Small Closet Refresh Tips and Tricks

Truth be told, I feel like this small closet refresh should come with a disclaimer.

Mostly, because whenever I think about closet makeovers, I immediately envision custom shelving, large islands, fancy purses, and boutique-style touches.

But this closet refresh doesn’t a lot of have that.

For one thing, this closet is T-I-N-Y.

And since we’re being completely honest, I haven’t bounced back from the pandemic pounds as easily as I thought I would.

So, after donating a good portion of my wardrobe I quickly realized I needed to prioritize clothing over a custom shelving system.

It’s just that simple.

From Inventory Closet to Clothes Closet…

Several years ago, this room was my office.

To make things more efficient, we transitioned the closet into a storage area for antique booth inventory.  

Once I got out of the booth business though, we decided to turn the space back into a bedroom.

My Inspiration…

Shortly before my birthday, I started thinking about style and how important it is to put your best foot forward no matter what size you are.

I’m not even gonna lie it was painful to try on clothes I love only to realize they no longer fit.

But I was tired of standing in my closet every day completely discouraged, feeling like I had nothing to wear.

After it was all said and done, I wound up donating lots of clothes and shoes.

Many items with tags still on them.

In a weird way facing (and accepting) the truth of what my body looks like in this current season, helped me to move forward in more ways than one.

So, to kickstart a new style journey, my family gifted me everything I needed for a closet refresh for my birthday.

And I can honestly say, I actually enjoy getting dressed now.

Here’s a look at simple closet refresh tips and tricks that helped the most…

Closet Refresh Tip: Declutter and Simplify

Looking back, this step probably took the longest because I literally made myself try on every piece of clothing, shoes, and jewelry in my closet.

There were times I was tempted to keep things I merely liked instead of loved.

But I stayed the course, and in the end, it made it so much easier to shop my closet.

If you’re self-critical or have trouble deciding if something looks good on you or not, consider having a trusted friend offer an honest opinion.

Prioritize Simple Storage Solutions

One of my biggest priorities for this closet refresh was to create and prioritize simple storage solutions.

In the past, I kept my folded pants and jeans on the shelves below the shirts because there was no room to hang them up.

As you can imagine, it was hard to find things and it constantly looked messy.

So, I bought a simple storage unit and filled each cubby with a fabric organizer based on a specific category.

For example, skinny jeans, dark rinse, work pants, etc.

Now whenever I need something, I simply go to the bin and pull it out!

Closet Refresh Tip: Organize Your Jewelry

This category of the closet refresh was so much harder than I expected it to be!

Mostly because I had more sentimental pieces than I thought I did.

Truthfully, I wear the same studs, necklace, rings, and bracelet watch every day so I could definitely revisit this category again.

For now, though, these jewelry box trays, necklaces, and bracelet organizers allow me to see things quickly!

Purse Organization

Given I wear the same basic jewelry every day, it’s probably not a leap to guess I also carry the same tote or crossbody saddle bag every day.

Placing all my purses and tote bags in baskets was not only easy, but it was also affordable too.

While this setup would not work if you change out your purse every day or carry a luxury label, it’s a minimalist solution that works for this closet refresh.

Closet Refresh Tip: Make Shoes Easily Accessible

I’ve had these shoe containers for YEARS!

The only problem was that it was hard to use them because I didn’t have any place to put them save for stacked on the floor.

Once I decided to do a closet refresh, S helped me build shelves for the shoe containers. It’s so much easier to see what I have now.  

Not only that, because there is limited space it’s almost like a built-in boundary which helps squash unnecessary shopping trips too!

You can find the post on DIY Shoebox Organizers here.

Add Personal Touches

I was this close to stenciling the walls inside the closet.

But one day, my Mom said, “CoCo do you want to spend your time stenciling walls that you can’t really see or do you want to spend your time finding clothes that fit?”

Gah – Moms are super smart and I’m so thankful I listen to mine.

While stenciled walls would look nice, it wouldn’t make a difference in how the closet feels or functions.

So, I chose this print which is a nod to a name given to me by my Dad’s family.

Now every time I open my closet door, I’m immediately reminded of that legacy.

Closet Refresh Tip: Lighting  

I originally wanted to hang a big chandelier in the closet.

But I was quickly talked out of it for many reasons.  

Thankfully, I found this mini-empire chandelier so it was an easy compromise.

I love the little touch of sparkle it adds to the closet refresh and the scale is much more appropriate.

All in all, I’m excited about the way the closet refresh came together.

It’s nothing fancy.

But it does have simple touches that make getting dressed each day feel more luxurious.

And in the end, that’s what it’s all about.

Let us know if you’re working on a closet refresh this season! Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo