When it comes to organizing your home, the bedroom closet is often ground zero for clutter. It’s easy to toss things in there without a second glance, but certain items can quickly overwhelm your closet, making it difficult to find what you need.

To help you keep things functional and clutter-free, we’ve rounded up a list of things you should never store in your bedroom closet. From bulky outerwear to sentimental keepsakes, these items are better off in other spaces where they can stay organized and out of the way. Here’s how to make the most of your closet without it turning into a catch-all for everything that doesn’t have a home.

1. Shoes

Storing shoes in your bedroom closet may seem like a natural choice, but this can quickly create a cluttered pile of footwear on the floor of your closet. For a tidier and more functional solution, try storing shoes near the front door or in the coat closet. This way, you can easily slip them on and off without tracking dirt through the house. Plus, shoes tend to hold onto odors, which you don’t want to mix with your clothes.

If you have a large shoe collection but limited space by the door, it might be unavoidable to store some pairs in your bedroom closet. In this case, prioritize putting the shoes you wear most often near the entrance. You should also keep heavy-duty footwear, like boots, by the front door. Your special-occasion or out-of-season shoes can go in the bedroom closet where they’ll be out of sight but still easily accessible.

2. Pet Supplies

Storing any sort of pet items like food, litter boxes, or toys in your bedroom closet can be unhygienic. There’s a high chance that these items will have odors, allergens, and hair that can get on your clothes. These items can also spill and create a mess. Create a dedicated pet area outside of your bedroom to store these items, instead.

3. Dirty Laundry

It’s convenient to keep dirty laundry close to your closet for easy access when it’s time to put clothes away, but storing it inside your closet can lead to unwanted odors. While it might be tempting to stash your hamper in there to keep it out of sight, a closed space like a closet can trap smells (especially if you have a lot of workout gear). Instead, try placing your laundry hamper in an open area of your bedroom or in a laundry room, where air circulation will help keep things fresh.

4. Extra Linens

Your bedding and towels already have a designated spot in the linen closet, so there’s no need to take up valuable bedroom closet space with them. If you have a dedicated space for your linens and are still storing extras in your bedroom closet, it might be time to reassess your supply. A good rule of thumb is to keep two to three linen sets per bed and two to three towels per person. Towels and bedding can be bulky, so it’s best to only hold on to what you need to keep your closet organized and available.

5. Handbags

The right handbag can instantly elevate a good outfit into a great one, which might lead you to store your bags in the bedroom closet. However, keeping your handbags here is a fast track to a messy closet. Since handbags are items you typically grab as you leave the house, it’s more convenient to store them near the front entrance. To match your bag to your outfit without taking up space in the bedroom, install a mirror by the front door so you can easily review your outfit and mix and match accessories before leaving.

6. Keepsakes

We all have those special trophies, photo albums, and mementos that hold sentimental value and are hard to part with. However, since these items don’t need to be regularly accessed, the bedroom closet isn’t the best place to store them. Instead, tuck them away in a basement or attic, where they won’t take up precious closet space. This keeps your bedroom organized while ensuring your memories are safely stored for years to come.

7. Bathroom Supplies

Storing bathroom supplies like cleaning products or toiletry items in your bedroom closet can easily add clutter and create a mess. These items are often prone to spills and leaks, which can damage your clothes. To keep things organized and functional, limit your purchases to what can easily fit in your bathroom storage or utility room. This way, you’ll avoid accidental spills in your closet and keep your bathroom essentials within easy reach.

8. Seasonal decorations

Seasonal decorations, like holiday lights, wreaths, and festive knick-knacks are best stored in the attic or basement rather than your bedroom closet. Though that snowman figurine or pumpkin candle may steal the show during its respective season, these items are only used a few times a year. Keeping them in your closet takes up valuable space that’s better reserved for things you use on a daily basis.

9. Outerwear

Coats, jackets, and scarves are bulky items you often grab as you’re heading out the door, making them better suited for storage near the front entrance. Keeping outerwear by the door keeps it easily accessible and will help you avoid overcrowding your closet with thick, heavy pieces. A coat rack, hooks, or a dedicated entryway closet are great options to keep your outerwear organized and within reach away from the bedroom.

10. Too Many Hangers

Leftover hangers can take up more space than you might realize, cluttering your closet and making it harder to stay organized. Whether they’re extra plastic hangers from the store or old, mismatched ones you no longer need, it’s best to only keep what you need. Consider donating or recycling the ones you don’t use to free up space and keep your closet tidy. This will give you more room for your clothes and give your closet a cleaner and more organized appearance.

11. Exercise Equipment

Whether it’s dumbbells, yoga mats, or resistance bands, exercise equipment can take up a lot of space. These items can also carry lingering smells, which means storing these items in your bedroom closet isn’t ideal. Instead, set up a designated workout area in a spare room, garage, or basement to keep your gear organized and separate from your everyday wardrobe.