Frequently, utility closets become repositories for miscellaneous household items. However, with some well-considered planning, they can morph into supremely useful storage areas. Let’s take a look at inventive and practical concepts for arranging your utility closet, helping you reclaim valuable space and peace of mind.

1. Pick Clear Boxes and Baskets

Clear boxes help keep your closet organized and make finding things super easy.
Clear boxes help keep your closet organized and make finding things super easy.

Clear boxes are great because you can see what’s inside and keep things organized, so it’s easy to find what you need fast. I really like how they keep everything neat and I can see right away where everything is.

2. Use Every Bit of Space You Have

Using the high and low places makes sure no space is wasted.
Using the high and low places makes sure no space is wasted.

Don’t forget about the high and low places in your closet. I put things I only use sometimes on the top shelf, and bigger things I don’t need as often on the floor, so I’m using every bit of space.

3. Add Some Color with Stylish Containers

Stylish containers can make your closet a space that looks good.
Stylish containers can make your closet a space that looks good.

Who says a utility closet can’t be fun? I put in colorful containers to make the space brighter and make organizing more fun.

4. Put Up Hooks for Slim Items

Hooks are a handy way to store cleaning things with long handles.
Hooks are a handy way to store cleaning things with long handles.

Hooks are perfect for hanging mops and brooms, so they’re not on the floor and easy to get to. In my closet, this made more room on the floor and cleaning things were easier to grab.

5. Make a Special Spot for Things You Use at Certain Times of the Year

A special place for things you use at certain times of the year keeps your closet neat and ready for any season.
A special place for things you use at certain times of the year keeps your closet neat and ready for any season.

Set aside a special place for things you use at certain times of the year to keep your closet useful all year long. I keep winter clothes up high, and things for summer easy to get to when it’s warmer.

6. Add a Secret Charging Spot

A hidden charging station keeps your devices charged and your space free of clutter.
A hidden charging station keeps your devices charged and your space free of clutter.

Putting a hidden charging station in your utility closet can keep cords and devices neat and out of sight. I like how it cleans up my counters and puts charging all in one place.

7. Optimize Upward Space Using Shelving That Moves

Shelving that moves around gives you a flexible way to keep all sorts of things in your utility closet.
Shelving that moves around gives you a flexible way to keep all sorts of things in your utility closet.

Think about putting in adjustable shelving so you can customize the storage space to suit what you have. In my own closet, this let me put together a special arrangement that holds everything from towering vacuums to smaller cleaning products.

8. Put Labels on Everything So It’s Easy to Grab

Labels are a must for keeping a closet that's neat and works well.
Labels are a must for keeping a closet that’s neat and works well.

Labels are an easy but great way to keep things in order. By putting labels on each shelf and box, I make sure everything has a place, which means less mess and stress.

9. Keep It Neat So It Looks Nice

A closet that's neat and tidy is both useful and looks good.
A closet that’s neat and tidy is both useful and looks good.

A neat look not only looks good but also makes the closet a nicer place to use. I find that when the closet is neat, everyone in the house wants to keep it that way.

10. Get a Cart That Rolls So It’s Easy to Get To

A cart that rolls gives you the ability to move things around and get to them fast.
A cart that rolls gives you the ability to move things around and get to them fast.

A cart that rolls can be a big help in closets that are deep, letting you pull out things easily. I keep mine stocked with things I use a lot so I can grab them fast.

11. Put Up Pegboards to Use Wall Space

Pegboards are a great way to set up your closet the way you want and keep it working well.
Pegboards are a great way to set up your closet the way you want and keep it working well.

Pegboards are a great way to keep tools and little things organized. I put one in my closet to hang everything from scissors to tape, so I have more room on the shelves.

12. Use Storage That Goes Over the Door in New Ways

Storage that goes over the door makes the most of space and keeps must-haves easy to get to.
Storage that goes over the door makes the most of space and keeps must-haves easy to get to.

Storage that goes over the door can hold anything from cleaning cloths to small tools. I use mine to keep things I use a lot where I can reach them, making chores easier.

13. Storage That Does Lots of Things for Versatility

Storage that can do lots of things helps keep all sorts of different items neat and easy to get to.
Storage that can do lots of things helps keep all sorts of different items neat and easy to get to.

Pick storage things that can hold lots of different items, from cleaning stuff to craft supplies. I like using boxes that can be used for different things as my storage needs change.

14. Use the Door’s Back with Hooks and Little Bags

Using the door's back is a great way to make your storage options much bigger.
Using the door’s back is a great way to make your storage options much bigger.

The back of the closet door is a great place to keep things. I put up hooks and pockets to hold little things like brushes and cloths, so they’re easy to get to but not in the way.

15. Take Pictures to Show What Goes Where

A picture list can help keep your closet organized.
A picture list can help keep your closet organized.

Think about taking pictures of your organized closet to keep it that way. I keep a picture to remind everyone where things go and to encourage keeping things tidy.

16. Use Old Furniture for Storage

Changing old furniture can make your closet better for storage.
Changing old furniture can make your closet better for storage.

Using old furniture like bookshelves or dressers can give you more storage. I used an old bookshelf to store cleaning things, giving it a new life.

17. Use Magnetic Strips for Metal Tools

Magnetic strips are a cool way to keep metal tools organized.
Magnetic strips are a cool way to keep metal tools organized.

Magnetic strips are great for keeping metal tools like scissors and screwdrivers organized. Above my workbench, it keeps everything neat and easy to grab.