Do you ever wonder about the science behind home hacks and decluttering tricks? For example, just by using one common kitchen item to fix your linen closet chaos, you can transform the entire space and make it much more organized. However, while there are so many hacks to try when tidying around the house, there may be one item you don’t even realize is making your closets hectic. Plastic hangers are likely creating visual clutter on your racks, especially if they’re different colors, and could even be harming the fabric and quality of your pieces. So, why not try wood hangers? While there are practical perks to back up swapping out your plastic hangers for wood, it also just brings more style and design to your space. You take great care in decorating the rest of your home, so why wouldn’t you want an aesthetic place to keep the materials you wear every day?

BUMERANG wood hangers from IKEA could be a good swap for those plastic ones. Not only are they affordable, $5 for a pack of eight, but they are also some of the best hangers to keep your closet organized. The material helps to make this space seem more cohesive and stylish, too. While you may not hang out for long amounts of time in your closet, it would be nice to have a cozy ambiance when you go in to get items. The metal and wood design creates an orderly and minimalistic look, creating separation between each hanging piece for a more organized finish.

First, it might be useful to understand why wooden hangers are so much more effective than plastic. The sturdier material can help your items keep their shape while hanging, and the wood is less likely to bend or snap under a lot of weight. This way, your clothes won’t droop and look out of place. Some plastic versions can have excess material along the frame that catches clothing, pulling strings, and even making holes. Because wood also helps keep your items in good condition, everything hangs a little neater on the thicker arms.

It’s important to keep your wood hangers in good condition so they do the same for your clothes. Dust your rails and the hangers themselves regularly, and polish unused pieces when necessary to keep the material healthy and smooth. If your closet is prone to humidity, it may be a smart investment to put a dehumidifier in there to keep the wood dry. While these definitely help declutter a closet, it’s important not to overfill the space. Another clever way to use your hangers to organize and double your space is to alternate the hooks, turning some to the opposite side of the rail. This helps you keep track of what you wear and what you don’t for decluttering.