With extra guests comes the need for a little extra space. To make your home as welcoming and stress-free as possible, preparing your closets can be a game-changer. Here are some practical tips for organizing your closets to maximize space, keep things tidy, and enjoy a clutter-free holiday season.

*Create space for your guests by clearing a few closet shelves for their use.*

1. Start with a Quick Declutter

Begin by going through each closet and doing a quick declutter. Ask yourself: “Is this something I need in the next three months?” For any items that you won’t be using during the season—think beach towels, summer clothes, or rarely worn shoes—consider storing them in a bin or another room temporarily.

Pro Tip: Have a donation bag handy. If you find items you haven’t used or worn in over a year, it might be time to let them go. Check out this list of places to donate.

2. Designate a Guest Area in Your Closet

Giving your guests a little space of their own helps them feel welcome and gives you a break from clutter! This doesn’t need to be an entire closet—just a small section where they can store their belongings for the duration of their stay.

3. Optimize Closet Space with Savvy Storage Solutions

When you’re low on space, every inch counts. Here’s some ideas for maximizing closet storage:

Double Hanging Rods: If your closet allows, install a double hanging rod to create an upper and lower section for clothes. This is perfect for short items like tops or folded pants.
Use Vertical Space: Look up! Closets often have unused space at the top. Use stackable bins, clear plastic drawers, or hanging shelf organizers to keep seasonal items accessible but out of the way.
Door Storage: The inside of a closet door can be used for hanging shoe organizers, accessory pouches, or even small shelves. This area is often overlooked but perfect for extra storage!

4. Make Room for Extra Bedding and Towels

When guests come, extra linens are a must!

Prepare for this by setting aside a small closet bin for guest bedding and towels. Roll towels to save space, and consider a vacuum-sealed storage bag for storing extra blankets when not in use.

5. Add Labels for an Easy-to-Maintain System

Labels may seem simple, but they’re an easy way to keep things organized when you have more people using the space. By clearly labeling bins, drawers, or closet sections, both you and your guests will know where items belong, making it easier to keep things tidy.

Labeling Tips:

Use easy-to-read labels for high-use items or guest bins.
Try a chalkboard label or adhesive label that’s removable, so you can repurpose bins later.
Keep a label maker handy for any last-minute organizing.

6. Maintain Calm with a Minimal Approach

It can be tempting to fill every inch of your closet, but sometimes less is more. By leaving a bit of open space, you give yourself room to stay organized, even with guests. Keep a few empty bins or a little hanging space available to handle any overflow items that might crop up during the busy holiday season.

Keeping Things Clutter-Free (Even After Guests Leave)

Once the holidays are over, it’s the perfect time to give closets a quick refresh. Donate any items you didn’t use or missed, and organize your seasonal items for the months ahead. By setting up a system now, you’ll find it easier to keep things neat and calm, no matter what the next season brings.

A well-organized closet can make all the difference, especially when you’re juggling a full house. With these tips, you’ll be able to maximize your space, maintain order, and keep your home feeling calm and inviting for everyone. We have a downloadable guide for a 10-step approach to decluttering and organizing your closets — check it out!

Visit our Store!

For those looking to take their organization to the next level, we invite you to visit the Composed Living store in Los Angeles! Our team is here to offer customized advice tailored to your home’s unique needs, whether it's finding the right bins, baskets, and dividers for your closets and drawers, or selecting room essentials like calming linen sprays, sage bundles, and other welcoming touches.

Let us help you create a beautifully organized and inviting space that’s perfect for you—and your guests—all season long.

6 Steps: Closet Organization for Having Guests