DIY Organization: Your Closet Deserves a Makeover

A well-organized closet not only keeps things tidy, but also increases storage space and reduces the stress of putting together an attractive outfit. Kostikova Natalia/Shutterstock

Let’s be truthful here: Keeping the average closet organized is an ongoing challenge, but it doesn’t need to be. The money invested in a good closet system will pay for itself by making better use of the existing wardrobe and helping you to avoid buying duplicate items or those that too closely resemble other items.

A quality closet design reduces stress—no more looking for a missing blouse before a big meeting—and makes it easier to curate a personal style when the full wardrobe is within sight and easy reach. Plus, it will increase storage space, and who doesn’t want more of that?

Ready, Set, Empty

The first step of any closet reorganization is to see what you’re working with, and the best way to do that is to empty the entire closet.

Next, categorize the clothing—tops, pants, dresses, suits, shoes, purses, blazers, and jackets—and start to guesstimate how much space is needed for each category, as well as how many “toss,” “donate,” and “hold for 30 days” boxes will be needed to help reduce the amount that goes back into the closet. Voilà, there’s already more space!

ClosetMaid, which sells a variety of storage and organizer systems, has a free online designer that works well whether or not you use their products.

This may even be the time to seriously consider taking up basic woodworking, as it isn’t hard to duplicate many of the more popular closet organization pieces. You can find design plans online.

Why Opt for Wire?

Wire closet shelves are a budget-friendly, entry-level DIY option that offers a modern look, enhances airflow to keep clothes fresher, and won’t warp over time. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and, when installed on horizontal rails, are adjustable as needs change.

Hangers can be hung directly from the handy wire squares on the bottom of the shelves. Alternatively, a closet rod can be attached beneath the shelf to fit more hangers in. Speaking of hangers, thin velvet hangers save more space than you might expect, allowing considerably more clothing to be hung comfortably. Opt for a single color for a more sophisticated look. Hangers sized for children’s clothing are available as well—start getting them organized young.

Thin velvet hangers allow more clothing to be hung comfortably. luanateutzi/Shutterstock

One of the most common layouts for even the most basic wire system is to maximize vertical space in one section of the closet by placing a second shelf beneath the top closet shelf. Fill the top row with shirts, tops, and blazers, and then hang pants below them to make coordinating outfits simple. To balance this, fill the lower space on the other side or section with additional shelves for folded items such as T-shirts, jeans, and sweaters.

Drawers, angled shoe shelves, vertical shelf dividers, and shelf liners are common accessories that enhance the overall versatility of the system. Wire is also a good choice if you plan to update the closet with a really posh setup when the budget allows; a wire system can be easily repurposed in a linen closet, laundry room, pantry, or even the garage.

Why Choose Wood?

Wood—a category that can refer to wood, wood-veneer, and their less expensive cousin melamine—is a timeless addition to any home. Available in a variety of colors and finishes to match any décor, wood makes a closet feel warm and cozy.

Sturdy, flat wooden shelves excel at storing small or oddly shaped items, and tend to support heavier weight than wire shelving. They can be made adjustable by choosing (or building) a design with an integral track system and discrete, yet easily adjusted, shelf clips.

While custom, professional installations offer the most variety in design, they are expensive. For the mid-level DIYer, there are kits designed to fit (or combine to fit) the most common closet sizes and look just as good as a professional job. Common kit layouts feature shelves, closet rods (84 and 42 inches from the floor for double-hang rods, or at 70 inches for a single-hang rod for dresses, coats, robes, and similar items), drawers, baskets, cubbies (for everything from sweaters to purses and specially designed shoe cubbies), so it’s not just one-size-fits-all. Add a built-in hamper and/or vanity, jewelry storage, and even a safe for a pro-level result.

If space is truly at a premium, such as in a small apartment or condominium, consider installing a custom “closet” along the bedroom wall. A vanity can double as a small desk.

Tidy Oasis

The best closets make a decorative statement. Add instant chic to any closet by grouping clothing together by color. This, in turn, will make getting dressed a snap.

Hats Off

Hang caps and beanies from a closet rail using hat hangers, or screw in some cup hooks beneath a wooden shelf. Sophisticated chapeaus, cowboy hats, and sun hats work well on hat stands set on a top shelf or in large cubbies. Or hang them from hooks on a wall.

Bags and Purses

Purses and bags tend to get set down around the house. Give them their own shelf, with purse stands (which hang the purse from its strap or handles) for soft bags. Fill them with tissue paper to help keep their shape.

All Those Accessories

Set a pegboard into a cubby or other open area to create an accessory section for necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and watches. Add a jewelry box below for tiny items such as rings. Roll up some belts on this convenient flat surface or consider giving belts their own shallow drawer.