By Kat Collings (Reimagined)
Let’s talk about the silent chaos many of us live with—our closets. While they may appear neat on the outside, behind those closed doors lies a familiar struggle: overcrowded hangers, lost accessories, and the age-old dilemma of “I have nothing to wear” despite a full wardrobe. I spent a year tackling this chaos head-on, designing my dream closet with The Container Store. What began as a custom design project turned into a personal journey of transformation—both for my space and my mindset.
Here are the eight most valuable lessons I learned from this process, shared with you in hopes of sparking inspiration and clarity for your own closet reset.
1. Strip It Down to Start Fresh
Yes, the first tip is a classic—but for good reason. Pulling everything out of your closet can be daunting, but it’s the only way to confront the mayhem. When my custom closet install forced me to clear the space, I discovered just how much I had been holding onto for no good reason. With each piece I handled, I asked: Have I worn this in the past two years? Would I buy it again today? Suddenly, the keep-or-toss decisions became easier. A blank slate isn’t just a metaphor—it’s the launchpad for intentional living.
2. Don’t Underestimate Lighting
In my old closet, a single lonely bulb cast everything in shadow. The new setup changed everything. I installed custom lighting with my Preston system from The Container Store, illuminating key areas—especially helpful when choosing between nearly identical black blazers. Even if you’re not going fully custom, stick-on LED lights are a small upgrade with a big impact. Visibility adds luxury and practicality.
3. Jewelry Deserves a Home Too
We often think of accessories as afterthoughts, but they can elevate any outfit. Organizing them should be a top priority. I now keep mine in individual acrylic boxes within a pull-out drawer, and the result is more than tidy—it’s joyful. Seeing each piece displayed neatly makes me far more likely to use them creatively.
4. Prioritize What You Love
Let’s face it: not everything in your closet gets equal attention. So why give them equal space? Highlight your most-used pieces by placing them front and center. Whether it’s that perfect coat or your go-to pair of jeans, make them easily accessible. Meanwhile, matching hangers (I swear by slim velvet ones) bring unity to the entire space and prevent slippage.
5. Play with Proportions
Smart closet organization is all about tailoring storage to your wardrobe. I learned to dedicate specific zones—double rods for tops and pants, taller sections for maxis and coats. Pants can hang folded in short sections, freeing up long-hanging areas for more dramatic garments. This approach is both logical and oddly satisfying, especially when everything fits like a well-planned Tetris game.
6. Use Bins Like a Pro
As a new parent, I crave order. Bins help keep small chaos contained. I alternate between luxe faux-leather bins (great for hiding clutter) and clear acrylic bins (perfect for items I need to see at a glance). The right bin can elevate your closet visually while adding much-needed functionality.
7. Curate Your Shoes
Let’s be honest—I have way too many shoes. But instead of trying to display them all, I created a “shoe capsule” of favorites for daily rotation and stored seasonal or occasion-only pairs elsewhere. Investing in drop-front shoe boxes and boot clips helped keep things clean and accessible. If you’re tight on space, a hall closet can become a satellite shoe zone.
8. Make It Yours
Perhaps the biggest lesson I learned? Customization is queen. Every element in my new closet, from drawer depths to rod heights, was designed to accommodate my lifestyle. That sense of control and intention has turned my closet into more than storage—it’s a place of creativity and calm. A space where every piece has a purpose, and every inch serves me.
Designing this closet over a year wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was a deep dive into what I actually wear, what I value, and how I want my space to function. The result isn’t just pretty. It’s personal.
And yes, I may or may not have strutted into it this morning, coffee in hand, and whispered, “I own this.”
Because now? I really do.
