Hi, I’m Yu.

Years ago, my own closet was a source of daily frustration. Despite having a decent amount of space, I found myself digging through stacks of sweaters and losing sight of my favorite shirts. It wasn’t until I moved into a smaller apartment in Tokyo that I was forced to rethink my relationship with storage. I realized that my problem wasn’t a lack of space, but a lack of vertical awareness. By shifting from stacking items horizontally to storing them vertically, I didn’t just save space; I regained my morning peace of mind.

Table of contents

The Philosophy: Ma and Kufū
The Method: Step-by-Step
Conclusion

The Philosophy: Ma and Kufū

In Japanese culture, we value the concept of Ma—the intentional use of empty space. When a closet is stuffed horizontally, it feels heavy and stagnant. By using vertical storage, we create ‘breathing room’ for our belongings. This is paired with Kufū, the act of using ingenuity or cleverness to improve one’s daily life. We don’t just store things; we design a system that respects the objects we own, ensuring they remain in good condition while being easily accessible.

The Method: Step-by-Step

Categorize by Frequency: Before you organize, sort your clothes by how often you use them. Place high-frequency items at eye level. This aligns with the Japanese strategy for managing household inventory using minimalist visual sorting, which reduces the friction of daily routines.
Adopt the File-Folding Technique: Instead of stacking shirts on top of each other, fold them into small, rectangular ‘files’ and stand them upright in drawers or bins. This allows you to see every item at a glance without disturbing the rest of the pile.
Utilize Vertical Dividers: Use tension rods or shelf dividers to create vertical slots for bags, jeans, or clutches. This prevents items from leaning into each other and keeps your closet looking orderly, much like how we approach the Japanese Shikiri principle for modular drawer optimization.

Yu’s Pro-Tip: Use transparent, slim-profile containers for small items like scarves or belts. By labeling the front of these containers with a simple visual cue, you eliminate the ‘searching’ phase of your morning, effectively minimizing decision fatigue before your day even begins.

Conclusion

Organizing your closet vertically is more than just a home hack; it is a way to honor your living environment. When you can see everything you own, you stop over-buying and start appreciating what you already have. I hope this method brings a sense of clarity and rhythm to your home, just as it has to mine.