50+ Low-Cost Closet Organization Ideas And Designs (2024)
When it comes to maximizing space in your home, few areas are as crucial as the closet. With a little creativity and some basic carpentry skills, you can create a customized storage system that will make your life easier and more organized. In just a weekend, you can build and install a custom organizer that will transform your closet from a cluttered chaos to a peaceful retreat.
One of the greatest advantages of a closet organizer is its ability to alleviate the frustration that comes with searching for something in an overcrowded, disorganized space. With a well-designed storage system, you’ll be able to find what you need quickly and easily, making your daily routine more efficient and stress-free. To get started on your DIY project, you’ll need some basic tools and materials.
These include wooden dowels, decorative trim, and a few power tools like a circular saw and drill. You may also want to invest in some additional supplies, such as adjustable shelves and hanging rods. Once you have your materials in hand, it’s time to start building your custom organizer. This will involve constructing the framework for your system using wooden dowels and decorative trim.
You’ll then need to add the adjustable shelves and hanging rods, making sure that everything is securely attached to the walls or floor of your closet. Finally, it’s time to install your storage system. This may require a little bit of creativity and some basic carpentry skills, but with patience and attention to detail, you can get the job done. The result will be a beautifully organized closet that will make you feel more in control and better equipped to tackle the demands of daily life.
Some great DIY hacks for organizing your closet include installing clothing dividers, making a rack to hang additional clothes, adding a hidden hamper, and using soda can tabs to hang multiple garments on one hanger. You can also use shower rings, chains, and vertical spaces like the side of your shoe stand to maximize your storage potential. And don’t forget to make use of shoe boxes, reusable labels, and rods on the closet’s door to keep everything tidy and organized.
Planning for Closet Storage
When it comes to building a closet organizer, many people may wonder why they should bother with the DIY approach instead of buying a pre-manufactured one. One major reason is that custom-built homes often have imperfections like uneven walls and irregular corners, which can make pre-fabricated organizers difficult or unsightly to install. By building your own closet organizer, you can avoid these issues and create a tailored solution for your specific space.
To get started on your DIY project, take some time to inventory the items that will be stored in the closet. This is also a great opportunity to declutter and donate any unwanted clothes or items. Once the closet is clean, measure the width of the closet at both the bottom and top shelf locations, as well as its depth using the same reference points. These measurements will help you determine how straight and square your walls are, which is important for cutting shelves accurately.
If your closet has finished walls made of drywall or paneling, use a stud finder to locate and mark the location of any studs behind the finished surfaces. This will make it easier to install shelves and other components. A stacked shelving unit that runs from floor to ceiling can provide convenient storage for folded clothes like sweaters, sweatshirts, shirts, and blouses. Placing this shelving in the center of the closet provides easy access to these items.
Don’t forget to consider the space needs of your winter clothing, which may take up more room on shelves due to their bulkier nature. Draw out a detailed design for your organizer, including all dimensions, to use as a guide during construction and installation. Aim to make the most of your closet’s depth by designing shelves that are at least 12-14 inches deep.
In addition to shelving, consider installing three clothes poles: two on one side of the shelving unit (one 32 inches from the floor, the second 78 inches from the floor) for hanging shirts, blouses, and other tops, and a third pole on the opposite side for dresses and long coats. You may also want to include a set of shelves specifically designed for storing shoes, allowing enough width and depth for them to sit side-by-side.
Tools and Materials Needed
To construct a do-it-yourself closet organizer, measuring seven feet wide by eight feet tall, you’ll need to gather the following essential tools and materials.
First and foremost, ensure you have the necessary precision instruments:
– Tape measure for accurate measurements,
– Level for maintaining structural integrity,
– Table or circular saw for efficient cutting of wood,
– Angle or framing square for precise angle adjustments,
– Hammer for driving nails,
– Nail set for shaping and forming nails.
In addition to the above, you’ll require a range of materials:
– Two sheets of 3/4-inch by 4-foot by 8-foot finished plywood (birch is an excellent choice for its aesthetic appeal and strength).
– Three-inch by one-inch wood support boards for securing shelves and closet poles.
– Six penny finishing nails for adding a professional finish.
– Two and one-quarter inch drywall screws for reinforcing structural joints.
– Six closet pole hangers for installing closet rods.
– Closet pole 10 feet long for hanging your clothes.
– Wood glue for reinforcing all joints and enhancing overall durability.
– Wood putty for filling holes after setting nails, ensuring a smooth finish.
– Stain and clear finish or semi-gloss paint as needed to match your desired aesthetic.
Building and Installation of Storage System
To bring your DIY storage organizer project to life, follow these steps:First, identify the wooden studs behind finished walls and prepare them for wood supports by using anchors if necessary. Then, mark the dimensions of each shelf and divider on plywood sheets and label each piece with a code to ensure easy identification during installation. Before assembling the shelves and dividers, stain or paint them as needed to save time and effort in the long run.
This step also allows for a flawless finish. Next, measure and cut the wood support boards for shelves and closet pole hangers. Secure these supports to walls at stud locations, leaving room for the stack of shelves that will be placed against the wall and attached to these supports from inside. Construct the shelf stack by building nail-and-glue joints between individual shelves, then place them in your desired closet location.
Attach the wood support boards on the side facing side walls, ensuring they’re level with those attached to walls. Install closet rod pole hangers centered between front and back of the closet, cutting poles to length afterwards. Place shoe shelves at floor level, attached to one closet pole hanger, before moving on to long shelves and attaching them to support boards using nails. Finally, set nails and fill gaps with wood putty, finishing with stain or paint as needed.
Compared to purchasing a pre-manufactured or custom-built organizer, this DIY project has the potential to save hundreds of dollars. Additionally, it offers the advantage of being custom-designed to fit your specific closet, which can also save time and money on modifications for a pre-built organizer.
20 DIY Closet Organizing Hacks
Install Clothing Dividers in Your Closet
One of the most practical benefits of using divider tags is that they enable you to categorize your clothes with ease, whether by size or type. To maximize their effectiveness, be sure to design them in a way that makes it simple and convenient to hang your garments.
Make A Rack to Hang Additional Clothes With
For streamlined organization, consider building your own rack within your closet. This clever hack allows you to neatly categorize frequently worn items or store additional garments, preventing clutter and making it easy to locate what you need without disrupting the rest of your closet.
Add A Hidden Hamper in Your Closet
Create a discreet storage solution by building a hidden hamper that keeps your floors clear of clutter and allows for easy laundry organization. This versatile container can be used to stash away not only your dirty clothes but also other household items, keeping them out of sight yet still within reach.
Use Soda Can Tabs to Hang Multiple Garments on One Hanger
When it comes to utilizing leftover soda can tabs, think outside the box (or in this case, the closet). Instead of discarding them, repurpose these metal strips by attaching them to your hanger’s handle. This ingenious hack enables you to free up valuable space in your closet and create an additional option for hanging your clothes. By incorporating this eco-friendly trick into your daily routine, you’ll not only reduce clutter but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Make Use of Shower Rings
When organizing your wardrobe, it’s not uncommon to struggle with finding a way to efficiently hang delicate or uniquely shaped items like scarves or bras. One solution is to utilize shower curtain rings to repurpose a single hanger and keep these garments organized separately.
Make Use of Chains
While utilitarian in appearance, the humble chain can be a game-changer when it comes to optimizing closet space. By enabling multiple hangers to be suspended along a single line, chains simplify the process of organizing clothing, ultimately making it more efficient and convenient.
Make Use of Vertical Spaces e.g. the side of Your Shoe Stand, etc.
Maximize your storage potential by utilizing vertical space on shelves or shoe stands. Install hooks to effortlessly hang everyday essentials like purses, necklaces, belts, and other miscellaneous items, freeing up floor and counter space for a clutter-free living experience.
Use Shoe boxes to Organize Clothes
For a clutter-free closet, consider utilizing the space within your existing drawers by placing shoeboxes or small storage containers inside. This simple hack can greatly enhance the organization and categorization of your clothing, making it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Use Reusable Labels
When sharing a closet space with someone, consider implementing reusable labels to maintain organization and prevent clutter. Small chalkboards or markers can be used to differentiate between personal items, such as clothing and accessories, making it easy to find what you need without causing confusion. This simple solution helps to keep the shared space tidy and functional.
Install Rods on The Closet’s Door
Transform the often-underutilized area outside your closet by installing rods on the door. This simple yet effective solution allows you to expand your storage capacity for accessories like hats, scarves, and other essential items. By doing so, you’ll be able to allocate more space within your closet for clothing, maximizing its overall functionality.
Place Your Shoes in Cubbies
To maintain a tidy and organized space, consider designating a specific area for your shoes. If you’re fortunate enough to have built-in cubbies in your closet, be sure to utilize them for storing your footwear. Alternatively, create a simple shoe station by setting up a designated spot with shelves or compartments where you can place your shoes. This will not only keep your floors clear but also make it easy to find the perfect pair when getting ready.
Make Use of Wine Boxes to Organize Your Shoes In
When it comes to maximizing storage space in your home, one often overlooked solution is repurposing items that would otherwise end up in the recycling bin. Specifically, large cardboard boxes can be transformed into functional organizers that make it easy to keep track of your daily essentials – like shoes!
By converting these boxes into a shoe organizer, you’ll be able to locate the perfect pair with ease, all while reducing waste and giving new life to an item that might have otherwise been discarded.
Use Strings to Hang Your Glasses
To optimize your drawer organization, consider implementing a simple yet effective hack: hanging your sunglasses or glasses on a hook or wire. This clever trick not only frees up valuable storage space but also allows for quick and easy access to the items you need, making it a thoughtful addition to your everyday routine.
Use an Old Picture Frame to Organize Shoes
Optimize your closet space by repurposing old picture frames. Instead of letting them gather dust, attach them to the underside of your drawers to create a convenient spot for storing shoes. This hack not only frees up valuable space but also keeps your entryway tidy and organized.
Make Your Own Drawer Organizers
Elevate your storage game by crafting unique and vibrant drawer organizers from scrapbook paper. Transform your accessory collection or smaller clothing items into a visually appealing display, adding a pop of color to your space.
Use Tension Poles
Leave behind the frustration of cluttered spaces and hello to a more organized home! With the help of affordable and widely available tension poles, you can create a personalized shoe organizer that will keep your footwear tidy and within reach. Say goodbye to the chaos of scattered shoes and hello to a sense of serenity.
Use Acrylic Holders
Transform your closet into a stylish storage space by displaying your clutches, handbags, and purses in sleek acrylic holders. These versatile organizers allow for effortless placement against your closet’s walls, keeping your belongings organized and within easy reach.
Hang Metal Catchalls on Your Walls
To keep your entryway organized and clutter-free, consider installing wall-mounted or door-mounted carrier solutions. These practical tools provide a convenient spot to hang or store smaller items like jackets, hats, scarves, bags, or even shoes. By freeing up floor space, you’ll create a more streamlined and peaceful atmosphere in your home.
Practice Color Coordination
Take organization to the next level by assigning a specific color to each type of clothing or accessory stored in your containers. This simple yet effective hack allows you to quickly and effortlessly locate the item you need, saving you time and reducing the stress that comes with searching for misplaced pieces. By visualizing your belongings through a coordinated color system, you’ll be able to maintain a tidy and functional space that makes your daily routine easier.
Use Every Nook and Cranny of The Closet
To get the most out of your closet’s storage potential and keep your belongings neatly organized, consider utilizing every available inch. For instance, reserve the lower portion of the space for items like shoes, which can be easily accessed when stacked together. Conversely, place less frequently used or bulkier items such as bags at the top, allowing you to make the most of your vertical space.
30+ DIY Closet Organization Ideas
Home Depot Space for Two
Shoe Cabinet for Small Space
Versatile ideas
Built-in shoe cabinet
IKEA hacks for nusery
Easy to store hats, bags, belts
Multi colors
Portable Closet Solution
Linen Closet Makeover
Brilliant storage ideas for small space
Hanging Metal Baskets
Storage ideas for purses
Contemporary closet design with white vertical curtain
Wardrobe function
Master closet ideas with jewery organizer
Hanging bags
A closet organizer for him
Shoes organization
Collapsible closet
Luggage Tags
Bight orange accent wall
Peg board
Vertical Shower Ring Hanger
Sliding Pants Rack
Built-in drawers
Double duty
Wall-mounted desk
Place dresser inside the closet
Shoe solution
Pocket-filled shoe holders
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