DIY Closet Organizer Ideas to Keep Your Small Space Tidy

There’s nothing worse than a messy closet! Having an organized closet isn’t just about aesthetics—it can genuinely simplify your life!

No more frantic mornings spent searching for that elusive pair of socks or digging through piles of clothes to find your favorite shirt. With everything neatly sorted and easily accessible, you’ll save time and reduce stress.

And here’s the best part: achieving a clutter-free closet doesn’t have to break the bank! 

From projects using repurposed items around the home to savvy shopping for budget-friendly storage solutions and even building your own organizers from scratch, there are plenty of wallet-friendly ways to transform chaos into order.

19+ DIY Closet System Ideas

Ready to make your own DIY closet organizer? At the links below, you can find everything from a shopping list to a cut list with step-by-step instructions to give your entire closet a makeover.

Some of these step-by-step tutorials include additional solutions such as shoe shelves, closet rods, items for the top shelf, bottom shelf, and more.

This DIY closet organizer ideas roundup contains affiliate links, but nothing that I wouldn’t wholeheartedly recommend anyway! Read my full disclosure here.

Tools You May Need to Build Your Own Closet Organizer

Having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s a list of essential tools you may need:

• Drill
• Level
• Saw (hand saw, table saw, circular saw)
• Pocket Hole Jig
• ​Sheets of Plywood
• Tape measure
• Screwdriver set
• Stud finder (for secure installations)
• Wood Glue
• Paint

Closet Organization Tips

Closets become cluttered spaces, swallowing our belongings whole and leaving us frustrated and frazzled. With a few simple organizational tips, your closet can be transformed into a space of calm and efficiency, where finding that perfect outfit is a joy rather than a chore.

Decluttering

First and foremost, decluttering is key. Marie Kondo famously advocates for keeping only those items that “spark joy,” and this sentiment rings true for closet organization.

Take the time to go through your clothes, shoes, and accessories, and be ruthless in letting go of items that no longer serve you. Donate, sell, or repurpose these items to free up valuable space and create a closet filled only with things you truly love and use.

Maximize space

Once the decluttering process is complete, it’s time to maximize the space within your closet. Utilize vertical space by installing shelves or hanging organizers to store items like sweaters, handbags, and hats. Invest in slimline hangers to save space and prevent clothes from slipping off, and consider adding extra hanging rods to double up on your closet’s hanging space.

By making the most of every inch of available space, you can ensure that nothing goes to waste and that everything has its rightful place.

Organize your things

Organization within the closet is equally important. Group similar items together, whether it’s by color, style, or season, to make it easier to find what you’re looking for.

Use labeled fabric bins or baskets to corral smaller items like socks, scarves, and accessories, and consider installing drawer dividers to keep underwear and other essentials neatly separated.

By creating designated zones for different categories of items, you’ll not only keep your closet tidy but also streamline your daily routine.

Pre-built Closet Systems: IKEA and Beyond

When we tackled our master bedroom closet, I took a lot of time doing tons of research looking at different closet systems. I considered everything from a DIY closet build from scratch, IKEA closets like this, custom closet systems like this, and premade closet kits.

The size of our walk-in closet wasn’t necessarily “standard,” so a lot of the premade closet organizers didn’t fit. 

We landed on a brand called Closet Evolution, which is sold at The Home Depot. They have a great website where we were able to easily design our closet so it feels custom and is exactly what we wanted … but at budget-friendly prices. See how our walk-in closet turned out here!

Here’s all of the closet systems that The Home Depot offers. You can find a link to Closet Evolution’s design tool on this page…along with other closet brands that you can explore to see what works best for you.

Pre-built closet systems offer convenience and versatility. IKEA, for example, offers a range of customizable options, like the PAX wardrobe system, allowing you to mix and match components to suit your needs and space.

Beyond IKEA, many home improvement stores and online retailers offer pre-built closet systems in various styles and price points. These systems typically include shelves, hanging rods, and drawers, making it easy to achieve a well-organized closet with minimal effort.

Budget-friendly Ways to Organize a Closet

Organizing your closet doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few budget-friendly tips to help you get started:

1. Repurpose Household Items: Get creative and repurpose items you already have around the house, like baskets, bins, and shoeboxes, to corral smaller items and keep them organized.
2. DIY Solutions: As mentioned earlier, DIY projects can be cost-effective and allow you to customize your closet to your liking without spending a fortune on pre-built systems.
3. Shop Secondhand or Dollar Store: Look for gently used storage solutions at thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces. There’s also tons of organizing things you can get at the Dollar Store. You’d be surprised at the quality items that you can find at a fraction of the cost.

Whether you prefer to tackle DIY projects or opt for pre-built solutions, there’s no shortage of closet organization ideas to help you make the most of your space. With a little creativity and effort, you can transform your closet into a functional and stylish storage oasis.