In the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, don’t forget your overnight guests will need a little space to hang clothes or store travel items. Though your guest bedroom closet is likely full of things that cannot fit anywhere else, the right organization system can open up more space.

Start the process by accounting for and sorting what you have, even if you do not plan to decide immediately what you’ll keep or throw away. Once you know what you’re dealing with, the process of compressing and organizing will go much faster.

The key to creating more space is making the most of all vertical space. Most guest bedroom closets have a clothes rod and shelf around the level of your head, and nothing else. Install compartmentalizing tools in that wasted space, such as drawers, small cabinets, and shelving units designed around your storage needs. Drawer dividers are an easy way to keep things tight and separate. As you reorganize, don’t forget to leave floor and rod space for your visitors!

For more closet organization ideas, reach out to HAOI member California Closets.