Closet DIY the Right Way

Scrolling on Pinterest and seeing amazing before-and-after images can entice even the most DIY reluctant to want to tackle a project. DIY projects look satisfying from the outside, but the truth is, they’re often abandoned because of lackluster skills or lack of experience. The good news is you don’t have to be a pro to tackle a DIY project—but you do need a solid plan, resourcefulness, tenacity and a sense of humor! A great place to start is a closet makeover.

Research First

Determine how you want your closet to function. Do you need shelves, drawers and hooks? Draw inspiration from pictures you like, and keep your focus on functionality. Decide what elements you must have then take measurements of the space and calculate spacing accordingly. If you are brand new at this, watch YouTube videos to familiarize yourself with how to take accurate measurements, how to use a drill, or how to install wall anchors into drywall. If you don’t want to do more labor-intensive components of a project, look into hiring a handyman or contractor. Talk to at least two pros to compare costs and availability. Sites like Thumbtack, Angi and Nextdoor are a great place to source that kind of talent. Be patient in your research stage. It’s better to take a little extra time up front than to get stuck mid-project with a mess.

Tools and Supplies

It’s essential to have the right tools and supplies for any project. For closets, you’ll be working with supplies like paint, wallpaper, wall anchors, a level, screws, nails, shelves, bins and baskets. Don’t forget to have a tape measurer handy. You might even be adding or moving a piece of furniture like a dresser or cabinet into the space. Having supplies in advance can be a lifesaver even if you don’t think you’ll need it. Dropping everything midway through a project to head to the home improvement store is always a drag. 

Closet Clean Out

Get your space ready by taking everything out of your closet—Marie Kondo style is the best. Working with an empty space will make everything easier. Purge items that don’t serve you anymore and find a temporary space to store what needs to be out of the way on project day. As you clean out, make a list of like items that can be stored together or hard to corral items that need special attention. 

Get to WorkDepending on your scope, your project may take one full day, a weekend or a month. Whichever scenario you choose, allocate time on your calendar to work on your project. Try not to schedule other things that will interfere with your progress. Projects are inherently messy, so turn on a great playlist, dig into your well of patience, and don’t forget to laugh when things don’t go as planned!