How to store clothes without a closet or wardrobe available in your rental

Answering your clothes storage SOS

A set of clothing organizers.
(Image credit: Getty)

Naturally, we all dream of having the kind of walk-in wardrobe that Carrie Bradshaw touts throughout Sex and The City and in And Just Like That. I mean, those wardrobes are a thing of serious beauty, who wouldn’t want their own at home? I know that I’ve spent many an hour daydreaming about the privilege of having that kinda boutique store-style storage setup in my bedroom. 

But, let’s be honest, the reality for most of us is either a super tiny closet or a basic AF wardrobe that you can barely squeeze all your clothes into — and that’s if we’re lucky. Some of us don’t even have a space for our OOTDs. Yep, seriously. My rental just doesn’t offer the space for a wardrobe — and, FYI, it’s not the first time I’ve been in this predicament either. 

So, what happens when you’re stuck with no wardrobe at all and no room to put one in? Do you just leave your clothes sprawled across the floor or are there other storage options worth exploring? I have answers.

What to do if your bedroom has no room for a wardrobe

White storage chest at the foot of a bed

(Image credit: Amazon)

A clothes chest

If you have space at the end of your bed or have a cute little cubby hole in your room to store clothing, a storage chest — aka an adult version of a kids’ toy chest — is absolutely great for items like sweaters, tops, and jeans. Honestly, they have SO much space. You’ll be amazed at how much you can fit in one. You can opt to buy a new option like this, or you could find a second-hand one and paint it yourself, like I'm planning on doing. 

White clothing rack with clothes and accessories from IKEA

(Image credit: IKEA)

A clothes rack or rail

Another great option, if you don’t have the space for a full wardrobe, is a clothing rack. I picked up this one from IKEA and it’s been great. It’s secure, sturdy, and holds a hell of a lot. Plus, with the right hangers and under-rail storage — like these cute stackable storage boxes — it can look pretty stylish. 

White, mid-century modern chest of drawers from Amazon

(Image credit: Amazon)

A chest of drawers

A chest of drawers is a great option as it provides segmented space where you can easily store different items of clothing. If you’re sharing your dresser — like I have to with my partner — these handy drawer dividers are a seriously useful buy, as are these drawer organizers

Vacuum storage bag set from Amazon

(Image credit: Amazon)

Vacuum storage bags

For any seasonal items that you want easy access to but don’t need right away, vacuum storage bags are a great option. You can fill them with your seasonal clothes, vacuum seal them, and easily stash them under the bed. This frees up precious storage space year-round (forget having puffer coats hanging up in June).

Beth Mahoney
Staff Writer

Hi! I’m Beth, and I’m a staff writer at Real Homes. I specialize in writing about small spaces (think teeny tiny apartments and dorm rooms), cleaning hacks (I'm low-key #CleanTok obsessed), and organizing. I also have an eye for pretty things (think: quirky wall prints, scalloped edge furniture, and decadent-looking tableware) and love nothing more than a bargain buy. I’m forever searching for items that will add style to my rather sterile rental property. I'm always on the lookout for eye-catching and on-trend pieces of decor that will add personality without damaging the paintwork, or old pieces of furniture that I can breathe new life into by restoring. When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me baking brownies, camped out at my favorite coffee house with my Kindle, testing out new beauty products to write about, or exploring with my fiancé and our dog. 


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