Using my 5-step decluttering method, I cleaned out my decor closet and transformed it into a usable, efficient, and even beautiful storage space.
While several of our home projects are on hold, I turned my attention to behind-the-scenes spaces and tackled a closet that had been neglected since we moved in a year and a half ago. We’re about to have the house painted, new sod laid, a garage organization makeover, and a finished kitchen makeover — but before those big projects, I wanted a quick win: a functional decor closet.
One of the reasons we chose this house was the storage. After living in a home with very little storage, I was thrilled to find spaces where I could actually close the door on clutter. So, when I saw this storage closet off the loft, I knew it would be the perfect spot for a dedicated decor closet. I had stored seasonal items and decor in a walk-in closet in our previous house, but that space always doubled for other storage and quickly became packed to the brim.
When we moved, many boxes were labeled “decor closet” and simply dumped in. I could reach a few things, but the closet was a disaster and barely walkable. I decided it was time to clean it out properly. If you want the decluttering steps I used, see my post How to Declutter a Room in 5 Simple Steps.
After measuring the 10′ x 4′ closet and thinking through how our family would use the space, it was clear the old wire shelving and a long hanging clothes rack weren’t the right solution.
I needed lots of shelving for bins, boxes, frames, and seasonal decor. I chose several inexpensive bookshelves and calculated how many would fit. In the end, I placed four bookshelves along the left wall and one on the back wall — five total. Two shelves met at the corner; that created a small inaccessible gap, so I attached a thin piece of plywood above that corner between the shelves to keep things from falling through.
With everything out of the closet, I purged decor I no longer used or wanted. Since we were hosting a neighborhood yard sale that weekend, it was the perfect opportunity to declutter and let items go.
And here it is now — the reveal:
I can walk in and see everything. No more tripping over boxes or spending time searching for a frame. I used the wall opposite the bookshelves to hang larger framed pieces, which maximizes vertical space and keeps the floor clear.
I even used the narrow gap between a bookshelf and the door to store some faux stems upright — a smart use of otherwise wasted space.
There’s still room on the shelves, so my plan is to move seasonal decor out of attic boxes and into this closet. Having all seasonal items visible and accessible will make rotating decorations simple and help me identify anything I no longer use.
My goals for this closet were to hide extra items without sacrificing organization or accessibility. When storage is organized, it saves time and money — you won’t waste hours searching or accidentally repurchasing items you already own. A designated space for decor means I can keep inventory in my head and rotate pieces with ease.
Practical tips I used and recommend for a decor closet or any storage room:
- Measure the space before buying shelving so everything fits and nothing obstructs doors.
- Use uniform shelving units to maximize storage and create a cohesive look.
- Group items by category (frames, seasonal decor, tabletop pieces) and store like with like.
- Keep frequently used items at eye level and less-used items higher or lower.
- Use clear bins or labeled containers so contents are easy to identify.
- Make use of walls for hanging larger items and narrow gaps for tall, slim pieces like faux stems.
- When emptying a space, purge items you don’t love or use — it creates room for what matters.
What corner of your home needs decluttering? Share in the comments — I’d love to hear what you’re tackling next!
More Posts You Will Love:
- How to Declutter Your Home in 5 Simple Steps
- How to Organize Christmas Decorations
- How to Organize a Linen Closet
- The 10 Easiest Family Command Centers to Get Organized
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