DIY Organization Hacks for Small Closets

Fall is such a transitional season, and I always try to tackle at least one organizational project to make life feel a little less chaotic.

Closets are one of the biggest sources of disorganization in my house, mostly because they’re all so small. A seasonal refresh of just a few closets can go a long way toward keeping my sanity intact.

Whether you’re planning a full DIY closet makeover or just want to create a better system inside your existing space, these quick tips will help you breathe a little easier.

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Resource List

Below are the projects referenced in this post:

1. Clear Out the Clutter

Honestly, this is where most of the disorganization comes from. Too much stuff. It happens to all of us. We accumulate things without realizing it, and before we know it, our closets are overflowing.

Go through your closets seasonally keeps the chaos from getting out of control. In many cases, this step alone is enough to completely transform a closet.

For other closet projects, like the one in our home gym, clearing out the existing shelving was also necessary to maximize the space.

You can check that project out on YouTube!

2. Go Vertical

Long items like vacuums, brooms, and mops are often propped against walls, taking up valuable floor space. By hanging them vertically, you free up space underneath and give those items a dedicated home.

I used this method for my parents’ entryway closet, and it made a huge difference.

Our basement closet is perfect for storing our overflow supplies and I love having a charging station for the vacuum, it keeps things neat and ready to use.

Check out the full builds here:

3. Go custom with your shelving

Sometimes it’s impossible to get exactly the right sized shelf or container at a store, and when you’re not maximizing your space things can quite literally fall through the cracks.

That’s where custom shelves come in. With some lumber, pocket holes, and the finish of your choice, you can make shelving that perfectly fits your space and storage needs. That’s exactly what I did for my basement closet.

Or you could make cubbies…

I made these cubbies inside our home gym closet, and they’ve been a game-changer for keeping things organized in such a small space. A simple spacer block made lining everything up so much easier than trying to squeeze in a tape measure.

Here’s the build video so you can see what I mean!

4. Contain the Smaller Items

For smaller items that would otherwise get lost sitting loose on a shelf, invest in some baskets that fit your aesthetic. Baskets are the perfect solution, they corral small items while adding some style to your closet.

There are endless options: woven, plastic, wood, metal wire, and more. Make sure to pay attention to if the basket tapers at the bottom in case that might make it difficult to store multiple baskets or it might affect how efficiently you store items inside the basket.

Get Out There And Organize

Closet organization doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few simple steps like decluttering, utilizing vertical storage, adding custom shelving, and containing smaller items, can completely transform even the tiniest space.

Start small, try one or two of these ideas, and before you know it, you’ll have a closet that’s both functional and calming every time you open the door.

If you’re looking for more DIY home organization and small space solutions, be sure to stay tuned and check out my YouTube channel for full build videos! I hope this inspires your next weekend makeover, until then Happy DIYing Friends!