Have you ever scrolled past a photo of a dreamy, boutique-style closet and thought, Okay, but how do I actually make that happen in my own home? That kind of magic isn’t just for celebrities and showroom displays—it’s what Essense Hill does best. As the founder of Essense of Closets, a nationwide organizing company specializing in closets, pantries, attics, concierge moving services, and more, she’s built a reputation for transforming everyday wardrobes into effortlessly stylish spaces. Oh, and did we mention she’s also one of the founding members of our new digital experience and app, The Organizing Society? Basically, we’re huge fans.
We recently caught up with Essense to discuss all things closet organization, and trust us—you’re going to want to take notes. She’s sharing her best tips, go-to solutions, and the story behind what inspired her to launch her organizing business in the first place. From styling your shoes like a pro to creating that dreamy boutique feel, Essense is breaking it all down so you can bring a little of her magic into your own space. Let’s dive in!
The Inspiration Behind Essense of Closets
Essense’s love for organizing didn’t start in a typical way. In fact, she wasn’t naturally organized as a child. But her first job at the shoe store, Finish Line changed everything.
“We had to tuck the shoelaces, make sure every shoe was lined up and color coordinated,” Essense recalls. “Even at sixteen, it’s something that stuck with me forever. To the point that in my closet at home, even as a teenager, I had all the boxes lined up—the same thing I was doing at work, I was doing at home.”
From there, her passion only grew. She remembers falling in love with the magic of huggable hangers after watching inventor and female entrepreneur, Joy Mangano on the Home Shopping Network. That Christmas, she didn’t just buy a set for herself—she bought them for her entire family.
“They still talk about it to this day,” she laughs. “It’s funny how it all comes full circle.”
The Secret to Boutique-Style Closet Organization
Essense believes that organizing isn’t just about putting things in place—it’s about curating a space that feels personal, intentional, and inspiring. And for her, shopping plays a huge role in that process.
“I think that my weapon as a professional organizer isn’t just in the organizing itself; it’s in the shopping,” she explains. “These days, you can order anything online and copy someone on Instagram. But I want something unique about what I did for that person to stand out.”
For every closet she styles, Essense looks for special touches—whether it’s a unique jewelry stand, a stylish way to store handbags, or a custom solution for displaying shoes. The goal is to create a space that feels tailored to each client, just like a high-end boutique.
How (and Why) to Make Your Closet Feel Like Your Favorite Store
According to Essense, a well-organized closet should be more than just a place to store your clothes.
“One of the biggest benefits of a styled closet is that it becomes a place you want to spend time in,” she explains. “Think about how you feel when you step into your favorite store—whether it’s Saks Fifth Avenue or Target. You know exactly where to find what you need, and the experience feels effortless.”
Essense’s Top Storage Recommendations
Shoes
“My favorite shoe storage solution of all time is the clear shoe boxes from The Container Store. I've been using them since my very first closet and they’ve never failed me,” says Essense.
Of course, not all shoes will fit in those specific containers, which is where alternative solutions come in. “For shoes that don’t fit in boxes, I like to display them individually on a shelf or use clear risers to create a boutique-style look,” she adds.
Handbags
“When it comes to handbags, I always put them on display,” says Essense. “The more you see them, the more you use them. That’s the whole point—you bought them to wear them!”
For those looking for a protective storage option, she recommends clear display boxes. “If you want to shield them from dust or damage but still keep them visible, clear display boxes are a great solution.”
Belts & Ties
“I always hang belts and ties if possible,” says Essense. “A tie organizer in the same section as suits and blazers makes the most sense. It’s just like retail—when everything is categorized together, it’s easier to find what you need while putting an outfit together.”
Hats
“A hat wall is my favorite hat storage solution of all time,” Essense shares. “It’s as simple as using hooks to hang all your hats on the wall—it turns them into a statement piece while keeping them organized.”
For a more structured display, she’s also used hat stands and even mannequin heads. “But honestly, nothing beats a stylish and functional hat wall.”
Jewelry
“You know those over-the-door jewelry organizers? No one is really taking the time to unhook a necklace or undo their earrings to hang them up every single day,” Essense points out.
Instead, she prefers organizing jewelry inside drawers using compartment trays or inserts. “That way, you can just come in, take your hoops off, drop your golds in their section, and go. Everything stays protected and categorized—your silver together, your pearls together, however you like.”
Hung Clothing
If you want your closet to look like a high-end boutique, Essense has one simple rule: organize by color. “It simplifies everything,” she says. “If you’re looking for something black, you know exactly where to find it.”
Of course, not everyone shops their own closet by color. For some, lifestyle-based organization makes more sense. “It’s all about how you wear your clothes,” Essense explains. “If someone is constantly traveling or being photographed, I need to break things down into categories that reflect their lifestyle. But you don’t have to be a stylist or influencer to organize this way. Even if you just have a work wardrobe versus casual pieces, setting up those zones can make getting dressed so much easier.”
And then there are those who prioritize function over form—like Sumner Canfield, our very first employee and now Director of Product Development. She swears by organizing by category or season rather than color. In other words, all of her short-sleeved tops are grouped together, no matter the shade, so she can quickly grab what works for the day’s forecast.
At the end of the day, there’s no single right way—just the way that makes sense for you. But if you’re going for a closet that looks as good as it functions, sorting by color is always a winning choice.
P.S. Oh, and when we asked Essense what the best hangers are? She didn’t hesitate. “Huggable hangers, of course,” she said. “They make everything look more streamlined.” No debate there!
Folding Clothing
“Hang when you can hang, but know when to fold,” says Essense. “That’s my standard rule.”
She acknowledges that people often hesitate to hang certain items, like sweaters. “I hear it all the time: ‘I thought you weren’t supposed to hang sweaters!’ But huggable hangers will treat them nicely,” she assures. “So if there’s space, I’m hanging everything. Only when I run out of room do I start folding.”
Bonus tip: Use Expandable Drawer Dividers to keep rows of folded clothing neatly contained and categorized in any size drawer.
Closet Edits: What to Remove Immediately
“First thing to go? Shoe boxes,” says Essense. “Edit them out immediately.” Beyond that, she recommends eliminating anything that doesn’t belong in your closet. “When I do a client intake, I always ask: ‘Is there anything from college in your closet? Anything from your wedding?’
Her rule is simple: “If you’re not actively wearing it on your body, it shouldn’t be in your closet. Keepsakes can be stored elsewhere—we’ll find a better home for them.”
Love Essense’s signature touch? Follow along for more inspiration and a closer look at her beautiful work here! And if you’re ready to take your organizing to the next level, join The Organizing Society—our new digital experience and app for professional organizers and organizing enthusiasts—and get exclusive tips, product discounts, expert guidance, and the tools you need to transform any space. We can’t wait to see you there!
