DIY closet

First, a little closet history. This is the only closet in the house (beside the tiny linen closet) that serves as general storage. Our house was built in the 1970's, long before the days of "walk-in closets" as we know them today. Even the master bedroom only boasts a little space with bi-fold doors. 

This closet sits at the end of the hallway and plays host to our coats, the vacuum cleaner, school books, old magazines, some of Keith's clothes (ahem - I seem to hog most of that tiny master bedroom closet), etc.

I cringe when I see this photo. And, I've already taken out the vacuum and the clothes from that rod above Ello's head. The only reason you can see inside is because I have a light sitting in the hallway. Sagging plywood, heaps of books and paper...scary.

Step one: gutting the whole thing, adding a light (thanks, Honey), finishing baseboards and painting. Luckily I had a bit of light grey leftover from Clara's room. Ahh - feels better already.

Next, some DIY wire closet pieces from Lowe's. It only took us three trips to the store to figure it all out. Not bad, eh? Would have loved to do better looking units, but for less than 100 bucks, I'm okay with it.

The run to Target yielded some basic Rubbermaid containers and a couple of cuter things, too. I was prepared with measurements for all the shelves, so I was able to get everything in ONE trip this time. Sweet.

Loading up the shelves was fun. I filled a bag for Goodwill and still had plenty left to fill my totes. And look - baseboards! We left a space for a short closet rod on the right side. A few coats and the two dresses I have to my name fit in nicely. (I folded some of Keith's shirts and hung his dress clothes in my closet. Yes, I made room).

Love me some organized totes.

Printed labels on the computer and framed them with some scrapbook paper. Gotta add a little cute factor, right?

Punched circles and tied these labels on with a bit of ribbon. Love these totes - they look like baskets, but are washable plastic. Fun!

It's too bad that my favorites have to be up so high, but they are the shortest and fit well on the top shelf. Cute, right?

So, from totally creepy to shiny and bright. Love those January urges to clean and organize. Thanks for taking a peek!

What projects are YOU working on?
Later. 

 

Comments

[Jessica]

I agree-- organized closets are the ticket, because it means you no longer have to fear for your life when you open the door! awesome job! my latest project is to figure out a way to cut down on the noise pollution around here. would a few of my kids fit in that closet? ;-)

[Lindsay Moreno]

Wow, awesome! I'm impressed with the way you are able to transform small spaces to be workable for a family. You've got a business if you ever move to NYC! :)

L

[Jaclyn Miller]

LOL to Jessica's comment.
It's kinda weird how much your home looks like our last house - do you have windows that are high up and you can only see out of if you are 8 feet tall too? We had the same problem and organization goes a long way in a house with small spaces. Great job and LOVE those chevron totes.

[able mabel]

I need to get organizing but so far I've been too lazy. :)

[~amy~]

great closet makeover...although I always seem to be starting on huge purges {btw, I received the 2 Basic Grey boxes...wooooo hooooo}...obviously, I'm not so good at it. But thanks for the inspiration....I have 2 closets that need to be tackled...perhaps you've motivated me:)

[Natalie]

I need to get going on doing something.. just haven't decided what yet. You've inspired me. :) Thanks for posting this!

[Jill W.]

Can you come to my house??? Thanks for the inspiration!