21 Tiny Wardrobe Hacks That'll Give You LOADS More Space

21 Tiny Wardrobe Hacks That'll Give You LOADS More Space

A tiny wardrobe can often equal a huge disorganised mess. If you're in wardrobe SOS make sure you check out these smart tips on how to organise your wardrobe and make the most of your space...

Editor's Note: This post was originally posted in May 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in June 2018.

The first tiny wardrobe hack is...

1. Spring clean your wardrobe

tiny wardrobe hacks
Stash away out of season clothes.

If you own a tiny wardrobe you are going to have to bite the bullet and scale down. This is very popular at the moment, with bloggers touting around the concept of 'capsule wardrobe' living (read more about this at Brit+Co). Set an afternoon aside and start organising your clothes into the following categories:

  • eBay / Gumtree
  • Charity shop or friends
  • Clothes recycling bin
  • Out of season
  • Current wear

You'll be surprised at how many pieces of clothes you've not worn for years. With the start of a new season, now is the time to donate or sell - you could even make some money on your spring clean.

You want to organise your tiny wardrobe so the items you wear most weeks - think jeans, comfy jumper, work shirts - are the most accessible. Everything else can be hidden away in areas of your wardrobe. Every item you hang in the accessible areas should be worn at least once, if not you can move it to your occasional sections.

Start using coat hanger hacks

Coat hanger hacks will give you so much more space in your tiny wardrobe. Discover the handy tips below to make the most of your space.

2. Hang clothes vertically

coat hanger hacks
Pic credit: Brit + Co - check out their easy-to-make hanger hack.

If you have a narrow wardrobe that's also tall, this is the ultimate space saving solution! Inspired by this brilliant idea from Brit + Co you can use a cheap metal chain and an S clip to hang your t-shirts and other short clothes.

You can also create the same effect using shower curtain rings and drinks can pulls:

coat hanger hacks
Pic credit: Seventeen

3. Use hangers to display everyday accessories

shower ring coat hanger jewellery
Pic credit: Tesco Living

This trick is just for those everyday items that you wear week in, week out. I'm talking scarves, belts, hats and more. Attach shower ring pulls to a coat hanger as per the image above to hang these items.

This will remove the need for clunky accessory boxes, freeing up more space in your tiny wardrobe for more important things.

4. Use pegs to double up or hang whole outfits

peg coat hanger
Pic credit: Two Twenty One - check this blog post out for smart baby organisation tips.

Use pegs to clip your trousers or skirts to the bottom of your hangers. This is a genius tip if you're planning ahead and hanging up your week's outfits (this will save you time and space) or you could double up on T-shirts, tops and any other lightweight items of clothing.

5. Hang strappy tops from a tie hanger

tie hanger storage solution
Pic credit: Gita Simanjuntak

Don't let your strappy tops (or other pieces of clothing you might have multiples of) take up all your precious tiny wardrobe space. Purchase a cheap tie holder and use the straps to hang your tops up.

Hang shoes, handbags & more to save even more space

6. Hang your handbags to save floor space in your tiny wardrobe

handbag storage coat hanger
Pic credit: Indulgy

This is one of our favourite wardrobe hacks of all time!

Handbags have a tendency to end up on the floor (and get ruined) so why not utilise any spare hanging space by screwing in some hooks? These can then hold your handbags and other accessories and free up your floor.

7. During Summer hang your flip flops and sandals

flip flop coat hanger
Neat idea.

Looking for shoe storage ideas? During the warmer months, you should be storing your heavy Winter footwear like boots and wellies away. Summer footwear tends to be lighter but that doesn't mean it doesn't take up valuable space in your tiny wardrobe.

Use plastic shoe hangers or bend wire coat hangers to create little hangers for your sandals and flippies.

flipflop storage hack coat hanger
Pic credit: Epbot - click for a easy-to-follow tutorial.

8. Wardrobe hacks for your accessories

hang shoes rail wardrobe
Use every last inch of space.

The back of the wardrobe is every tiny wardrobe owner's paradise - a completely free space that is yours to hang all those daily essentials that can be grabbed easily in the morning.

Hang coat hooks, rods, attach mirrors and all sorts, it also makes a fantastic place to hang those items that usually end up on the bedroom floor when you come through the door (coat, handbag, tie etc).

For more handy hacks check out my article on smart bedroom space-saving ideas.

Rails are your new best friend

9. Attach towel rails to store flat shoes

shoe storage hacks rail
Rails are handy for all accessories and shoes.

Buy a cheap towel rail and secure it to the inside of your wardrobe and slot your flat shoes into them. You can also double up and use them for scarves and belts, too. For more shoe storing tips check out my 32 incredibly clever ways to store shoes.

10. Hang your shoes and scarves from rails

wardrobe door rail storage
Utilise that wardrobe door!

Railings on the back of the door are the perfect addition to any tiny wardrobe. You can hang shoes with S clips, scarves and belts by looping them through, and necklaces by clasping them around the rail. Clever!

11. Double up on your clothes rails

tiny closet double rail
A double hanging closet is essential.

If you're looking for easy wardrobe hacks that make a real difference, look no further.

Doubling up your rails is a no-brainer if you're looking to make the most of your wardrobe space. You can hang shorter items like tops, skirts and folded trousers on the bottom rail and longer items on the top.

12. Invest in an extendable wardrobe rod

extender rod wardrobe
Simple and inexpensive.

Got a really tiny wardrobe? Triple your available hanging space with a simple and inexpensive extender rod! It can be adjusted to suit your wardrobe and the seasons. In the winter you're more likely to store longer coats and cardigans so you can simply adjust the height of the rod.

This Organise it All 'Closet Doubler' rod from Amazon is only £17.99 with free delivery. A great space-boosting solution for a small wardrobe!

Boost your tiny wardrobe with small but smart changes

13. Add an IKEA self-standing shelf

tiny wardrobe hacks iKEA
Fill it up!

Need some additional shelving for your folded clothes?

If you're not the handiest of people don't, consider adding a wardrobe organiser in the form of this IKEA Kallax squared storage unit (£30). You can place it vertically or horizontally, depending on what fits best in your tiny wardrobe. You can store foldables, shoes, accessories and underwear in these roomy boxes.

14. Make use of the top of your wardrobe with storage baskets

IKEA wardrobe storage boxes bedroom
Make use of spare heght.

All out of space?

The wardrobe pictured here may be huge, but you can take heed from the use of storage boxes above it. It's the perfect place to keep those out-of-season items out of your wardrobe, freeing up space for more important things.

Use the height to your benefit and invest in some pretty baskets or storage boxes to keep items you don't need every day.

IKEA wardrobe hacks storage baskets
Pretty yet practical.

15.Pick up a hanging organiser

hanging organiser jewellery underear
Great if you have a narrow wardrobe.

This hanging wardrobe organiser (£13.99) hangs in your wardrobe and takes up the smallest amount of space. Ideally sized for underwear, socks, scarves, jewellery and belts, you can fit a surprising amount of items in it.

16. Add smart dividers to your wardrobe shelves

shelf separator
Separate your shelves to keep it tidy.

Shelves are great for storing foldable items of clothing but if you're anything like me it'll soon be a mess in no time. Order these shelf dividers from eBay (£9.85) and keep your clothes neat and tidy. Separate your clothes into different items of clothing and not only will your tiny wardrobe be super-organised, but it'll be a lot easier to pick out your clothes in the morning too!

17. Don't forget to use the space under your shelf too!

under shelf storage rack
A great product for around the home.

Still need more space?

If you're hanging shelves or have existing shelving, make sure you utilise the space underneath them. This cheap metal shelf from eBay (£4.49) can easily be used in your wardrobe to store accessories or more clothing like pyjamas and underwear.

Tiny wardrobe hacks that make a big difference

18. Store heel-to-toe to squeeze in extra shoe space

shoe storage hack wardrobe
Pic credit: precindy - check out this fabulous Instagram account for more wardrobe inspo.

If you have an unholy amount of shoes, be sure to be storing them in this way to maximise your wardrobe space. You'll be shocked by how many more shoes you can line up (freeing you up to buy more)!

19. Make your hangers more efficient

DIY non stick hangers
Clever!

This also works with hair ties. This little hack keeps your slippy clothes in place and can also enable you to double up and keep more clothes hanging on one hanger. Double or even triple up by hanging camisoles, dresses and other light items on just one hanger.

20. Hammer nails into your wardrobe to hang jewellery

wardrobe hacks jewellery
Easy storage!

Grab your hammer and some nails and bang them into the sides of your wardrobe. You can use the nails to hang jewellery like the photo above. With some S clips you could even hang larger accessories too!

If you don't fancy nailing into your wardrobe, you can create the same effect with old frames:

jewellery storage photo frames
A popular blogger hack.

21. Use an old ladder to create even more hanging space

hanging clothes ladder
Grab a ladder!

A ladder makes a fantastic addition to the inside or outside of your wardrobe. Just prop it up and hang clothes or accessories on it. One of the easiest wardrobe hacks and it looks pretty too!

Do you have any wardrobe hacks you'd like to share? Tell us how you maximise on space in your tiny wardrobe in the comments below!

Anushka F

Editor

A keen money-saver and fan of all things natural, Anushka enjoys making her own beauty products and is partial to a bit of crafting. Never short of a clever tip or two, she's always looking for new ways to make her money go even further.

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  1. Author Jane on May 4, 2016 at 5:28 pm

    Be careful that you don't pull the door off its hinges - or drag the rail off Just have less but better!

    Reply
  2. Author Mrs Anne Skinner on May 11, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    Thank you so much for those wonderful tips .

    1. Author Anushka F on May 16, 2016 at 9:54 am

      You're welcome Anne! I'm glad you're enjoying the tips.

    Reply
  3. Author Ann White on July 2, 2016 at 2:27 am

    Thank you for some great tips, I look forward to read some of the new ways to look at the problems we have sometimes . Here's another little tip for the space in your wardrobes, keep your old shoes boxes, they are not just for shoes,. I put my holiday gear in them or hide Christmas, birthday presents in them they do hold quite a bit, and if you get boot boxes you can put 2 pairs of shoes in them or presents or clothes. More idears please.

    1. Author Anushka F on July 26, 2016 at 1:15 pm

      Some fab ideas there Ann thanks for sharing! I like to keep nail polishes, and jewellery boxes in my shoes boxes.

    Reply
  4. Author Caroline Close on July 6, 2016 at 10:49 am

    Some excellent ideas here! Thank you

    1. Author Anushka F on July 26, 2016 at 11:53 am

      No worries, I'm glad you like them!

    Reply
  5. Author lesley brown on August 4, 2016 at 9:44 am

    I keep my shoes in a box under the bed - along with old soaps as i have unsavoury feet! I also keep unused handbags in an overnight bag to keep them dust free.

    1. Author Anushka F on August 25, 2016 at 9:55 am

      Great tips Lesley, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  6. Author Phyllida Chappell on March 18, 2017 at 9:06 am

    Thank you for such useful tips. I will reorganise my wardrobe this weekend.

    1. Author Stephanie C on April 5, 2017 at 5:24 pm

      Hi Phyllida. I hope your clearout went well and your wardrobe is now looking tidier than ever :)

    Reply
  7. Author Cathy Bryant on March 18, 2017 at 10:42 am

    Excellent ideas and many thanks! My wardrobe was transformed when I bought a clothes folder. I wasn't sure if I'd use it, but my wardrobe has gone from untidy piles to neat sections. I wear many more of my clothes now, as I can actually find them and see them!

    1. Author Stephanie C on April 5, 2017 at 5:23 pm

      Hi Cathy. We all use clothes folders at Expert Home Tips and absolutely LOVE them! I'm glad to hear you've made use of one too :)

    Reply
  8. Author jean on March 18, 2017 at 12:14 pm

    I really like & will be using the suggestion of not putting shoes side by side but one facing outwards & the other inwards a good space saving tip, thank you

    1. Author Stephanie C on April 5, 2017 at 5:22 pm

      Hi Jean. Glad to hear you like Anushka's tips. Thanks for visiting :)

    Reply
  9. Author Kuldip Chadha on February 3, 2018 at 3:50 pm

    Very innovative and interesting indeed especially in today's world where we have to adjust to tiny bedrooms will definitely use some of the ideas which are simple to adopt

    1. Author Stephanie C on February 6, 2018 at 5:23 pm

      Hi Kuldip. We're glad you enjoyed our ideas! It's true that bedrooms can be very small these days, that's why it's so important to make the most of the space available to you. Thanks for stopping by,

    Reply
  10. Author April on March 10, 2018 at 4:21 am

    I have tried the idea of the shower hooks on a hanger for tank tops, the only problem I have is they tend to slide to one end and tip and clump up. Any suggestions for this?

    1. Author Stephanie C on March 13, 2018 at 10:10 am

      Hi April. If you put elastic bands between each hook, they should no longer slip. I hope this helps! :)

    Reply
  11. Author Susan Madanat on December 3, 2019 at 3:07 am

    Vacuum storage bags are very useful. I also use hanging vac bags for out of season coats and jackets.

    1. Author Joanne A on December 3, 2019 at 11:24 am

      I haven't heard of hanging vac bags! They sound great.

    Reply
  12. Author Sally sloan on December 8, 2019 at 9:29 pm

    Yes some ideas ! X

    1. Author Joanne A on December 9, 2019 at 11:10 am

      Glad you found it useful!

    Reply

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