How to Declutter Your Coat Closet Like a Professional

Organize Coats by Length

Since longer coats take up more closet space than shorter ones, Reynolds says you should organize them accordingly. "Most coat closets we see have one shelf and one pole which never maximizes the space," he says. "Most jackets and short coats can fit comfortably into a double-hang section, so we often try to give more real-estate to that section, leaving just 12" to 24 inches for the long coats. This way, you can store shoes and boots below the long hang."

• Here's Everything You Need to Know About Closet Organization

Protect Off-Season Coats from Moths

Pack away jackets in breathable cotton garment bags, Elizabeth Botero, a professional organizer in New York City, says. Hang a cedar plank—a natural moth repellent—in each one. If a plank seems to be losing its scent, rub the surface with coarse sandpaper (outdoors or in a well-ventilated area).

Make Use of Your Door and Floor Space

Make no mistake about it: Every inch of your coat closet is rife with storage potential, including the inside of the door and floor space. "Adding an over-the door storage solution, like an Elfa Door and Wall Rack ($70.70, containerstore.com), is an easy way to gain more storage space in your closet," says Seifert. "Use it for hats, scarves, umbrellas, and touch-up items like a lint roller to easily grab and go on your way out the door. Also, placing a shoe rack on the floor of the closet maximizes vertical space to store outerwear shoes that may not be for everyday use, like rain boots and snow boots."

• How to Organize a Deep Closet

Add Drawers

If your coat closet is lacking in the shelving department, Reynolds says to consider employing a short storage unit with drawers to organize small items. "Whenever possible, try to incorporate storage drawers—ideally with dividers—to stash seasonal accessories, such scarves, earmuffs, and gloves," he says.

• How to Maximize Your Closet Space

Buy Baskets and Bins for Small Items—and Label Them

A good set of storage containers can be a game-changer for organizing smaller on-the-go items in a cramped coat closet. "If you don't have the room for drawers, use storage bins and baskets to corral umbrellas, mittens, and other small seasonal accessories," Reynolds says. "Make sure to label each container so you can teach children what goes where."

Wait Until Things Are Dry to Put Them Away

Let wet coats and shoes dry outside the closet—otherwise, you risk dirtying or dampening dry items. Botero recommends a simple binder clip at the top of wellies to keep them standing upright, rather than chew up valuable space with boot shapers.

• Ideas for Creating a More Organized Entryway

Use Quality, Coordinating Hangers

No more wire hangers—our experts say to invest in sturdy (and complementary) ones instead. "Using matching hangers maximizes your rod space," Seifert says. "Cedar hangers, like our Basic Cedar Hangers (from $9.99, containerstore.com), are durable and also pest, mildew, and odor repellant. If you need a space-saving hanger, we recommend our Non-Slip Velvet Hangers (from $6.74, containerstore.com) because they have a slim profile but are incredibly durable and can hold heavier garments like coats."

Make Closet Space for Everyone

Every person in your family should have a sliver of space in your home's coat closet. "For larger families, create individual sections so each member has their own space for two to three coats, two pairs of shoes or boots and a bag or backpack," Reynolds says. If you're tight on space, give each person a little bin for stashing their small belongings.

Make Peace with the Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuum storage may not pertain to coming and going, but in many homes, this closet is the only place to store one. A wall-mounted organizer for the hose and attachments can keep you from feeling as if you're wrestling an elephant whenever you open the door.