A DIY, or do it yourself, closet organizer may be made from scratch using tools and raw materials, or they can be constructed using kits sold at retail stores. Many manufacturers now market closet organizers as DIY kits because the consumer needs to assemble the units and modify them in some instances to fit the needs of that consumer. These kits are inexpensive and usually fairly easy to install with a minimal amount of tools, but a consumer with some carpentry knowledge may be able to make a more attractive and functional DIY closet organizer from scratch.
The best way to start making a DIY closet organizer is to measure the closet space and determine the storage needs. Once measurements have been taken of the entire closet space, it is a good idea to make a rough sketch of the closet and determine where each feature of the DIY closet organizer will go. Some features to consider include hanging rods, shelves, drawers, and shoe organizers. Tie racks and belt racks are useful, too, as are hanging mirrors if the closet space is large enough to accommodate one. This rough sketch can be altered as necessary to find the most convenient configuration for the DIY closet organizer.
Once the design is settled, it will be necessary to create a budget for the project. Higher-end materials such as hardwoods will cost more money than cheaper softwoods, though there are benefits to choosing hardwoods: they are naturally strong, attractive, and resistant to water damage and bug infestation. A wood like cedar is also very fragrant, which can be a pleasant addition to the closet space. Don't forget to include hardware such as screws, hinges, and handles in the budget, as well as any rails for drawers or hanging rod hardware. If any tools need to be purchased or rented, these expenses should be noted in the overall budget as well.
Depending on the size of the closet, it might be a good idea to add lights to the DIY closet organizer. These lights do not need to be fancy or expensive — some lights simply press onto walls using adhesives — but remember that more shelving and drawers means less available light in the closet space. Think carefully about where lights should be mounted to ensure all parts of the closet can be seen clearly. This will add some cost to the project, but the level of convenience may be worth the extra money.
