If your kids’ closet is one big open space with a clothes rod and a shelf above it, you’re asking for trouble! In an open closet, clothes and shoes pile up on the floor, your kids can’t find the clothes they want, and your kids clean their room by throwing things on the closet floor, where they hope you won’t look.
You need kids’ closet storage ideas, and we have plenty to offer! Check out these tips, tricks, and techniques to keep this space clean and organized.
Needs ideas that are easy to implement and soothe the detail-oriented side of your mind first? This list is the perfect place to start!
If you’re like most families, life is hectic, with sports, school activities, and homework all in the mix. Make it easy for your child or teen to grab items they wear all the time without having to fiddle with hangers or drawers. Install a few hooks inside the closet for a favorite sweater, ballcap, or jacket.
Every closet has a space that’s hard to reach, whether a shelf high up or a back corner of the closet. Store off-season clothing and items your child doesn’t need access to often in these hard-to-reach places.
Deep drawers and deep storage bins are difficult to keep organized. Instead of buying a couple of large storage tubs, invest in multiple small baskets or bins that are shallow enough to find items easily.
Kids can find what they need without digging through lots of items and making a mess in the closet. Smaller storage containers will also be lighter so that kids can easily take them off the shelf and put them back.
A lower closet rod lets kids grab the needed clothes and dress themselves without your help. You can install a rod higher up for clothes your child doesn’t need or wear as often, such as dress clothes, costumes, and special occasion clothes.
Use wire closet organizers for a closet system that can change and grow as your child ages. Wire shelving and organizers are easy to rearrange. You can also add more pieces later if needed, such as wire shelving for shoes or hanging baskets.
Now that we’ve gotten the basics out of the way, let’s discuss kids’ closet storage ideas that will appeal to kids! We’re talking whimsical and functional. Not only is it fun for kids, but it also gives them an incentive to keep things orderly.
Do you keep your child’s hamper in the closet? If so, you know what we’re going to suggest, right? Install a mini basketball hoop above the hamper so your kids have fun throwing their dirty clothes where they belong instead of kicking them under the bed.
Turn shoe storage into playtime by calling it a parking garage for their sneakers and sandals. Use a cubby organizer, and let kids “park” their shoes in the designated slots. You can even put colorful tape on the cubbies to mark spaces like “red car” or “blue truck” for an extra layer of fun.
Turn organization into a rainbow! Group clothes by color (red shirts, blue pants, yellow dresses) and use matching hangers for a coordinated, kid-friendly vibe. Little ones will have fun spotting their favorite colors and learning organization skills while they’re at it.
Tired of stuffed animals piling up? Install a stuffed animal hammock in the corner of the closet! It’s colorful, easy to install, and turns cleaning up their stuffed friends into a fun tossing game. Plus, it looks adorable when their favorite plushies are all cozied up together.
Turn the side of the closet door facing the bedroom into a “Magic Pocket Wall” with a colorful, over-the-door hanging organizer! Choose one with clear or fabric pockets, and let your kids store their favorite small toys, books, or art supplies in the pockets.
To make it extra fun, assign each pocket a theme—like “Treasure Trove” for tiny toys, “Art Station” for markers and crayons, or “Speedway” for small toy cars.
For an extra whimsical touch, add removable stickers or decals around the pockets—think stars, clouds, or little creatures—so it feels like a mini treasure hunt every time they use it. Bonus: it keeps frequently used toys out of the closet itself, reducing clutter while encouraging kids to keep things tidy and accessible.
