Wardrobe organisation and storage tips from a professional home organiser

Photos: Instagram/sortorial
Whether you live and breathe fashion, or just see clothes as a necessity to look presentable, you’d have dealt with the common issue of messy wardrobes — or worse, the shortage of storage space for your clothes. Messy, unorganised wardrobes can spark anxiety for some, and for the rest of us, clearing and organising your closet may be a 2024 resolution that you have to embark on…soon.
To remedy this problem, we got some expert tips on wardrobe organisation and decluttering from Debby Kwong, 35, who founded sortorial, a Singapore-based home organisation and personal shopping business in 2018. Ahead, Debby shares 10 storage ideas, wardrobe organisation tips and storage essentials that will transform your closet, whether you have a walk-in wardrobe, a small closet, or are organising your kids’ wardrobes.
Uniform Hangers: Invest in Quality
Firstly, ditch the mismatched hanger brigade. Invest in high-quality hangers that create a neat and uniform look. This creates a visually pleasing aesthetic and encourages you to keep things tidy.

- (Left) Zober Non-Slip Velvet Hangers 50-Pack ($29.99). Buy it here
- (Right) [Bundle of 10] Premium Wooden Clothes Hanger ($15.21). Buy it here
Folding Finesse: Not Everything Needs a Hanger
Sweaters and jeans can be folded using the space-saving file fold method. Fold the item into a rectangle, then fold it in half repeatedly until it resembles a file. This method maximises space and lets you see everything in your drawer at a glance.

- (Left) Household Essentials 195 Shirt Folding Board ($13.92). Buy it here
- (Right) Clothes Drawer Organizers Wardrobe Organiser, 4Pcs ($23.99). Buy it here
Having closet organisors such as drawer dividers can also keep belts, scarves and jewellery neatly separated and organised, so these accessories aren’t relegated to tangled heaps at the bottom of the closet.
Accessorise with Ease: Farewell Tangled Messes
Jewellery stands allow you to display your favourite pieces and ensure you can see them to use them. Once it gets dusty, it means you don't wear it and you should consider decluttering!

- (Left) Umbra Prisma Jewelry Stand, Matte Brass ($37.11). Buy it here
- (Middle) Muji Acrylic Case for Pierced Earrings & Necklace ($26.22). Buy it here
- (Right) Metal Jewelry Stand in White ($15.90). Buy it here
Box Smart: Tame the Deep Shelves
Deep shelves in cupboards can be organisational black holes, especially when you stack items. To conquer this chaos, use storage boxes. Choose boxes with lids to keep dust at bay and maintain a clutter-free look. Now, you can easily access those hardly used clothes or bedsheets without the rummaging frenzy.

Houze Handy Handheld Storage Box (from $14.90). Buy it here
Shoe Savvy: Put Your Best Foot Forward

- (Left) 12pcs Shoe Storage Boxes Stackable ($62.24). Buy it here
- (Right) 10 Pack Shoe Storage Boxes ($53.69). Buy it here
Maximise Vertical Space: Utilise Every Inch
With homes getting tinier and tinier, maximise valuable wardrobe real estate by installing additional shelves to utilise the full height of your wardrobe. Stash away winterwear on these lofty shelves or utilise hanging rods specifically designed for smaller clothes, like children's outfits.

Flat Pack: The Winter Wear Whisperer
Bulky winter clothes can take up precious closet space. The solution: vacuum seal compression bags. Pack away winter wear like sweaters, scarves, and pants into these space-saving bags. Pro tip: sort them by season (autumn/winter) or by type for effortless retrieval when you're packing for a holiday. Debby's go-to brand for compression bags is Taili.

Light It Up: Let There be Wardrobe Clarity
Good lighting is a game-changer in your wardrobe. It allows you to see all your clothes clearly, making getting dressed less stressful and more enjoyable. Invest in bright, natural lighting or install additional fixtures if needed.


Label Love: Embrace Clarity
Labelling is your key to keeping your items at home organised, especially when it comes to storage space that you share with other members of the household. Clear containers with labels transform your shelves from enigmatic voids into easily navigable sections. Labelling everything, from drawers to shelves to boxes, encourages you to maintain a system and put things back in their designated spots, so it’s easy to stay organised.

Mirror Magic: See Yourself in Style
A full-length mirror is a wardrobe essential. It allows you to do a fit check from head to toe, ensuring everything looks polished and put-together before you step out the door.

Harritpure 64"x21" Arched Full Length Mirror ($257.90). Buy it here