Best Hanging Closet Organizers: Top Picks for Space-Saving Magic

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Unleash Your Closet’s Potential – The Quick Way!

Keeping your closet organized can sometimes feel like a never-ending battle.

You open your closet only to be greeted by an avalanche of clothes, shoes, and that one ugly sweater from last Christmas.

Well, today we’re aiming to solve that problem using one of my favorite storage items: hanging closet organizers.

Not only do they offer a practical and versatile approach to organization, but they can also help to maximize the available storage space inside your closet (making more room for way more ugly sweaters! ).

They come in different types and dimensions, making it possible to find the perfect match for your exact needs.
Some may prefer organizers for smaller items like scarves, gloves, and other accessories, while others may favor larger multi-shelf organizers for everything from clothing items to shoes.

No matter what your specific needs are, a hanging closet organizer will help you clean up your closet quickly, cheaply, and easily.

There are TONS of them though… where should you start??

Ah, well I’m here to help you answer that!

I’ve combed through multiple listings, read specifications, researched materials, read reviews, etc., etc. in order to find some of the best hanging closet organizers out there.

In this article, we’ll dive into those recommendations so you can find the one that will work the best for YOU.
And you’ll finally be able to transform your chaotic closet into a more pristine paradise.

So hang on, and let’s jump in!

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The 3 Common Types of Hanging Closet Organizers

There are 3 musketeers types of organizers in this class of products:

1. Hanging Tiered Shelves
2. Hanging Organizers for Shoes
3. Hanging Organizers for Accessories

Each is slightly unique and will serve a purpose for different types of items found inside a closet.
However, all of them are (obviously) meant to be hung on the rod of your closet.

1. Hanging Tiered Shelves

2. Hanging Organizers Specifically for Shoes

3. Hanging Organizers for Wardrobe Accessories

The 2 Main Hanging Methods

When it comes to hanging closet organizers, there are 2 primary ways they hang inside the closet:

What's better between the two methods?

Both hanging methods work well and they’re both plenty strong to hold a good amount of weight.
(Some organizers even have both hooks AND a Velcro strap in the middle for more holding strength.)

Out of these 2, however, I’d say that hooks will have greater holding strength than the Velcro loop straps. But both hanging methods are more than adequate in most situations. 

And now with all that context out of the way, let’s go over the top recommendations!

Best Hanging Closet Organizers

Best Hanging Closet Organizers with Drawers

Best Hanging Shoe Organizers for a Closet Rod

Best Hanging Closet Organizers for Accessories

These clever storage solutions not only keep your accessories neatly arranged but also save valuable drawer or shelf space.

In this section, we will explore the best hanging closet organizers specifically designed for accessories (like scarves, belts, small wallets, jewelry, etc.)

Best Closet Organizers for Small Closets

A lot of the recommendations already mentioned will do just fine in small closets. But, below are a few more items that will work really well in tight places.

Whether you're dealing with a tiny apartment closet or a compact bedroom wardrobe, I selected options that had more than 9 compartments to maximize available vertical space. 

Thinner organizers work great here so maybe consider opting for shoe organizers since they have lots of slots and a smaller width. Plus, you can cram some clothes in there – not just footwear.

Best Budget Selections (All under *$12!)

(*At the time of this writing)

Sometimes all we need is something nice but with a cheap price tag!

This section will provide you with some budget recommendations that will get the job done at an even lower price.
Just make sure to keep in mind: “You get what you pay for.”

4 Factors to Consider when Choosing Hanging Closet Organizers

To select a great organizer for your own closet, there are a few factors that are helpful to consider:

1. Closet Size and Space

First, consider the size of your closet and the free space you have.

Measure the width, height, and depth of the available closet space to choose the perfect organizer size. Also, think about the number of shelves/compartments you might need based on your clothing, shoes, and other accessory storage requirements.

2. Material and Durability

The material of your hanging closet organizer plays an important role in its durability – Here are the most common fabric materials used in these hanging organizers:

• Polyester: Polyester is a popular choice due to its durability and affordability. It is resistant to wrinkles, easy to clean, and offers good strength to hold various items. But, it can be pretty thin on these hanging organizers.
• Canvas: Canvas is known for its sturdiness and ability to withstand heavy loads. It is a durable material that can handle the weight of folded clothing, shoes, and other items.
• Nylon: Nylon is a lightweight fabric that is resistant to tears and abrasions. It is often used in closet organizers for its strength and durability. Nylon organizers are also easy to clean and maintain.
• Non-Woven Fabric: Non-woven fabric is made from synthetic fibers that are bonded together. It is an affordable option and provides decent strength.
• Oxford Fabric: Oxford fabric is a durable woven textile characterized by a basket-weave structure and a slightly textured appearance. Its strength can withstand the weight of folded clothing, shoes, and accessories, making it a reliable option for long-lasting storage solutions.

Out of the five materials mentioned, canvas is generally considered to be the most tear-resistant. Canvas fabric is woven tightly, making it strong and resistant to tearing. It’s designed to withstand heavy loads and is often used in applications that require durability and strength. 

Polyester, Oxford Fabric, and Nylon aren’t too far off though; They also hold up pretty well and offer good durability and tear resistance.

Non-woven fabric is typically the cheapest out of the group - creating a cost-effective option for hanging closet organizers. It’s often used in other budget-friendly storage solutions due to its affordability and availability. But, it can also be the most prone to tears if overly abused or stretched.

However, it's important to note that the tear resistance of a fabric can also depend on its specific construction and thickness. Some junk products out there don’t have the best quality in their seams, which causes even the most hardy materials to come apart. I’ve done my best to provide you with the ones that hold up the best though!

3. Design and Aesthetics

This one is obvious, but it’s also worth paying attention to; Select a hanging closet organizer that complements your room's decor and aesthetics. Make sure the design matches your personal preferences and enhances your closet's overall appearance.

You won’t go wrong with more neutral colors like black and gray. Which, most organizers will come in these colors anyway.

Also, as mentioned before, some of these organizers will have small pockets on the sides which help store more items overall. It’s worth considering this small design detail if you’ll need more space for junk stuff .

4. Price Range

Even though these organizers are pretty inexpensive, it’s a good idea to have in mind how much you’re willing to spend.
Don’t want to spend over a certain amount? Cool - you’ve just narrowed down your selection.

Remember, “You get what you pay for”.
Investing in a quality organizer may save you money in the long run by standing up to wear and tear better. However, more affordable options can still offer good value and meet your storage needs.

4 Tips for Maximizing the Use of Hanging Closet Organizers

Tip #1: Categorizing and Sorting Items

Group similar items together in their own designated compartment, such as shirts, sweaters, jeans, etc.
This will help you easily locate what you need and make your closet look more organized.

If you went with a hanging organizer with drawers, you can also use labels to identify what's inside.

Tip #2: Prioritize Frequently Used Items

Once you've categorized your items, consider the proper placement and arrangement.
Store frequently used items or everyday essentials (like your favorite shoes or shirts) higher up in easily accessible compartments, while less used items can be placed more towards the bottom. 

Tip #3: Maximize the Floor Space Below

If your hanging closet organizer leaves space below it, make use of that area!
You can place something like storage cubes, shoe racks, or even some under-the-bed storage bins; Anything to help further optimize available space and keep your closet junk free.

Tip #4: Regular Maintenance and Decluttering

Lastly, periodically go through your hanging closet organizer to declutter and (if you’re feeling fancy) rotate your wardrobe.
Here are a few ideas:

• Schedule a routine check at least once a season to assess the condition of your clothes and donate or discard anything you no longer need or wear.
• Maintain a one-in, one-out rule, which means for every new item you bring in, remove an old one to prevent overcrowding.
• Keep a small bin or box in your closet for damaged items or donations, so you can deal with them as needed.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts [TL;DR]

Sooo, in a nutshell…
Hanging closet organizers are an efficient and user-friendly solution for keeping your closet tidy and well-organized.

They’ll provide you with many useful benefits such as:

• Maximizing your closet space: Hanging organizers take up minimal space in your closet while offering multiple compartments for your clothing, accessories, and other items. This way, you make the most of your available space and ensure everything has its place.
• Improving accessibility: With their open design and easily reachable compartments, hanging closet organizers make it simple for you to locate and grab the items you need. No more digging through mountains of clothes or getting lost in cluttered shelves!
• Versatility and flexibility: They come in various designs, sizes, and configurations, offering flexibility to cater to different wardrobe needs. They can accommodate different types of clothing, accessories, and even shoes, providing versatile storage solutions.
• Portability and adaptability: They’re portable and can be easily moved or rearranged as needed. This adaptability allows you to adjust the organization system based on changing needs or when reconfiguring your closet layout.

And, with the excellent recommendations mentioned above on the best hanging closet organizers – you won’t go wrong .

Now that we’ve gotten your closet nice and settled, maybe now you need to improve your bathroom organization. 

Or, what about organizing your kitchen a bit?

I’ve got you covered there too, so go check those out!

Have any other questions or comments? Comment down below or shoot me an email.

Otherwise, I’ll see you in the next article.
Take care!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: “Are hanging closet organizers easy to install?”

A: Yes! They’re super easy to install.
They simply hook on or Velcro onto your closet rod. And, you don’t need any special tools to install.

Q: “Come on, can they really help with utilizing the dead space in my closet?”

A: Absolutely! 

They make use of vertical space which is often left unused, allowing you to store more items and it’ll make it a bit easier to find what you need.

Q: “How much weight can hanging closet organizers typically hold?”

A: It varies depending on the exact organizer you’re looking at.
But based on what I’ve seen, they can hold anywhere from about 15 to ~40 pounds in total (safely).
Although, it's a good idea to check the listing’s or manufacturer's weight capacity recommendations for the specific product you're considering.

Q: “What is the best way to organize a closet?”

A: This can be an article all on its own! (*foreshadowing*)
But, here are a few practical quick tips and ideas to get you started:

• Start by sorting your items into categories and group those together.
• Arrange your items by ‘most used’ to ‘least used’.
• Consider using something more extensive like a closet system.
• Use other available storage solutions like shoe racks, multiple-tier hangers, and customizable storage cubes.
• Take a few minutes each month to declutter any new items, rearrange if needed, and ensure everything is in its designated place.

Q: “Are hanging closet organizers suitable for storing shoes?”

A: Sure! Especially the ones more specifically designed for shoes.

You could also just store shoes in the other hanging tiered organizers, but those tend to have much more space than necessary for only storing footwear. 

Q: “Are there hanging closet organizers specifically designed for accessories like scarves, belts, or ties?”

A: Yep! I mentioned some recommendations for accessory hangers above (you might’ve overlooked them ).
These organizers look a bit different, will mainly have pockets, and be smaller in size compared to the other tiered-style organizers. 

Q: “Is there a certain brand I should get?”

A: Nope! This class of organizers is all pretty much made the same way, so paying a high price tag for branding doesn’t do much.

Q: “Can the material be washed on a hanging organizer?”

A: Nope - definitely DO NOT wash it.
Some of them have cardboard, MDF, or bamboo inside to improve shelf rigidity, and exposing them to water will damage these internal pieces. 

Q: “What if mine has a bad/weird smell? What can I do?”

A: Sometimes the manufacturing process of these organizers can cause them to have a weird smell.
If yours arrived with a bad smell, I recommend extending it and setting it outside in the sun (avoid rain!) for around a few hours or so.
Then, if the smell is still lingering, spray a bit of Fabreeze (for fabric) on it.