Efficient Custom Closet Accessories for Limited Spaces

Getting your custom
closet system organized perfectly sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? What if you have limited space, though? Can you enjoy a well-appointed, streamlined closet that holds all of your belongings? I have worked with countless clients who had the same question, and the answer is a resounding yes! I am chock-full of tips to help you maximize the space available in your custom closet.
Some of the best ways to make the most of the space in a smaller closet include:
- Over-the-door organizers
- Shelf dividers and bins
- Pull-out drawers and trays
- Hanging accessories
- Lighting solutions
- Customized closet systems
At Life Uncluttered, we are the closet organization experts in the Kansas City area. With over 20 years of experience, we work with local homeowners to transform their storage spaces. Our goals are to help you save time and money with our high-quality, affordable custom closets and storage systems. I encourage you to get in touch with us to schedule a free design consultation.
In this article, I’ll be talking about using custom closet accessories that are perfect for smaller spaces or when space is limited. Keep reading to learn about some of the various organizers you might decide are right for your closet system.
Over-the-Door Organizers
Over-the-door organizers are a clever solution to the too-small closet issue. They don’t take up any room on the surfaces of your closet, and they come in a wide variety of styles, so you can use them to arrange your shoes, purses, jewelry, and other small items. Some have hooks, some have compartments, and some even have shelves or baskets. Many are adjustable, too – giving you the ultimate in versatility.
Benefits of over-the-door organizers
- Maximizes vertical space: In general, the space behind your closet door is often overlooked and under used, so making use of it will add to your storage space while keeping shelves, drawers, and the floor reserved for other items.
- Improves visibility and accessibility: You’ll be able to see and reach your items when they’re hanging on the door. Also, if you’re moving items from a disorganized or crowded part of your closet onto the door, you’ll be making the rest of the space more accessible.
- Easy installation and removal: Most of these don’t require any specialized tools or permanent fixtures. They can be appropriate for renters or for those who are planning to move soon.
Tips for implementation:
- Plan what to store on your door:
Before buying an organizer, think about what kind you need to accommodate the specific items you’ll be hanging. For example, if you have too many shoes to fit in your closet, you might choose a shoe organizer to hang over the door.
- Measure your door: Make sure you know the dimensions of the door as well as the free space in the closet, so you can be sure that your door will still close completely with the organizer attached.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: If you’re doing this yourself, be sure to read the instructions and to mount the hooks securely to prevent damage and potential injury.

Shelf Dividers and Bins
You likely already have shelves in your custom closet, but are they organized? Including shelf dividers and bins will let you transform cluttered shelves into neatly arranged storage spaces. Each item can have its own designated space, and you’ll be happy with the level of organization these dividers can provide. Bins are perfect for holding small items, like socks, belts, and scarves. There are lots of varieties and styles available for both bins and shelf dividers.
Benefits of shelf dividers and bins:
- Improved organization: By separating your shelves into sections, your items will be neatly separated. Stacks of folded items, like t-shirts, jeans, or sweaters, will stay neat and upright rather than toppling over.
- Easier access:
You won’t need to dig through piles when everything is organized in either a segment of a shelf or in a bin. Your clothing and accessories will be right where they are supposed to be.
- Better use of shelf space: It’s easy to have unused space on a shelf, but with shelf dividers or bins, you’ll be able to use both horizontal and vertical storage more effectively.
- Versatility: These organization tools can be used for a wide variety of items, including both clothing and accessories. This gives you a lot of control over your closet even as your wardrobe changes over time.
Tips for implementation:
- Assess your needs: Before you purchase your dividers and bins, take a good look at what you’re storing. My team will do this during your free design consultation.
- Measure your shelves: You will want to be sure that your dividers or bins are going to fit on your shelves or in the cubbies you have, so be sure to measure before purchasing if you’re doing this on your own.
- Categorizing items: Group like items together to keep the closet organized and to make your system more intuitive to use.
- Label your bins: If you’re using opaque bins, consider labeling them. This will help you not only find the items stored inside but also put items away correctly as you buy or launder them.
Pull-Out Drawers and Trays
Pull-out drawers and trays can elevate the accessibility in your closet. Particularly in reach-in closets where space is limited, these can maximize storage capacity by bringing items stored in the back of the closet to the front, where they’re easy to reach. They’re also attractive and add visual interest to your custom closet space.
Benefits of using pull-out drawers and trays:
- Improved accessibility:
You’ll be able to have everything within an arm’s reach, even if your closet is deep or if there are recessed corners. You won’t have to dig through your belongings or stretch into darkened areas to find what you need.
- Increased storage space:
By using the full depth of your closet, these pull-out elements will allow you to use every inch of the space available.
- Better organization: Drawer and tray storage gives you more versatility and use than having only stationary items. Since they also slide back into place, you will be able to keep your open space relatively free.
Tips for implementation:
- Choose high-quality materials: At Life Uncluttered, we use wood and thermally-fused laminate coatings to ensure your closet components are stain- and scratch-resistant.
- Consider accessibility:
You will have the option of choosing full-extension drawers to make it even easier to reach everything. There are also soft-close slides that can keep you from accidentally slamming the drawers or pinching your fingers.
- Use customized organizers:
Consider drawer dividers, inserts, and liners to make your drawers or trays simpler to keep organized.

Hanging Accessories
When you consider your closet, you probably mostly consider the hanging space. After all, every closet comes with at least one hanging rod. Making the most of this hanging space is going to be a game-changer when it comes to optimizing your small custom closet system. You’ll find that clutter is banished and that you’re able to find everything you want. Apartment Therapy shares many tips for organizing a small closet, and several focus on hanging items in a way that uses all of the space available.
Benefits:
- Maximizing hanging space: When you use double closet rods, multi-tier hangers, and accessories, like hanging shelves, you’ll be able to double or even triple your hanging capacity.
- Organizing small items: Hooks and hanging baskets provide a convenient solution for storing small accessories, like belts, scarves, neckties, and jewelry – keeping them in easy reach.
- Keeping the closet tidy: Once you have a place for everything and everything is in its place, you’ll have a streamlined and well-organized space. This will make you feel calmer and more serene each time you glance into your closet.
Tips for implementation:
- Choose the right accessories: Everyone has different belongings to store, so you’ll need to think about your specific needs. The options are nearly endless – multi-tiered hangers, hooks, hanging shelves, baskets, and even hanging shoe organizers might all have their place in your closet system.
- Maintain your closet regularly:
Periodically declutter and reorganize your accessories to keep your closet in good condition. Donate or discard items you are no longer using, and choose adjustable organizers, so you can reorganize as desired.
- Follow installation instructions: If you’re working with us, we’ll be handling the installation. If you are taking this on as a DIY project, however, you should read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and make sure everything is securely anchored.
Lighting Solutions
Good lighting in the closet plays a crucial role – natural light is often limited in a reach-in closet, so you will want to be sure that every corner is illuminated and that every item you own is visible. Your lighting should highlight your wardrobe and make the closet as functional as possible.
Benefits of installing good lighting in the closet:
- Improved visibility: Choosing the right lighting for your space makes it easier for you to see your belongings, even on overcast days or in darker corners.
- Enhanced closet aesthetics: Depending on the type of lighting you choose, you can make your closet look more sophisticated, more upscale, or more in tune with your personal decorating style. It will make your space more visually appealing, in any case.
- Ease of finding items: When you have the right lighting in place, you’ll be able to find the items you’re looking for. You won’t have to rummage around in a dimly lit storage space; it will be bright enough to see easily.
Tips for implementation:
- Choose the right lighting solution:
Select lighting options that suit your closet’s layout, size, and design style. Some options to consider might be recessed lights, LED strips, and overhead fixtures.
- Install the lighting strategically: You’ll want to be sure that the darkest parts of your closet are enhanced by the lighting that you choose. You might need multiple sources of light to eliminate shadows and dark spots.
- Use energy-efficient solutions: LED bulbs can reduce energy consumption. Dimmers and timed lights can also help you keep your utility costs down while still brightening your space enough to see well.
Customized Closet Systems
As a custom closet designer, I recommend investing in a custom closet system to help you make the most of your smaller space. Unlike generic storage solutions, a custom closet system is tailored not only to your space but also to your belongings and the way you use your space. It allows for personalized organization for each homeowner we work with.
Benefits of using customized closet systems:
- Optimal space utilization: Custom closets are designed to fit your space perfectly. We maximize every inch of space – making sure no space is wasted and that your storage needs are addressed.
- Personalized organization: With a custom closet system, my team can tailor the layout to suit your needs and preferences. Whether you have a large collection of neckties or hundreds of pairs of shoes, we can help by creating a unique storage solution.
- Increased home value: A well-designed custom closet system can add value to your home, not only now but also in the future when the time comes to list it. Lots of storage space is often a must-have for potential buyers.
Tips for implementation:
- Call for a free consultation:
Your custom closet system with Life Uncluttered starts with a no-cost in-home consultation with one of our talented designers. We’ll take measurements and talk to you about your project.
- Collaborate with us: We’ll work closely with you to develop a customized system that meets your needs, complements your existing decor, and fits your budget.
- Schedule your installation: Once you approve of your design and your price quote, we’ll schedule your installation with our professional crew. We handle everything and leave your new custom closet clean and ready to use.
Conclusion
Creating a custom closet system that will maximize your reach-in closet can be a challenge for homeowners, but my team is poised and ready to help. We have the organizers and accessories that will transform your small, cluttered closet into the storage space of your dreams. Contact us anytime to schedule your free consultation to get started.