How to Maximize Closet Organization with a Behind-the-Door Storage System

We are still in the first quarter of a new year, and if you need reminding that this is when many people complete organizing projects, listen to all the advertisements for related products and services.

There is nothing like starting a new year by cleaning a closet and using the space better. If one of your New Year’s Eve resolutions was being more organized, I recommend rearranging one of your closets. Any time of year is a great time to become more organized and productive, so if you have not started that closet project yet, now is a great time to do it. If you need inspiration to get started, you can read about a fresh approach to achieving your goals here (or whenever you declare a reset).

I decided it was time to organize my office closet by adding some behind-the-door storage bins. My objective is not to promote any particular product but to demonstrate the benefits of behind-the-door storage.

I purchased behind-the-door storage from The Container Store. Again, buy or make whichever system works for you. I purchased a metal rail support bar with mesh baskets. There are various sizes of baskets, and they can be moved higher or lower along the vertical support bar.

Once you secure the rail to the door, you hook the baskets into it, then change the height of each basket until they are in the position that works for you.

These closet doors are ready to have a support bar installed that baskets attach to for storage.

One door is finished. Wire mesh storage bins of various sizes have been added to the support rail.

Think about what organization system will work for you. Before you install any organization system, here are some overall tips:

• Think long-term. How will the space be used over time? Will very large or very small items be stored? Is someone beginning a new hobby?

• Be motivated to complete the project now, before the clutter becomes worse. The longer you wait, the more complex the job will become. Complete the project and enjoy a less stressful life of being organized and able to access needed items quickly.

• Think about using shelves, carts, and bins for your closet so you know if you want or need behind-the-door storage.

• Plan what will be stored behind the door to decrease rearranging as you reorganize.

• Allow for the process to take longer than expected. You will likely need several days, depending on the number of items you have and the closet size.

• Start earlier in the day rather than later; significant time may be spent sorting items to be thrown away or donated. 

• When you are finished, maintain your organization; throw away, donate, and recycle as needed. Occasionally, go through the space and clean as required.

The other door is ready for organization. The baskets can be rearranged and adjusted along the support rail as needed.

If you are not sure if behind-the-door storage is what you need, here is why you might benefit from this organization strategy:

• It is an easy way to start organizing a closet.

• It uses otherwise wasted or unused space, meaning you are gaining storage and not just reorganizing a dedicated storage space. It does not interfere with or take up room for additional storage like carts, tubs, or containers.

• It provides versatility; you can use a variety of basket sizes at different heights. You can change the basket sizes as needed, depending on your needs in the future.

• It provides quick access to items without digging through tubs or moving objects in a closet.

• It is an excellent solution for storing multiple small items that are difficult to organize and store neatly. It prevents smaller items from falling over on a shelf or knocking down other items.

• It eliminates unsightly over-the-door hanging brackets that show on the outside of doors.

• You can install it yourself for free or pay to have it professionally installed, depending on the brand or store from which you purchase it.

This closet now has two doors with additional storage space that was not previously being maximized.

Strategies for using behind-the-door storage:

• Use the bins for frequently accessed items for quick retrieval of items you use the most.

• Store small objects that fall over, fall off shelves, or knock over other items.

• Move smaller items to the door that take up room on shelves, making it challenging to store bulkier items.

• Use the door storage for items that do not fit well into storage categories in the closet. Suppose putting something in a container of other items does not make sense. In that case, it can be stored behind the door so you can keep the rest of the closet organized and prevent household members from tossing objects in any tub and undoing your organization.

• Use the storage for multiple items associated with crafts or hobbies that are difficult to store elsewhere or take up valuable space in other areas of the house.

• If you are organizing multiple closets, start with a fresh perspective for each closet. Depending on the type of closet (general hallway, linen, child’s bedroom, office), you must decide which items are best behind the door versus on a shelf. This can include cleaning supplies, washcloths, toys, books, crafts, or toiletries.

It will be a great accomplishment to make better use of your space. However, maintaining your organization throughout the year will be even more rewarding. Closet reorganization is not a one-time gift to yourself but the continual gift of less stress. Enjoy your reorganized space!