You know that sinking feeling when you open your wardrobe and can't find anything, despite having a rail groaning under the weight of clothes? Or when your favourite jumper has disappeared into a towering pile on a shelf, never to be seen again until the next clean-out? If this sounds familiar, you're certainly not alone.
A clever social media discovery has been making rounds lately, and while it might have started with younger social media users, the solution is pure gold for anyone wrestling with wardrobe chaos.
The hack involves something beautifully simple: stackable plastic shelves that essentially double your storage space for less than the cost of a decent lunch.
But here's the thing—while this social media trick is brilliant, professional organisers have some crucial advice: before you begin organising clothes or accessories, start by editing your current wardrobe and shoe collection, because there's no point in organising items you never wear.
In this article
The decluttering step you can't skip
'There's no point in organising clothes or accessories you never wear. Make a donation pile and as you organise, add items you haven't worn or used in the last year'
Think of it this way: the most important tip for closet organisation is to not go overboard, and if your closet is starting to feel cluttered, take that as a sign to throw some things out. Professional organisers consistently emphasise this 'edit first' approach because it makes everything else so much more effective.
Start with one category—perhaps all your jumpers or work shirts. Pull them out completely, then honestly assess what you've actually worn in the past year. If you haven't reached for something in 12 months, it's probably time to pass it along to someone who will appreciate it more.
The stackable shelf solution that's taking Australia by storm
Now for the hack that started it all. Social media influencer Leah Pagel discovered that stackable storage bins create versatile storage solutions, with convenient stackable styles available in an array of colours and sizes.
The concept is wonderfully straightforward: instead of having wasted vertical space above your folded clothes, you add another 'floor' with plastic stackable shelves.
These storage solutions are perfect for tidying any space, storing seasonal items or keeping your wardrobe clean, with stackable and sturdy plastic options perfect for every room.
Australian stockists and pricing guide
Kmart: Stackable storage from $7-20, with modular open-front bins and various sizes
Target: Wide range of storage solutions including Brightroom heavy-duty options
IKEA: Comprehensive wardrobe organisation systems with matching storage boxes
Howards Storage World: Premium options with expert fitting services
Bunnings: DIY-friendly modular systems you can customise to fit any space
The beauty of this system lies in its flexibility. You're not locked into expensive built-in solutions—these shelves can move with you, adapt to different wardrobe configurations, and be repurposed for other rooms when your needs change.
Smart organisation strategies that go further
While stackable shelves are fantastic, professional organisers recommend starting by categorising what you own into colour groups, such as whites, blacks, and neutrals, then further splitting into hues like pastels or earth tones, as this colour coordination trick streamlines your daily routine and reduces morning stress.
Here's what works particularly well for many people:
Seasonal rotation: Managing clothes according to season is key—if your closet is bursting with clothes that aren't even in season, then the key to maintain a well-organised closet is rotation. Store winter woolies during summer months and vice versa.
Clear storage benefits: Using acrylic shelves or clear storage ensures easy identification at a glance, particularly helpful for accessories like jewellery where having a clear view allows for quick selection according to outfit.
The matching hanger trick: Matching hangers in the closet allow every outfit to shine on its own, making clothes sit and hang nicely on hangers in your wardrobe [9].
Making it work for you (with comfort in mind)
Let's talk about the practical stuff that many organisation guides skip. As we get older, reaching high shelves becomes more challenging, and fumbling around in dark wardrobe corners is just frustrating.
Senior-friendly wardrobe organisation principles
- Keep frequently used items between shoulder and waist height
- Use clear storage so you can see what's inside without lifting heavy boxes
- Install battery-operated LED strips for better visibility
- Choose pull-out drawers over deep, fixed shelves where possible
- Label everything clearly—your future self will thank you
When stacking storage boxes in your wardrobe, make sure that the heavier boxes are kept first, and the lightweight objects are kept in the topmost boxes. This prevents accidents and makes accessing your belongings much safer.
Consider investing in a sturdy step stool if you do need to access higher shelves occasionally, and always store your most-used items within easy reach.
The maintenance secret that keeps it working
Here's what the viral videos don't tell you: any organisation system needs maintenance. The good news is that once you've got your system sorted, organising clothes saves you time by compartmentalising your things and keeping them accessible, allowing you to separate garments by material, usage, type, and colours.
Set aside 10 minutes each week for a quick tidy-up. Return items to their designated spots, and do a monthly check to see if anything needs relocating or if you've acquired new items that need homes.
Beyond the wardrobe: where else this works brilliantly
Don't limit yourself to bedroom wardrobes. With the right storage solutions, any unused space in your home can be used for clothes storage—make use of empty space beneath your bed by adding baskets, upgrade your walk-in closet with storage racks, or use lidded storage boxes for treasured but rarely used garments.
The bathroom linen cupboard, hall closet, and even pantry storage can all benefit from this approach. The key is thinking vertically and making the most of every centimetre of space you have.
Your shopping strategy
When you head out to grab your stackable shelves, keep these tips in mind:
- Measure your wardrobe shelves first—there's nothing more frustrating than getting home to find your new storage doesn't fit
- Start with just a few pieces to test the system before investing in a complete overhaul
- Look for bins with front access openings—they're much easier to use than ones you can only access from the top
- Consider clear options so you can see what's inside at a glance
The real transformation
What makes this approach so satisfying isn't just the extra space—though that's certainly wonderful. It's the calm feeling of opening your wardrobe and actually finding what you need. No more digging through precarious piles or wondering where on earth you put that particular shirt.
Organising improves the life of your clothes and lets you wear each and every item of clothing you have, helping you spend less on new clothes. When you can see everything you own, you rediscover forgotten favourites and stop buying duplicates of things you already have.
Many people find that a well-organised wardrobe actually changes their relationship with their clothes. You start choosing outfits more thoughtfully, taking better care of what you own, and feeling more confident about your appearance.
What's your biggest wardrobe challenge? Are you dealing with too many clothes in too little space, or perhaps struggling to find things even when you know they're in there somewhere? Share your organisation victories and frustrations—we'd love to hear what's worked (or hasn't worked) for you!
Original Article
https://honey.nine.com.au/living/ti...be-space/927986d0-07ab-420b-a206-d22fa867766a
45 Budget-Friendly Closet Organization Ideas
Cited text: Keep in mind: Before you begin hanging shelves, labeling baskets or color-coordinating clothing, start by editing your current wardrobe and shoe colle...
Excerpt: professional organisers have some crucial advice: before you begin organising clothes or accessories, start by editing your current wardrobe and shoe collection, because there's no point in organising items you never wear
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/g2171/diy-closet-organizers/
45 Budget-Friendly Closet Organization Ideas
Cited text: There's no point in organizing clothes or accessories you never wear. Make a donation pile and as you organize, add items you haven't worn or used in ...
Excerpt: professional organisers have some crucial advice: before you begin organising clothes or accessories, start by editing your current wardrobe and shoe collection, because there's no point in organising items you never wear
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/g2171/diy-closet-organizers/
50 Closet Organization Ideas to Make Your Life Easier in 2025
Cited text: Possibly the most important tip for closet organization ideas in general is to not go overboard, and if your closet is starting to feel a bit cluttere...
Excerpt: the most important tip for closet organisation is to not go overboard, and if your closet is starting to feel cluttered, take that as a sign to throw some things out
https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/organizing-tips/tips/g911/closet-organization-ideas/
28.5L Modular Open Front Stackable Bin—White—Kmart
Cited text: This Modular Open Front Stackable Bin is a versatile storage solution for your bedroom, laundry or living space. ... Order before 12 pm for 4 pm colle...
Excerpt: stackable storage bins create versatile storage solutions, with convenient stackable styles available in an array of colours and sizes
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/28.5l-modular-open-front-stackable-bin-white-43337217/
Shop Storage Tubs—Kmart
Cited text: Organise any space with our storage tubs and plastic tubs! Perfect for tidying toys>, storing seasonal items or keeping your closet clean, these durab...
Excerpt: These storage solutions are perfect for tidying any space, storing seasonal items or keeping your wardrobe clean, with stackable and sturdy plastic options perfect for every room
https://www.kmart.com.au/category/home-and-living/storage-tubs/
Top 20 Wardrobe Organization Ideas for 2025
Cited text: Start by categorizing what you own into colour groups, such as whites, blacks, and neutrals, and then further split into hues like pastels, bright, or...
Excerpt: professional organisers recommend starting by categorising what you own into colour groups, such as whites, blacks, and neutrals, then further splitting into hues like pastels or earth tones, as this colour coordination trick streamlines…
https://www.woodenstreet.com/blog/wardrobe-organization-ideas
Top 20 Wardrobe Organization Ideas for 2025
Cited text: Manage your cloths according to season. If you ever felt like your closet is bursting at the inch with clothes that aren't even in season, then the ke...
Excerpt: Managing clothes according to season is key—if your closet is bursting with clothes that aren't even in season, then the key to maintain a well-organised closet is rotation
https://www.woodenstreet.com/blog/wardrobe-organization-ideas
Top 20 Wardrobe Organization Ideas for 2025
Cited text: To ensure easy identification at a glance use acrylic shelves or clear glass to make it easier to spot items you want. For accessories like jewellery ...
Excerpt: Using acrylic shelves or clear storage ensures easy identification at a glance, particularly helpful for accessories like jewellery where having a clear view allows for quick selection according to outfit
https://www.woodenstreet.com/blog/wardrobe-organization-ideas
Top 20 Wardrobe Organization Ideas for 2025
Cited text: With matching hangers in the closet, your every outfit can shine on its own. This simple yet impactful approach could make your clothes sit and hang n...
Excerpt: Matching hangers in the closet allow every outfit to shine on its own, making clothes sit and hang nicely on hangers in your wardrobe
https://www.woodenstreet.com/blog/wardrobe-organization-ideas
Clothes Storage—Buy clothes storage ideas online at affordable price in india. - IKEA
Cited text: The boxes in your wardrobe can be stacked on top of one another. Just make sure that the heavier boxes are kept first, and the lightweight objects are...
Excerpt: When stacking storage boxes in your wardrobe, make sure that the heavier boxes are kept first, and the lightweight objects are kept in the topmost boxes
https://www.ikea.com/in/en/cat/clothes-organisers-10452/
Clothes Storage—Buy clothes storage ideas online at affordable price in india. - IKEA
Cited text: ... Organising clothes saves you time by compartmentalising your things and keeping them accessible. ... You can separate your garments on the basis o...
Excerpt: organising clothes saves you time by compartmentalising your things and keeping them accessible, allowing you to separate garments by material, usage, type, and colours
https://www.ikea.com/in/en/cat/clothes-organisers-10452/
Shop Wardrobe Organisers—Drawers, Boxes & Hangers—IKEA
Cited text: With the right hanger, box or basket—any unused space in your home can be used for clothes storage. Make use of the empty space beneath your bed by ...
Excerpt: With the right storage solutions, any unused space in your home can be used for clothes storage—make use of empty space beneath your bed by adding baskets, upgrade your walk-in closet with storage racks, or use lidded storage boxes for…
https://www.ikea.com/au/en/cat/clothes-organisers-10452/
Clothes Storage—Buy clothes storage ideas online at affordable price in india. - IKEA
Cited text: Organising improves the life of your clothes and lets you wear each and every item of clothing you have. This helps you spend less on new clothes.
Excerpt: Organising improves the life of your clothes and lets you wear each and every item of clothing you have, helping you spend less on new clothes
https://www.ikea.com/in/en/cat/clothes-organisers-10452/
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