A wardrobe without a proper wardrobe organiser can be extremely frustrating at the best of times.
From wasted time digging for clothes you know are in there somewhere but can’t find, to wrinkled garments and hangers that can barely move, it’s a bit of a nightmare. And it’s a nightmare many Kiwis know well, especially in smaller homes with limited built-in storage.
At NZ Wardrobes, we design wardrobe storage solutions that work for real people (not just Pinterest photos). We know exactly which type of wardrobe organisers fix clutter and which just add to the noise.
In this guide, we cover the main types of organisers for a wardrobe, how to pick the right one, and a couple of proven wardrobe organisation hacks!
What is a Wardrobe Organiser?
A wardrobe organiser is a storage solution for your wardrobe. It can comprise shelves, drawers, rails, baskets, shoe racks, and hooks, individually or in any combination. The purpose of a wardrobe organiser is to help you use every inch of cupboard space sensibly and keep your clothing and accessories in order.
It gives everything a home, so it's all within easy view and reach, and nothing vanishes into the abyss. And considering around one-third of women’s wardrobes and at least 30% of men’s clothes go unworn, a quick wardrobe tidy with the right organiser can help you actually use what you own.
Answer yes to one or more of the questions below? A wardrobe organiser might be the simple fix you’ve been looking for!
- Does getting dressed in the morning feel like a treasure hunt?
- Do you keep wearing the same few outfits in rotation?
- Are you over creased clothes, jammed hangers, toppling piles, and mountains of shoes on the floor?
- Are you fighting with your partner over wardrobe space?
- Would you like to see what you own so you finally stop re-buying the same black tee?
Types of Wardrobe Organisers
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to wardrobe organisers. The right one for you depends entirely on your space, budget, and how much clothing (and closet chaos) you’re dealing with. Here are some of the main options to consider:
Hanging dominant organiser
- What it is: A straightforward system built around rails with some shelves, keeping clothes crease-free and easy to see.
- Best for: People who mostly hang their clothes, like shirts, dresses, jackets, and trousers. Can be a great starter option for rentals or student flats.
Shelving dominant organiser
- What it is: Organisers built mainly around stackable shelving, with some hanging.
- Best for: Those who have a lot of folded items, bulky knits, handbags, hats, or accessories that tend to pile up. Can also work well for linen cupboards.
Balanced hanging and shelving organiser
- What it is: A wardrobe organisation system that combines a balanced mix of rails and shelving in one system.
- Best for: Everyday family wardrobes where you need a good mix of hanging and folded storage.
Shoe organiser
- What it is: Dedicated racks or hooks designed to keep shoes off the floor and paired up neatly.
- Best for: Those with lots of footwear or who simply want their footwear off the floor.
Single reach-in organiser
- What it is: A compact organiser with one main hanging section plus shelving or drawers on the side.
- Best for: Apartments, kids’ rooms, or spare rooms where space is tight but organisation is still high up on your priority list.
Double reach-in organiser
- What it is: A larger setup with multiple hanging rails plus shelves for folded clothes or shoes.
- Best for: Couples or anyone with a bigger clothing collection. Perfect for master bedrooms with large cupboard space.
Custom organiser
- What it is: A fully bespoke system tailored to your space, style, and clothing habits. Typically includes options for shelves, drawers, rails, baskets, and shoe storage.
- Best for: Homeowners wanting a polished, long-term solution that maximises every inch of their wardrobe space.
How to Choose the Right Wardrobe Organiser For Your Space
Choosing a wardrobe organiser goes far beyond just ticking boxes. You need to find something that truly works for your life and not just your wardrobe. Here are some of the main things to think about:
Size
Start by looking at your actual space. A single reach-in can be a great option for kids’ rooms or apartments, while a double reach-in can give couples and master bedrooms the extra rails and shelves they need for optimal functionality. If your garments keep multiplying, bigger is always better!
Lifestyle
Renters often lean toward a simple kitset or wire wardrobe organiser because they’re usually portable and easy to reconfigure. Homeowners generally lean toward built-in or custom organisers, which add long-term value and can make wardrobes feel like part of the home.
Budget
Off-the-shelf organisers are the quickest and easiest way to upgrade your wardrobe without having to drain your wallet. If you want something more tailored to your clothing habits, though, a custom wardrobe organiser might be the way to go. It's typically a higher investment, but built to last and to match personal preferences to a tee.
What you own
Shoe-heavy wardrobe? Add a dedicated shoe rack. Lots of folded clothes? Choose shelving-heavy designs. Mostly dresses or suits? Go for a hanging-dominant setup. The right mix means you’ll spend less time scratching around for garments and more time wearing them.
The easiest way to discover your perfect fit is to start with your pain points. For example, too many shoes, not enough shelf space, or hangers jammed tight. Once you know what’s driving you crazy, the solution becomes obvious.
Wardrobe Organisation Rules and Hacks
The good news is, keeping a wardrobe under control doesn't involve colour coding every sock. All it takes is a few easy tricks. Here are some of them:
- The 3-3-3 rule: Pick three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes you love to be front and centre. Mix and match them and you’ve suddenly got 27 different outfit combos without even trying. It proves you don’t need a mountain of clothes to nail a look. And it makes getting dressed way less stressful!
- The 80/20 rule: As mentioned, most of us only wear about 20% of our clothes on repeat. The rest just sit there taking up space. Be ruthless: if you haven’t worn it in the last year, chances are you won’t. Get rid of it.
- One in, one out: Every time something new comes in, something old goes out. It stops your wardrobe from bulging at the seams with clutter and makes you think twice about impulse buys.
- Seasonal swap: Get your winter coats out of sight in summer, and box away shorts and tees when it’s chilly. Rotating by season keeps things fresh and frees up space.
- The hanger trick: Start with all your hangers facing the wrong way. Each time you wear something, hang it back the right way. After a few months, you’ll see exactly what never leaves the rail... and you’ll know what to let go of.
Wardrobe Organisers New Zealand
At the end of the day, a good wardrobe organiser isn't just a matter of storage. It saves time, reduces stress, and helps you make the most of every centimetre of space you’ve got to work with. With the right setup, you’ll spend way less time rummaging for clothes and accessories and more time looking the part.
At NZ Wardrobes, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter cupboard solutions. Every home, every family, and every wardrobe are different. That’s why we offer a full range of options, from the simple kitset wardrobe organiser through to fully custom organisers.
You can shop online anytime from anywhere in New Zealand. Otherwise, you can visit us in person at our Mt Maunganui showroom to browse in real life (and get hands-on with the products before you buy).
Need a quick upgrade to tame the clutter? Looking for a made-to-measure design that turns your wardrobe into something pretty special? You can count on us to have the perfect solution.
Shop now orcontact us to start your upgrade today.