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Whether you have a dreamy walk-in wardrobe or a tiny storage pantry that can barely hold a hanger, it's difficult to keep a closet of any size clutter-free. And if you're tired of opening up your closet door and seeing clothes hanging askew, shoes and scarves scattered all over the floor, and dust bunnies lurking behind those purses you can’t reach, then it may be time for a major closet makeover. Just like with organizing your kitchen cabinets and kids' rooms, a few DIY closet organization ideas can make a big difference—and they may even help you achieve the closet of your dreams.
A closet is one of those places in your home you might forget about, since it’s not typically seen by guests and you don’t have to make it look pretty. But imagine being able to find your favorite shoes with ease, your once-missing clothes that are no longer stuffed into too-small spaces, and the jewelry that’s neatly displayed instead of the tangled-up ball you’ve been unraveling day in and day out. As you get ready every morning, you may find that your routine is suddenly simplified and streamlined thanks to your oh-so-organized closet. The best part: You can apply these storage ideas to other closets in your home, too, such as your linen closet or kitchen pantry. Here are the best DIY closet organization ideas that'll finally get your messy closet feeling functional.
1
DIY Customizable Closet System
If your closet setup simply isn't working for you, then give it some structure with the help of a custom closet organization system, which will allow you to add whatever racks, shelves, cubbies, and storage space you need.
Get the tutorial at Uncommon Designs.
2
DIY Plywood Closet Organizer
For those who are handy with tools, this DIY plywood closet organizer makes a gorgeous addition to your closet, and it fits right beneath a rack of hanging clothes.
Get the tutorial at Houseful of Handmade.
3
Built-In Closet DIY
Using painted support boards and shelf boards, you can build two sets of shelves for your closet: one that sits at the bottom of your closet, and one that’s installed at the top. The shelves won’t get in the way of your clothes, and they’re excellent for storing small bins and shoes.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
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4
DIY Box-Style Closet Organizer
If you prefer to have compartments for organizing your things, then you can build wood boxes for your closet that will serve this very purpose. Add a couple rods for clothes, and you’ll be in organization heaven before you know it.
Get the tutorial at Making It in the Mountains.
5
DIY Closet Pull-Out Drawers
Installing pull-out drawers will make it easier to access items from your closet, and if you go with basket drawers, then you'll always be able to see the contents inside each drawer, too.
Get the tutorial at Tatertots & Jello.
6
DIY Closet Shelves
For a fresh closet reconfiguration, build shelving with cubbies that rest at the bottom of the closet underneath the hanging clothes. The bins are ideal for stashing away socks, sweaters, and scarves.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Etc.
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7
Ikea Hack Closet
You could buy a ready-made closet organizing unit from the Swedish retailer, and then customize your closet system by adding drawers, crown molding, and new hardware for a result that’s aesthetic and functional.
Get the tutorial at Erin Kestenbaum.
8
DIY Nursery Closet
For a nursery closet that really works, you can DIY drawers and compartments that act as “zones” for different items—onesies go here, booties go there, and so on. You can even add a cute pattern to the closet wall.
Get the tutorial at Jenna Sue Design Co.
9
DIY Kids' Closet
Hanging organizers aren't just for shoes. If your kids' closets are lacking space, then a vertical organizer can help provide a home for several of their clothes and accessories.
Get the tutorial at Design Improvised.
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10
DIY Closet With Built-In Dressers
If you’ve been daydreaming of a closet that has drawers here and there, then you’re in luck. Starting with IKEA 3-drawer and 5-drawer chests, you can build them right into your closet using DIY handiwork and a few power tools.
Get the tutorial at Handmade Weekly.
11
DIY Sunglasses Organizer
Always losing your sunglasses? Add a sunglasses organizer to your closet by mounting an acrylic nail polish rack to the back of the door or one of the walls. Brilliant!
Get the tutorial at Glitter and Bubbles.
12
DIY Hat and Glove Closet Organizer
Winter accessories are so easy to lose. Never misplace a glove in a jumbled closet again with this inventive organizer, comprised of dowels, curtain rings, and wire hooks.
Get the tutorial at Two Twenty One.
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13
DIY Shoe Closet
No room for your shoes in your closet? If so, turn part of a room into a “shoe closet” by taking IKEA bookshelves and attaching them to the wall. Crown molding will add aesthetic value, too.
Get the tutorial at Upbeat Soles.
14
DIY Closet Shoe Trays
Alternatively, you can create your own pull-out trays to make accessing your shoes from the depths of your closet easier than ever.
Get the tutorial at Jaime Costiglio.
15
DIY Purse Organizer
For this project, all you have to do is purchase some acrylic file dividers, place them at the top of your closet, and voilà! You have an organizer that keeps clutches neat and tidy.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
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16
DIY Freestanding Closet
Freestanding closets are currently very on-trend. If you have a too-small closet or just prefer to see all your clothes organized and out in the open, this type of DIY closet is for you. Spend a weekend using solid wood shelving and pipe-style rods to create a chic and rustic freestanding closet.
Get the tutorial at Ana White.
17
DIY Scarf Organizer
Admit it—your scarves are currently shoved into a drawer, and they’re looking incredibly wrinkled. Prettily organize them in your closet instead with this DIY creation: an organizer that utilizes a wooden towel bar and wall anchors.
Get the tutorial at The Chronicles of Home.
18
DIY Jewelry Organizer
It’s time to get those earrings and bracelets under control. Either within your closet or right next to it, frame a pegboard and attach pieces of metal screening that double as handy earring holders.
Get the tutorial at DIY in PDX.
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19
DIY Drawer Dividers
For a closet with drawers, this is such a smart idea. Use pre-measured pieces of wood and cord clips to create drawer dividers, which are perfect for your kids’ closets or your own.
Get the tutorial at iHeart Organizing.
20
DIY Labeled Storage Bins
To keep cubbies and storage boxes sorted, create labels with a silhouette machine and heat transfer vinyl so that everything has an assigned place.
Get the tutorial at Practical Perfection.
Shelby Deering
Shelby Deering is a lifestyle writer who specializes in decor, home tours, wellness, travel, vintage, and feel-good stories for national publications. She’s from Madison, Wisconsin, and when she’s not writing, you’ll find her running local trails, shopping flea markets, or going for walks with her husband and corgi.
Corinne Sullivan
Editor
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
