I Showed a Pro Organizer My Chaotic Small Closet, and Now it’s Super Functional

Old homes aren’t known for their abundance of storage, but my 130-year-old Victorian rowhouse has a surprise: a closet in the dining room. As someone who loves to entertain, I couldn’t be happier with this bonus storage. The closet is small, but in theory it holds all my napkins, candles, servingware, and other dinner party essentials. 

The problem? With only one built-in shelf and two wire shelving units I’d repurposed, the space had turned into a chaotic game of Tetris. Things toppled, slipped through the wire shelves, and were impossible to find when I needed them.

To help bring some order to this busy little closet, I called in professional organizer Melanie Summers of I Speak Organized. With her expert tips, I was able to transform the space into a functional, easy-to-use storage spot. Here’s how we made it happen.

First, Summers stressed that every closet should be divided by use. “Designate shelves or zones for categories such as linens, candles, servingware, and paper goods,” she says. “Keep high-use categories at eye level and store seasonal or rarely used items on the upper shelves.”

I had been doing this halfway, but Summers pushed me to see the closet as a whole system. Now the flow from top to bottom makes sense, with my most-used items exactly where I can reach them.

Summers zeroed in on my biggest frustration: little things slipping through the wire shelving. Her first solution? Bins. “Clear bins or drawer inserts prevent small items like candles and place cards from slipping through wire shelving,” she says.

I picked up a few Like-It Bricks to corral candles, place cards, and other tiny items. Now, nothing falls through anymore, and everything is grouped neatly.

Her second idea was one I didn’t even know existed: shelf liners. “Adding shelf liners creates a flat surface for bins, prevents tipping, and makes it easier to slide containers,” Summers says. Since my shelves weren’t a standard size, I cut larger liners down to fit. Now nothing disappears into the “black hole” of wire shelving, and I can slide bins in and out smoothly.

The biggest transformation came from using the back of the door. Before, it just held one lonely hook with a Swiffer hanging from it. Summers suggested I add lightweight organizers, such as a slim rack, shoe organizer, or The Container Store’s Elfa Over the Door Rack.

I installed a rack and now keep all my napkins there. Instead of digging through piles, I can see every option at a glance, which makes setting a dinner table so much more fun.

Lastly, Summers suggested labeling all bins, even in a small closet. “Labels make the space feel intentional and easy to navigate,” she says. “Use broad categories or color-code labels for different event types.” I went all in on labels, and it makes a surprising difference. Now I can open the door, instantly see where everything belongs, and grab exactly what I need without second-guessing.

A few small changes — bins, liners, door storage, and labels — turned my chaotic little closet into a streamlined, functional hub for all my entertaining supplies. And best of all? It feels easy to maintain.