Creating order in a closet can be tricky, especially if you need to share it with a partner, family member or roommate. Being able to carve out more space in a closet is always a welcome adjustment—you just need to figure out which organizing solutions best fit your needs. Hanging organizers are a practical way to free up some space, often resembling open shelves, compact drawers or a combination of the two. They're affordable, space-saving and renter-friendly as many models attach to closet rods via hooks or velcro. Hanging organizers are best for folded sweaters, pants and T-shirts, as well as accessories like purses, hats and shoes. Ready to get your closet into tip-top shape? Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a hanging organizer.
What To Consider When Purchasing a Hanging Organizer
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Function: Determine what you'll be storing in your hanging organizer before clicking 'add to cart' on the first option you see. If you lack a dresser, you might want to choose an organizer with drawers that you can fill with smaller items like underwear and socks. Or, if you want to prevent your sweaters from getting stretched out on hangers, opt for an organizer with roomy, open shelves where you easily find what you need. Some organizers are specifically designed for things like shoes, purses and jewelry if that's the type of storage you require.
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Materials: Are you looking for something lightweight and easy to move around? Or perhaps something more durable that has structure? Hanging organizers are made from a variety of materials, including canvas, polyester, wire and plastic. Some have metal hooks that attach to closet rods like hangers, while others are attached with velcro loops.
Capacity: Most hanging organizers have an advertised weight limit, which is important to follow if you don't want your perfectly-folded jeans to tumble onto the floor. If you're planning to store heavy items in the organizer, look for a model that attaches with hooks rather than velcro. Reinforced shelves can also help to support your items and prevent the organizer from sagging.
The Most Versatile Hanging Organizer
GRANNY SAYS 3-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer
This three-shelf organizer is collapsible and machine-washable, allowing you to store everything from baby essentials to pet products and camping gear. Each shelf is reinforced with a corrugated board that can be removed for cleaning and has a "lip" to prevent items from falling out. It's supported by two metal hooks and comes in eight eye-catching colors. The polyester fabric is lightweight and durable, and the organizer folds completely flat for easy storage. It's on the smaller side, measuring 12.2 inches long, 12.2 inches wide and 23.6 inches high. Each compartment is 7.8 inches high, so it's useful for corraling lightweight items like diapers or snack packs.
The Best Multi-Functional Hanging Organizer
StorageWorks Hanging Closet Organizer
A hanging organizer often results in lost closet rod space—but not so with StorageWork's clever model. Featuring four open shelves and a garment rod below, this organizer can hold up to 40 pounds. It's made from polyester cotton blend fabric and the shelves are lined with heavy-duty boards for added support. It attaches to your closet rod with three metal hooks and takes up a relatively small amount of space while adding functionality. The piece is also fully collapsable, making it great for travel or recreational vehicles. The four compartments are each 12 inches long, 12 inches wide and 9.5 inches high, while the overall height of the organizer (including the hooks) is approximately 23 inches.
The Best Compact Hanging Organizer
Keetdy 2-Shelf Small Hanging Closet Organizer
With its simple design, two spacious compartments and mesh side pockets, this is the best compact closet organizing solution. It's only 12 inches long, 12 inches wide and 18 inches high, yet it has a large capacity—able to store 15 T-shirts or six knit sweaters, for example. The two side pockets are sizeable enough to each hold a pair of sneakers or a rolled-up beach towel. The shelves are reinforced with solid fiberboard, and the organizer can support up to 25 pounds. Its heavy-duty fabric covering withstands wear and tear and two metal hooks allow you to hang it up in a closet or potentially the trunk of your car. The organizer folds flat, so you could also pack it away in your suitcase to give yourself optimal storage at your destination.
The Best Dresser Replacement
SMIRLY Hanging Closet Organizer and Storage Shelves
No dresser? No problem—SMIRLY's customizable hanging closet organizer comes with six open shelves, five insertable organizers, three side pockets, and a loop for a clothes hanger. It's truly a universal space-saver. The organizer is constructed with 120 GSM non-woven fabric that's tear-proof to ensure optimal durability. It's able to hold up to 30 pounds and attaches to a clothing rod with velcro. The included organizers are a major perk and have removable dividers for storing bras, underwear, socks and shirts. It's fairly large at 13.6 inches long, 12.2 inches wide and 42.5 inches high, and is a solid option if you don't have space in your bedroom for a full-size dresser.
The Best Hanging Organizer for Purses
ZOBER Hanging Purse Organizer
There's never an easy way to organize your purse collection. Oftentimes it's either hard to see all of your options or your beloved bags begin to take up any available shelf space. But this isn't an issue with the ZOBER hanging organizer as it touts eight clear vinyl pockets with open sides to make purses easy to access. One of the most impressive features is the 360-degree swiveling stainless steel hook, which allows you to grab a bag on either side of the organizer. The pockets fit purses of various sizes, each measuring 9 inches long, 10 inches wide and 11 1/4 inches high. Reinforced trim adds durability to the piece, so you won't need to worry about it ripping. It has a slim profile and the overall dimensions are 48 inches high and 13.8 inches wide.
The Best Hanging Organizer for a Locker
LockerWorks 3 Shelf Adjustable Hanging Locker
If you're looking for more space to store books and stationery, the LockerWorks adjustable organizer is a practical option. The U-shaped brackets it hangs from work in a variety of settings—slide them over a shelf, attach them to swag hooks or hang them on a closet rod. It's adjustable from 20 to 38 inches high and measures 6 inches wide and 9 inches deep. Depending on how much available space you have, you can convert it from three shelves to two using snaps. The heavy polyester fabric adds rigidity—kids are rough, but this organizer is tougher. There are additional mesh pockets on the side, which are perfect for storing school supplies like notebooks, headphones and calculators. The organizer is sold in four vibrant colors with contrasting trim.
The Best Hanging Organizer for a Bed or Desk
Loghot Bedside Caddy
This compact organizing solution can be easily removed from a closet and hung off the side of a desk or bed. It works great in any room of the house and can be used for both large and small items. Keep books, snacks, remotes, reading glasses, phone chargers and more all within arm's reach. The outside of the organizer is covered in durable canvas, while the inside is lined with waterproof and wear-resistant material. An iron frame helps maintain its shape and two sturdy hooks allow it to latch onto closet rods or bed frames under 2 inches thick. Aside from the spacious interior, there are two large exterior pouches, two mesh side pockets, and two metal hooks for items like keys or headphones. The overall dimensions are 14.96 inches long, 5.12 inches wide and 8.27 inches high. There are 10 different colors and patterns to pick from, ensuring you find the perfect look for your home.
