As the new school year is in full swing, it’s the perfect time to get your home—and especially your kids’ closets—in order. A well-organized closet not only saves time during hectic mornings but also helps children build independence and responsibility. Whether you’ve got preschoolers or high schoolers, here’s some step-by-step tips to organizing closets for a smoother day-to-day routine. 

Declutter Together

Start by taking everything out of the closet. This gives you a clear view of what you have and what you no longer need. 

  • Sort Into Piles: Keep, donate, toss. 
  • Check Sizes: Set aside outgrown clothing or items your child no longer wears. 
  • Evaluate Condition: Say goodbye to clothes that are stained, torn, or missing buttons…and if they haven’t worn it in a year, chances are they will not wear it or it won’t fit anymore. 
  • Sentimental Items: We all have those items that we think “oh I need to hold onto this for the kids someday.” Don’t keep it in their closet; put it in a tote and store it somewhere safe.

Build a Smart Wardrobe

Once you’ve decluttered, curate a collection of school-ready outfits. 

  • Include weather-appropriate layers, uniforms (if needed), and comfortable shoes. 
  • Organize by category: shirts, pants, skirts, jackets, etc. 
  • Choose 7–10 mix-and-match outfits that are easy to grab in the morning. 

Tip: Involve your child in the selection process so they feel ownership over their wardrobe. Consider painting or wallpapering their closet to something age appropriate that they can pick out.

Design for Independence

Closet design matters. Create a layout that encourages kids to dress themselves and stay organized:

  • Install low-hanging rods for younger children so they can reach their own clothes.
  • Use clear bins for accessories, socks, and gym clothes.
  • Add labels or photos to bins and drawers to help kids identify where things belong.
  • Consider a valet rod or hanging organizer for pre-planned outfits.

Custom closet systems can grow with your child—adjustable shelves and rods offer flexibility over the years.

Create a “Grab-and-Go” Zone

Reserve one section of the closet for daily essentials: backpacks, lunch boxes, school shoes, and jackets. This drop zone reduces last-minute scrambles and sets your child up for success each morning.

Rotate Seasonally 

As the weather shifts, so should your closet. Store out-of-season clothing in bins on higher shelves, and do a quick fit-check during winter break and spring. A midyear mini-purge helps keep everything current.

Make It a Weekly Habit

Start a Sunday evening tradition of choosing outfits for the week. Use a Monday–Friday organizer or label hangers for each day. This routine not only saves time but also cuts down on decision fatigue during those early mornings.

 

Annie Hanson is the CEO/Founder of The Closet Niche located at 197 Byers Creek Road, Suite H, in Mooresville. You can connect with Annie and her entire team at www.theclosetniche.com or give her a call at 704-635-1150.