home clutter-free: Besides storing shoes, you can also use one in a closet to organize accessories like gloves, thick scarves, mittens, and more. 

Custom shelving is so popular because it offers additional storage space. But rather than spend an arm and a leg on a custom unit, make more space in your closet by vacuum sealing off-season clothes. Store away all your winter coats and snow wear in the summer to make room for tanks, blouses, and sandals, and vice versa for the winter.

Vacuum sealing clothing items is generally a simple task. You'll want to start by purchasing the bags (like this 26 Pack of Vacuum Storage Bags from Cozy Essential). Then you'll want to select which clothes you'd like to store. Be sure to clean these items and make sure they're completely dry (to avoid any mold), and then fold them. Finally, follow instructions on the bags to seal them correctly, and store bags out of the way to make more room in your closet.

If you'd rather not install another rod below your original hanging rod, or you don't have more vertical space to play with, consider a freestanding clothing rack. These are ideal if you have a little extra space in your closet and need a lot more room for hanging items. Also, you may not even have to get out any tools to install it.

The right clothes rack will vary depending on your specific needs. This Clothing Rack from Sakugi is made from metal and also includes a mesh shelf and casters so it can roll. If you'd like a few more shelves, this Clothes Rack from Ulif has four tiers for additional storage. Alternatively, if you're up for a project, you can even use bamboo to DIY a stunning natural clothes rack to free up closet space.

It may sound crazy, but why stop at one dresser? Try two! Talk about adding as much space and storage as possible. Stacking two dressers on top of each other is a great way to keep your closet organized without any custom features.

First, you'll want to make sure you pick two dressers that will fit in your closet, so be sure to measure your space. When choosing the dressers, be sure to put the larger, heavier piece on the bottom and the lighter of the two on the top. Finally, consider picking dressers without feet to maximize stability. Depending on what dressers you're stacking, it may be a good idea to anchor them to the wall. Skipping this crucial step when stacking items like drawers and IKEA furniture could present a safety hazard, especially if you have small children. 

Don't leave the shelves in your closet empty just because you don't know what to put there. If you're not storing your smaller items, consider using the space for shoe cubbies. These are generally smaller boxes for your sneakers, sandals, and more, and can be a great storage solution that removes the need for custom shelving for shoes.

For sneaker collectors, these Clear Shoe Boxes from 7 Code are an excellent option. They have a magnetic door and are sturdy and stackable. These Shoe Slots from NVGSN are another good choice for heels. Stacking your shoes with shoe slots is a genius shoe storage idea that is a game changer for small closets.

Want to add drawers to your space but skip the custom shelves? Consider installing wire pull-out drawers. These are great for items like undergarments, socks, ties, and accessories. They're also an alternative to larger or bulkier pieces, like a full dresser.

You can easily find these pull-out drawers or baskets that attach to a shelf, like this Drawer Organizer Set from Wocubehome. They simply slide on; no tools needed. Or, you can go for this Wire Drawer Kit from ClosetMaid that requires a little more effort to install, but can be adjusted as needed to fit your space.

We've all seen the custom storage solutions for handbags, and they always look beautiful and neat. But you can still store your bags efficiently without all the custom work. Handbag hangers are ideal if you have any additional space on your hanging rod. Hanging them from the handle like this, rather than piling them on top of each other or putting them in a bin, can also help keep your bags in good shape.

You may want to buy a few different handbag hangers depending on the types of bags you're looking to store. These Premium Clear Purse Hangers from Wiosi would be great for any bags with thin or leather straps. Or, these Purse Hangers from DhylrIicher could be good for bags with chain straps or wide handles. Consider emptying your bags before storing them to take any additional load off of the straps.