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Organize your Accessories in Style With These 5 Secret Tips

Today I am joining a group of my blogging pals for some organization tips. Do you ever find yourself staring at a pile of scarves, belts, and jewelry, wondering how to tame the chaos and actually find the perfect accessory for your outfit? I am admittedly an accessory buff. One of the questions I am asked most often is where and how do I store my accessories. Today let’s chat about how to organize your accessories in style with these 5 secret tips. These tips will not only help declutter your space but also elevate your style game. Let’s say goodbye to clutter and hello to effortless accessorizing.

First, start by decluttering your accessories. Don’t be afraid to let go of items that you haven’t worn in years.

ORGANIZE YOUR ACCESSORIES IN STYLE GRAPHIC

THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX

When we lived in our Chualar home our closets were small. We lived in and loved that home for over 30 years. We didn’t have a lot of extra money when we built it and we did all of the work ourselves. We had to cut corners. When we moved to the fixer upper it was an older home with smaller closets. We had to make do. Even though this house has a lot of cupboards, it doesn’t have many closets. Wherever you live there are issues to confront. I know many of you have downsized. Think outside of the box and create storage in unexpected spots. I was the most organized I have ever been (until now) in that smaller space. In this house the bathrooms have tons of storage. Half of it was empty. I had to think outside the box to repurpose that space. I didn’t have enough cosmetics or hair gear to fill it.

CONVERT UNEXPECTED ITEMS INTO STORAGE AREAS

We have an antique chest in our bathroom. When we downsized we had a lot of furniture that we couldn’t use. We loved this chest, and decided it would look great in the primary bath. I kept thinking I would use it for towels or bathroom gear. A couple of months ago it occurred to me that the drawers would be great for my scarves (yes I am a scarf hoarder). I previously had them stacked in baskets on shelves in the closet, and I could never find them.

Antique Chest in Primary Bath-Cindy Hattersley

The top dresser drawer houses all of my square and smaller scarves.

Antique Chest with drawer of scarves

The next three drawers are organized by color or pattern.,

Rustic drawer with scarves
ANTIQUE CHEST SCARF STORAGE

The bottom drawer holds heavier scarves.

Antique Chest with drawers filled with scarves

Remember to group similar items together and designate specific spots for each type of accessory.

REPURPOSE DECORATIVE BASKETS AND TRAYS

We have a large primary bathroom with much more storage than we have ever had. I realize most people aren’t lucky enough to have this much space (I certainly wasn’t until now). The bathroom vanity is vast. The cupboards on the left were virtually empty except for a few items. The pull out drawer houses my hair dryers (another luxury we never had before). I was only using one of the four drawers below and I had empty drawers on the right as well.

Primary Bath Vanity Left Side

I had my scarves in these great seagrass baskets from Target in our fixer upper. Once I moved the scarves to the chest, I had several empty baskets at my disposal. I decided to repurpose them into jewelry organizers that house my costume jewelry, vintage jewelry, and Native American jewelry.

Each drawer has three baskets. This drawer houses my silver bangles, my chunky bracelets of bone and wood, and my vintage rhinestone accessories.The baskets are sturdy and easily transportable. I can grab whatever basket is needed for a photo shoot, take it to my office/studio, and return it when I am done.

Bracelet storage in baskets

This drawer holds all of my belts.

basket storage with belts in drawer

This drawer holds my vintage and native american brooches, sun glasses, glasses, and vintage purses.

basket storage holding glasses, vintage purses and vintage and native american brooches

The top drawer is “in flux”.

MAKE SURE THE STORAGE WORKS FOR YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION

Don’t run out and buy a jewelry box or a jewelry tray unless it works for your particular situation. If you own chunkier necklaces and bracelets (like me), don’t purchase a jewelry drawer organizer with tiny little compartments. Desk drawer or cutlery organizers might be more workable depending on what you are storing. My top drawer is in the process…I am going to purchase two of these seagrass desk organizers from Amazon for my earrings. I thought about purchasing cutlery organizers but the earrings would just slide around. The earrings stay put in rattan or seagrass.

amazon seagrass desk organizer

Some of my earrings currently reside on this cute earring tree that belonged to my daughter, and the post versions are in a bowl (which isn’t very practical). I am anxious to get them all in one place.

iron earring tree with earrings

DON’T BE AFRAID TO PUT YOUR TREASURES ON DISPLAY

Don’t be afraid to use your jewelry collection as art. My husband purchased this (what I think was meant for a store) jewelry stand at a flea market. It was way too big for our fixer upper. When we moved here I decided to put it on the credenza in my office/studio so I could display my favorite pieces and grab them when needed for a photo shoot. I love this rack and now enjoy my treasures every day. Etsy has a lot of options for similar stands here.

Rustic Jewelry stand holding necklaces

From repurposing spaces to incorporating unexpected storage solutions, these simple tips will not only help declutter your space but also elevate your style game. Remember, a well-organized accessory collection not only saves you time and frustration, but it also allows you to showcase your unique taste and style. Just think you can transform your collection from a cluttered mess to a beautifully curated collection.

Home Organizing Tips from Four Bloggers

ORGANIZATION RESOURCES

If you are in need of drawer organization options the container store has many options here.

Target has less expensive options here.

Amazon has many options in various price ranges here. You might also enjoy checking out my entire Amazon storefront here.

If you have limited space you might also enjoy my post How to Make a Small Pantry Large in Style and Space. or, Walk in Closet Makeover with the IKEA Pax System. Thank you so much for being here and reading Organize your Accessories in Style with these 5 Secret tips. Now let’s pop over and visit my pals (who are way more organized than I) for their tips.

Most Lovely Things

Classic Casual Home

Sheri Silver

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Heidi says

    Hi Cindy,
    What great ideas, I have not been happy with my scarf storage ( I have so many – just like you!) Currently they are in a little dresser but I roll them. I’m going to try folding and stacking them the way you have. Also the belts, rolled and in a basket, instead of hanging one on top of another on a rack seems like the way to go. Thanks for the inspiration! I’ll get right on reorganizing!
    Xo Heidi

  2. Kathy says

    Cindy I was just thinking about redoing my jewelry when I remembered this while discussion on accessories! Tank you! I’m wanting to get rid of my jewelry armoire and do something different. You’ve given me some great ideas!

  3. Annie Diamond says

    Cindy, I love your collection AND how you display them using everyday items! It’s so beautiful! I had no idea that dresser was full
    of scarves! I love the baskets you use! Has summer discovered all of this??

  4. Juliet says

    Cindy! That chest in your bathroom is perfection. And, omg, your scarf collection. Scratch that, your entire accessory collection. Wow. I love that divided seagrass basket … what a find. Well, you’ve got me rethinking my entire approach to getting dressed and why my accessory ‘collection’ fits into one (small) drawer. Of course you look amazing and accessorized to perfection. xo

  5. Chris says

    One thing that changed my jewelry organization was a repurpose of a wall insert “medicine cabinet”. The wooden ones that are inset in many bathrooms. I purchased one and had my husband install in in the wall behind our bedroom door. I removed all of the shelves and lined the cabinet with cork (I would choose to use the cloth for protecting silver if I did this again). Using cup hooks I created hanging space for necklaces and bracelets. I found a shop, on etsy, that sold me wooden bars for hanging pierced earrings and attached them o the back of the cabinet door. It works so well for me; is hidden from view; protects the contents and freed up space in my dresser drawers.

  6. Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says

    So many great tips Cindy! I love seeing all of your treasures. I too have a scarf problem and a coat problem. I always say it is because we have 4 seasons but the truth is that I just like them and if I wear them I do not think it is a problem.
    Thank you for sharing! Off to check out the other tips.

  7. Barbara at Mantel and Table says

    Great ideas Cindy! You’ve totally inspired me to repurpose one of my cabinets that’s just sitting there empty in the bedroom while I have no storage in my closet. I can’t wait to get started! Thanks!

  8. Téa says

    Hi Cindy! I LOVE all your ideas! May I suggest you “file” your scarves – a la Marie Kondo – rather than have them stacked in the dresser drawers? You’ll be able to “see” all of them at a glance. I use an old secretary desk narrow drawers for jewelry storage and drop down desk park and bookcase above for my make up and toiletries…I sit and put on my “face” in the morning light and free up the bathroom for dear husband.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Tea

      Great idea! Like I said I am not naturally an organized person and Marie Kondo is probably the last book I would read. I am glad you advised!!

  9. Gray says

    I realize when I read these posts that I must not have that many clothes! I have two jewelry drawers that fit all my earrings and bracelets, and one hanger like yours and an antique bust for necklaces. I have about 20 scarves and about 10 belts. I do have a lot of outerwear – hats, scarves and coats – but it never gets cold enough any more to wear them!
    When I haven’t worn something in 3 years, I donate or sell it.
    We have never had that much storage in our house, so I just don’t have that much stuff.

  10. Karen B. says

    Great timing for this post and I know I’ll pick up some ideas. I’ve been organizing drawers and cupboards since mid-January. It feels like a weight is lifted when I can open a door and find what I’m looking for. You’ve shown some great ideas I hadn’t thought of. Thank you.
    Karen B.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      I agree Karen. Moving twice in two years forced me to get more organized. We got rid of a lot of stuff!

  11. Jan says

    I store some of my longer necklaces hanging on a wooden hanger that is designed for holding belts. It looks like a clothes hanger with metal hooks on both sides. I also have one of them for my belts. Three or four belts go on every hook. But I´m still searching for a storage method for my rings and shorter necklaces. Not enough drawer space. Some of them are in clear comparted plastic containers with a lid from the hardware store so they are stackable.

  12. Cath🇨🇦 says

    Cindy, your bureau drawers for scarves is such a good idea! Wish I had a spare bureau, but you have me thinking how I use the ones I do have…hmmm. I have lots of scarves in lined baskets and cute decorated storage boxes, but you are right! I too have difficulty finding what I want… especially after my wonderful colour coding gets rumbled from hurriedly sorting through the scarves . My shawls do take up more space than my square or long scarves, and I prefer to separate my special silk ones.. When travelling, I try to follow Susan Blakey’s suggestion regarding taking scarves to change up an outfit, thus seriously cutting back on packed clothing. When it comes to jewellery storage, I found a perfect solution for my bedroom…from Pier One on-line…a swing chevalier mirror that opens up to reveal all sorts of storage for necklaces. Not only do I look 3” taller in the angled mirror 👍 but there’s a wee mirror when the door is ajar for checking out my choices. Came in an antique cream colour to go with the Annie Sloan chalk paint that I used on my dark oak furniture .Love it …and my “Crown Jewels “ stay dust free.

  13. Sue Lewellen says

    I got clear plastic craft divided boxes for earrings and undivided clear boxes for necklaces and drops. They work great (I can see contents clearly) and fit in one deep bathroom drawer).

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Sue

      I used clear plastic for all of my hair and skincare stuff. I had these baskets so I wanted to use them. I had my scarves in them in the fixer upper because they were on an etagere in my bathroom. Steve hung hooks on the wall for my necklaces. If we think outside the box we can make it work no matter where we live.

  14. Leslie says

    Great ideas Cindy. I’m laughing because I only have about ten scarves and two belts!!

    I do keep a wonderful old wooden jewelry box full of stuff I don’t want. When my daughter visits she lived to go through it and find things for herself or her friends.

  15. Nancy says

    I loved these storage ideas. Has got me thinking on how I can organize my own jewelry and accessories better with items I already have on hand. Thank you for sharing.

  16. Vicky says

    I ordered a necklace holder from Amazon, similar to yours but not as cute, that mounts to the wall in my closet. Game changer! Not only can I see everything at once, it’s easier to grab and go. Perhaps a miracle awaits for my scarves…thanks for the inspo.

  17. sheri silver says

    What a great post Cindy! I had to laugh because I am the queen of no accessories – I literally own one belt! But you so artfully AND practically found such clever solutions! Loved this!

  18. Nancy Burton says

    Did you ever hit a sore spot!!! We had 2 homes completely furnished, clothing… We decided to give up one of them, so now we are in Colorado. Our closet is medium size but not well organized! I have clothes, jewelry…packed so tight I cannot find anything!! Thanks so much for the ideas! I love the idea of having necklaces out so you can enjoy & really see what you have! I love the rattan earring on Amazon!! Thanks for the help!!!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Nancy

      I should have shared my entry piece as well. I hang my concho belts and a couple inherited pieces on it. I enjoy them every time I walk by.

  19. SABREN IA SANDERS says

    HI CINDY! I LOVED THIS ARTICLE OF INSPIRATION. I HAVE A QUESTION. THE SEAGRASS ORGANIZERS FROM AMAZON FOR EARRINGS…HOW WILL YOU USE THEM SPECIFICALLY FOR EARRINGS? WILL YOU LOOSELY STORE SEVERAL PAIR IN EACH SECTION OR DID YOU HAVE SOMETHING ELSE IN MIND? EARRINGS ARE HARD TO STORE AND I NEED A NEW WAY TO KEEP MINE. THANKS!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Sabren

      I find the plastic bins to be slippery and everything slides around in them. Some of my earrings are post type which cannot be hung on any tipe of hanger. I will put multiple pieces in the bins. I am also lazy about hanging the wire earrings back up all the time. I think for me this will be a more practical solution.

  20. Kim Martin says

    Thank you for sharing! Yes please share how you store your hats. I have a good size collection of hats, and find it difficult to keep them organized where I can see them.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Kim

      I will do that. I have the current seasons hats hanging on the wall in my office. The past seasons hats are in the closet on a shelf.

  21. Marlene Ertel says

    I loved my accessories too. Feel you can never have too much. Style change and what’s old is new again. I moved into a new house with lots of storage 7 years ago., and I purchased a lot of baskets for small items. Doesn’t work for me. I am now replacing the baskets with acrylic bins so I can see what in them. I used acrylic divided drawers for my jewelry. Love opening my drawers and finding everything according to color

    • Lou says

      I’m with you, Marlene, for using clear acrylic bins for scarves. I found four bins at TJ Maxx, labelled “Fridge & Freezer Binz!”, iDDesign brand, roughly 5″x15″x5″, with handle openings on both ends. I sort scarves by color and fold into a somewhat upright position. These fit great on a closet shelf, are visible, and I can pull out a bin easily. Also found at TJMaxx for studs and shorter wires: totally clear acrylic vertical “box” with two pull out panels (width 3.75″x depth 4.75″x height 9.5″) 44-pair “Earring Organizer” by Isaac Jacobs of New York. Great for seeing most of my smaller earrings. Still working on necklaces… many are in original boxes, out of sight, out of use :(…

  22. Mary Ann Pickett says

    I would just love to come over an play with all your well-organized accessories. That SCARF collection!

  23. Lynn Anne Miller says

    I love to organize. But, since I have four pairs of earrings, a long strand pearl necklace, a diamond heart necklace and eight scarves, it’s an area not difficult to organize 🙂 Clothes are another matter. Your tips on how to put an outfit together are amazing. . .there are combinations I never dreamed of and so love the creativity and ideas. Thank you for all your posts. I look forward to each and everyone.

    • Bette says

      I second this question! Jewelry is hard to donate and not worth the time and effort to resell. Tastes change, and although I paid a lot for my much-loved jewelry, none of my family want any of it. So, it sits.

      • Patricia Demling says

        All of my gold and silver that my girls wouldn’t wear, I took it to a jeweler and they paid me for it!

  24. Christinr says

    Such great ideas!
    I keep my earrings in egg carton bottoms:) Pretty silly, but they’re tucked away in drawers so no one knows…and it works for me.
    How about hat storage? I love them but they take up a lot of closet space.
    Thanks for your always inspiring posts.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      P.S

      I have six nails on either side of my rolling rack in my office where I store the hats I am currently wearin (winter/summer) We also have a shelf in our hall closet where I store the past seasons. I will share my closet if I can get it respectable enough soon!

  25. Judy says

    Cindy
    I had a small antique desk in my master bath and noticed after a few years that moisture was a problem for the wood. I moved it out. I also keep much of my silver in plastic bags to keep it from tarnishing but ypur necklace display looks great and I may need to revisit the idea to actually see my treasures and not forget about them!
    . Thank you.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Judy

      I can imagine that could be a problem in parts of the country that are humid and damp. We have great circulation in our bath. It is open to the bedroom and whenever possible the windows are wide open (much of the year)

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