I used to treat my closet like a magical catch-all, if it fit behind the door, in it went. But after a musty coat, a melted candle, and a surprise bug situation (yep, really), I learned the hard way that not everything belongs in there.
Turns out, professional organizers have a whole list of things they’d never store in a closet, and for good reason. Some of it can ruin your clothes, attract pests, or even create hidden fire hazards.
If your closet’s doing more harm than good, it might be time to rethink what you’re tucking away behind those doors.
1. Important Documents And Paperwork
Birth certificates don’t belong buried under sweaters where they can get wrinkled or forgotten. Pro organizers cringe when they find social security cards tucked between old jeans and tax returns stuffed behind shoe boxes.
Moisture from clothing and temperature changes can warp paper documents beyond repair. Create a dedicated filing system in your home office instead, where these crucial papers stay safe and accessible when you need them most.
2. Cleaning Supplies And Chemicals
Bleach bottles next to your favorite dress? That’s a recipe for disaster waiting to happen. Chemical fumes can seep into fabrics, leaving permanent stains and weird smells that no amount of washing can fix.
Temperature fluctuations in closets can cause containers to expand and leak, creating toxic messes. Keep these products in a well-ventilated laundry room or utility closet where spills won’t ruin your wardrobe.
3. Food Items And Snacks
Midnight snack stash hidden behind your winter coats? Bad idea, according to organizing pros who’ve seen too many pest invasions start this way. Crumbs attract ants, and opened packages invite unwanted roommates with six legs.
Food odors also transfer to nearby fabrics, leaving your clothes smelling like last week’s crackers. Pantry items belong in the kitchen where proper storage keeps them fresh and your closet pest-free.
4. Electronics And Gadgets
Old phones and laptops don’t appreciate closet humidity any more than your silk blouses do. Electronics need stable temperatures and low moisture to prevent internal damage and battery corrosion.
Dust buildup in closets can clog vents and ports, while temperature swings cause condensation inside delicate components.
Store gadgets in climate-controlled areas with proper ventilation, or better yet, donate what you’re not using to clear space for clothes that actually belong there.
5. Wet Or Damp Clothing
Tossing that slightly damp towel in your closet seems harmless until mold starts throwing its own party on your favorite sweater.
Moisture spreads quickly in enclosed spaces, creating perfect conditions for mildew growth. Professional organizers recommend letting everything dry completely before closet storage.
Even workout clothes that feel dry might still hold enough moisture to cause problems. Air-dry items in open areas first, then put them away properly.
6. Paint Cans And Art Supplies
Paint fumes and cashmere don’t mix well, despite what your creative side might think. Volatile organic compounds from paints and solvents can permanently damage natural fibers and synthetic materials alike.
Many art supplies are also flammable, creating fire hazards in enclosed spaces. Store these materials in a garage, basement, or dedicated craft room with proper ventilation.
Your clothes will thank you for keeping their air fresh and chemical-free.
7. Medications And Vitamins
Prescription bottles hiding behind your shoe collection might seem convenient, but temperature changes can reduce medication effectiveness.
Most pills need consistent, cool temperatures that closets simply can’t provide. Humidity from clothing can also cause tablets to break down or capsules to stick together.
Keep medications in a bathroom medicine cabinet or bedroom drawer where you’ll remember to take them and they’ll stay potent longer.
8. Candles And Fragrance Items
Scented candles might smell amazing, but they can turn your entire wardrobe into one giant air freshener. Strong fragrances seep into fabrics over time, creating scent confusion that’s hard to eliminate.
Heat can also cause candles to soften and warp, while cold temperatures make them brittle and prone to cracking. Store these items in a cool, dry place away from your clothes to prevent unwanted scent transfer and maintain their quality.
9. Photographs And Memory Books
Family photos deserve better than being squished between winter jackets where they can get bent, torn, or forgotten completely.
Temperature fluctuations and humidity can cause photos to stick together or develop that dreaded yellow tinge. Memory books and albums need stable conditions to preserve those precious moments properly.
Create a dedicated space in your living area where these treasures stay protected and you can actually enjoy looking through them regularly.
10. Jewelry And Valuable Items
Expensive watches and grandmother’s pearls get lost faster than socks in a closet jungle. Professional organizers see too many clients frantically searching through piles of clothes for missing heirloom pieces.
Jewelry also needs protection from tangling, scratching, and tarnishing that closet storage can’t provide. Invest in a proper jewelry box or drawer organizer where each piece has its own secure spot and you can actually see what you own.
11. Books And Paper Materials
Books are knowledge treasures that deserve better than closet exile where they collect dust and absorb moisture. Paper materials can develop mold, attract silverfish, and start smelling musty in enclosed spaces.
Heavy book stacks can also damage closet shelving and make it harder to access your actual clothes.
Create a proper bookshelf or reading nook where your literary collection can be displayed, protected, and actually enjoyed instead of forgotten behind closed doors.
12. Tools And Hardware
Hammers and high heels don’t make good closet companions, especially when you’re rushing to get dressed in the dark. Sharp tools create safety hazards and can damage delicate fabrics if they fall or shift.
Small hardware like screws and nails can scatter and become lost in clothing folds, creating potential puncture hazards.
Keep tools in a proper toolbox or garage where they belong, leaving your closet safe for its intended purpose.
13. Seasonal Decorations
Holiday decorations might only come out once a year, but they shouldn’t camp out in your closet taking up valuable real estate. Ornaments can break and create sharp hazards, while artificial greenery sheds and creates mess.
Seasonal items also tend to expand and take over closet space meant for everyday clothes. Store these treasures in labeled bins in your attic, basement, or garage where they won’t interfere with daily wardrobe access.
14. Sporting Equipment
Tennis rackets and golf clubs need their own space where they won’t knock over your carefully organized outfits. Sports equipment can damage delicate fabrics and create awkward obstacles when you’re trying to get dressed.
Gear can also carry outdoor dirt and moisture into your clean closet environment. Create a dedicated sports storage area in your garage, mudroom, or entryway where equipment stays organized and your clothes stay protected from outdoor elements.
15. Pet Supplies And Accessories
Fluffy’s favorite toys and treats don’t belong sharing space with your work wardrobe, no matter how much you love your furry friend. Pet supplies can carry odors, fur, and bacteria that transfer to your clothes.
Food items especially attract pests and can spill, creating stains and smells that are tough to eliminate. Keep pet supplies in a designated area near their feeding station or in a mudroom where cleanup is easier and your clothes stay fresh.
16. Craft And Hobby Materials
Yarn balls and fabric scraps might seem harmless, but they can quickly turn your closet into a craft explosion that makes finding anything impossible.
Small supplies get lost among clothes, creating frustration and waste. Some craft materials can also attract insects or transfer dyes and chemicals to nearby fabrics.
Set up a dedicated craft space or storage area where your creative supplies stay organized and accessible without taking over your clothing storage.
17. Luggage And Travel Gear
Suitcases are space hogs that push your everyday clothes into cramped corners where wrinkles multiply like rabbits. Large luggage pieces can also harbor dust, odors, and even pests from previous trips.
Travel gear works better stored in areas where size isn’t an issue, like under beds, in attics, or dedicated storage rooms. Keep your closet focused on daily essentials rather than items used only a few times per year.
18. Expired Or Unused Items
That expired sunscreen from 2019 isn’t doing anyone any favors hiding behind your winter coats. Old products can leak, smell, or even become unsafe while taking up precious closet real estate.
Professional organizers recommend regular purging sessions to remove items that no longer serve you.
Donate, recycle, or properly dispose of expired products to keep your closet focused on things you actually use and love. Your future self will appreciate the extra space and organization.