How to Store Accessories

Belts

Organizing belts in your closet is easy. Place Command hooks flat against an empty wall and put your belts on the hooks. If you prefer a different storage option, try a huggable belt and tie rack for belt organization in your closet.

Gloves and Mittens

Try storing accessories like kids' mittens in their coat pockets (if they are deep enough). If that is not an option, a small storage box labeled with each child's name is a good option. Labeling it will help them establish the habit of always putting their gloves, scarves, and hats back into the same spot.

For adults, especially someone who may use more than one set of gloves, hang a shoe organizer in the entryway closet, or, just like the kids, use a labeled storage box.

Hats, Beanies, and Caps

It may seem old-fashioned, but the best way to store hats, especially wide-brimmed or specialty hats, is hat boxes. They're round and stackable, so their storage capabilities are not limited to just hats.

More casual hats like baseball or beach hats can be hung on hooks or in a baseball hat organizer. Storing accessories like beanies or wool hats can be done alongside your mittens and gloves in a storage box in your entryway or hall closet. If you don't have an entryway, store them in the closet closest to the door where you usually exit your home. 

Handbags

If you don't have a hall closet for storing accessories, you can store all of your frequently used handbags on a tall, thin bookshelf in your entryway. You can also store them on the top shelf of a clothes closet. When they are not in use, stuff them with butcher block paper (the kind often used to stuff boxes for shipping), so they stand up straight and keep their shape. Stuffing them with paper may seem like a pain, but it only takes an extra 20 seconds and is worth the effort. This way you won't come home to a pile of handbags on the floor because they toppled over. 

Other handbag storage options include a cubby, a catch-all hanging sweater bag, or a bookcase with adjustable shelving. Nicer handbags will often come with a dustbag. Use this to cover and protect your bag.

Ties

Any of the options for organizing belts will work for ties as well. If you are looking for a tie-specific option, try a basic tie rack. You can also choose to store your ties rolled up in a drawer with dividers.

Scarves

When storing accessories like a large scarf collection, it's helpful to sort items into categories based on the frequency of use.

First, organize the scarves you wear less frequently and store them in a labeled plastic or canvas bin. For scarves you reach for most often, employ one of several organizational methods. Buy a set of matching hooks and line them up, or use mismatched hooks for a more interesting design element. Or, hang them in a closet on a special scarf hanger or accessory organizer.

Shoes and Boots

How to store shoes is an issue many people with limited storage struggle with. If possible, store shoes you wear most frequently in an easily accessible location. The bottom of your closet or in a shoe rack by the door both work for storing accessories.

Boot storage can be tricky for two reasons. Boot shapes and sizes vary widely, so storing boots on shelves can be challenging. Also, you often wear boots when it's rainy, muddy, and cold, so they are likely wet and dirty when you come home. Keep wet and dirty boots on a drying rack by the door. Once they are dry, clean them and store them away.

Sunglasses and Small Objects

Storing smaller accessories may be the toughest because each little piece is unique. A simple solution is a tray. Keep your small objects like sunglasses, eyeglasses, Fitbit, watches, everyday jewelry, and small electronics like your smartphone in a tray by your front or back door. Or have two trays: one by your front door for everyday items and one in your bedroom for more personal objects.