Color-coding The Closet - An Organizers Secret Weapon

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✨ Color-Coding the Closet: An Organizer’s Secret Weapon

There’s one simple trick I’ve used in almost every closet I’ve ever organized—whether for celebrities, creatives, or busy moms—and it’s this: color coordination.

It’s a visual game-changer that instantly elevates your space, makes getting dressed easier, and (bonus!) looks beautiful. Whether your wardrobe is tiny or expansive, color-coding can help you streamline, simplify, and stylize.

🌈 The Classic Method

Start by grouping your clothes by category—tops, pants, jackets, dresses—and then within each category, arrange them by color. The simplest color-coding method is to follow the rainbow:

White → Beige → Pink → Red → Orange → Yellow → Green → Blue → Indigo → Violet → Gray → Black

This method adds flow and function, allowing you to find what you need at a glance.

The point here is to use this framework as a baseline and a guide, but give yourself the freedom to adjust as you see fit. Sometimes I break the rules based on frequency of use,  a gut feeling or even limited space. For example, last week I created a small red section in back of a client’s mostly neutral closet since she only wears it for sporting events and college functions.

So go ahead, spend a couple hours and color-code that closet or give it a mini upgrade! I promise you it’ll make getting dressed in the morning more fun, your closet more beautiful, and your routine more efficient.

✨ The Amended Method: Color First

For some, a color-first approach is even more intuitive. In this variation, you begin by organizing by color first, then sort within that color by category. For example:

All white items together, then grouped as:

• White tank tops

• White short sleeves

• White long sleeves

• White blouses

• White sweaters

This style works beautifully for visual thinkers and color-lovers—and it’s surprisingly effective at revealing duplicates or gaps in your wardrobe. It also makes small closets feel curated, not cramped.

Bonus closet idea:  Deep in the closet weeds but not sure what to do with once loved but tired trends? Update your wardrobe with minimal effort. Custom PVC Patches are a fun find for an instant update. Currently, obsessed with these Chenille patches and getting creative with denim, hats and old sports clothes. Whether it’s vintage letters, cute animals, personalized totems, or symbols, you can easily give old clothes give new life.

🧺 Tools to Support the Process (Optional, But Lovely)

If you’re looking to elevate the look and feel of your closet or keep your system in place long-term, here are a few product suggestions that make color-coding easier and more sustainable:

• Slim velvet hangers in black – Great if you want to use them interchangeably throughout the house or if you have limited space.→ Velvet hanger set

• Matching neutral hangers – Keep it sleek and cohesive if you prefer a unified, boutique #shopyourcloset look. Or, if you have a more capsule collection or plenty of space.→ Minimalist boutique white hanger set

• Clear shelf dividers – Keep folded stacks tidy by color→ Acrylic shelf dividers

• Labeled storage bins – I use these canvas bins in so many client closets. They are light weight, come in three sizes and have labels on two sides. So good. → Labeled canvas storage bins

• Hanging organizers – Ideal for separating lighter items like tanks or tees within color groups→ Hanging fabric shelves

These additions aren’t required to get started—but they can help keep your system looking fresh and functioning beautifully over time.

💬 Final Thoughts

Color-coding your closet is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that reflects clarity and calm. Whether you go by category first or color first, the key is consistency.

Start with one section of your closet and see how it transforms your space—and your mindset.

✨ Want a printable version of our 15 things to let go of now checklist to keep in your closet?Download the free checklist + 5 additional items to let go of now, here.

💭 Feeling inspired to get organized, but not sure where to start?Take my free Clutter Quiz and find out your organizing style—and what’s holding you back. It’s fun, fast, and totally judgment-free.

👉 Take the Quiz

Hungry for more closet inspo? Check out 40 ways to organize your shoes. Or 10 Organized Closets Before and After.

HI, I'M MONICA

I help high-performers get organized. Follow for my 3-step method. Stay for the Simple Life.

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6. Sara says: January 9, 2018 at 12:29 am

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7. Jaade48 says: March 17, 2019 at 12:07 pm

   I just finished with my closet and I’m looking forward to going in it to get something. I set up capsule wardrobes and color coding the closet will help me out so much. Thanks for this wonderful article.

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8. Colourful Things You Can Do During Coronavirus Lockdown | I Love Colours says: June 30, 2020 at 9:24 pm

   […] finding what you are looking for effortless, thus saving you time in the long-run. Acccording to Simply Spaced, here is the best approach to organising your […]

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9. Homeschool Fashion Fun – The Mom Toolkit says: November 5, 2020 at 10:26 pm

   […] even though I was comfortable with that palette, it wasn’t particularly cheerful or motivating. I rearranged my closet in rainbow order (ROYGBIV), and wow! Having my closet arranged this way made it easy to see what other color clothes I have […]

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10. Homeschool Fun Fashion – The Mom Toolkit says: November 6, 2020 at 10:09 am

    […] even though I was comfortable with that palette, it wasn’t particularly cheerful or motivating. I rearranged my closet in rainbow order (ROYGBIV), and wow! Having my closet arranged this way made it easy to see what other color clothes I have […]

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11. Anne Cooper says: December 29, 2020 at 12:38 pm

    So do you recommend color coding each section… skirts, dresses etc. or do you put all red items together regardless of type of clothing (skirt dress etc.) ?

    Reply
12. 5 Tips To Help Organize Your Closet – Alas Home Design says: October 13, 2022 at 6:11 pm

    […] 2.) Organize by Color – Organizing by color makes everything look uniform and clean cut. It’s recommended to think of a rainbow as you do so as it’s aesthetically pleasing. Here’s more on that here. […]

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