DIY Closet Ideas

Organizing your closet can be a lot of fun when you do it yourself.  Die-hard “do it yourselfers” would never pay to have something done that they could do themselves.  This is what makes DIY home improvement projects so rewarding.  You learn a lot, gain experience, build the confidence that you have in yourself, and end up with a unique product that you can be proud of.

The closet is a good place to start for beginners.  Building and installing shelves is a relatively easy DIY project.  You can create storage, get organized, and beautify your closet all at the same time.

If you are installing wood shelves, make sure that you have all of the necessary tools.  You will most likely need a mitre saw, unless you can have your wood cut at the store.  You will also need a power drill, long wood screws, a stud finder, and a level.  You can use 1x4 boards to support your shelves, or pick up a few L-brackets.

Wire shelving is really popular because it’s so easy to install and is very sturdy.  These wire shelving systems often come with a tool to cut the shelves to the length that you need, and don’t require many tools.

Whatever type of shelf you choose, make sure that you anchor them into studs so that they can hold a lot of weight.  Use a level to be certain that each shelf is level.  Take a lot of measurements to make sure that you have everything how you want it before you cut.  Use a pencil to mark level lines to make the job easier.

The biggest problem in most closets is that they waste available space.  To make the most of your space, inventory what you have and how you want it stored in the closet.  Draw up a few designs before you settle on one.  Sometimes your arrangement of clothes can determine how much room you have.  For example, if you hang all of your shorter shirts or folded pants on one side of the closet, then you free up some space near the bottom.  This is often enough room for a laundry hamper or bin, drawers, or shoe shelves.

Utilize dividers, bins, or baskets to keep things in order.  Stacks of clothes tend to get knocked over and unfolded when you rummage through them looking for what you need.  Keep stacks to a minimum, or create dividers and cubbies so that the stacks are not tall.  Buckets are great for socks, underwear, and other small things that you keep in your closet.

Finish out the closet with decorative hooks, specialty clothes hangers, lighting and matching bins. Use a wood hanger or coat hanger for heavier items.  This will keep the closet looking beautiful because not only are the hangers themselves nice to look at, but they keep your clothing perfectly separated for a clean look.  When you are done, you will be proud of what you have accomplished.  Your closet will fit your special needs and be much easier to keep organized than before.