Budget DIY Closet Organizing Ideas

Closet organization ideas that you can DIY yourself on a budget

Now that the building portion of our new walk-closet is complete it’s time to move onto the organizing part…

I love looking through those professional organizer accounts and seeing all the beautifully organized closets where everything is perfect. The only issue is that those services are expensive and also the products to make it happen can cost a pretty penny too.

Also I like having an organized space where everything has a “home” but it can be overwhelming to actually get everything organized.

There are a few budget DIY closet organizing ideas that make organizing a closet a little easier and possible on a budget.

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Why Organizing Your Closet is Worth It

Sources: Chandelier – Rods – Hardware

The Benefits of an Organized Closet

Obviously everyone loves walking into an organized closet.

But beyond their beauty having an organized closet can save you time getting ready, reduce stress, and decision fatigue.

It’s really hard to get yourself and the kids ready and out the door when your clothes are spilling over and you can’t find anything to wear because nothing is where it is supposed to be.

So consider your DIY closet organization project a win for your mental health and the punctuality of the whole family!

If you are in the design/building stages of your closet, check out this complete tutorial for DIY-ing built-ins on a budget.

Step-by-Step Guide to Organizing Your Closet

Step 1 – Declutter Ruthlessly

This part is painful for many I know but I am willing to bet you don’t wear or need some of the things in your closet… Cough cough your high school prom dress or anything from high school for that matter.

Start by completely emptying your closet, it is so much easier to sort through things when they aren’t all jammed together. This is also a great time to wipe down all the shelves and surfaces.

Sort items into 3 piles; keep, donate, and sell.

When you are trying to determine which pile something should go in, ask yourself these questions:
1. Do I wear this (like for real)?

2. Does it fit currently?

3. Do I love it?

4. Is it damaged or stained?

I know that sometimes it is hard to part with things but trust me you will feel so much better after!

Step 2 – Categorize Your Items

Now that you have only what you are keeping left, it’s time to categorize the items.

Sort the clothes by type (tops, pants, dresses, etc.). Within those piles organize the clothes by season or occasion.

For instance group all the long sleeved dresses in one pile and the short sleeved or no sleeve dresses in another pile.

I personally like to color code our clothes once they go back on the hangers also. That might sound a little OCD but honestly it saves a ton of time when trying to assemble an outfit.

Step 3 – Optimize Your Closet Space

I don’t know if anyone has ever uttered the words, “this closet is just too big for me.”

But there are ways that you can make whatever size closet you have work for you.

Build Easy DIY Drawers with This Tutorial!

Use Vertical Space

Most closets have unused vertical space that can be put to good use.

Install shelves above the hanging rod to store items you don’t need daily, such as seasonal clothing, handbags, or storage bins.
Add hooks on the back of the door or on walls for belts, robes, scarves, or hats.
Consider using a hanging shoe organizer or tiered shelving for shoes, bags, or folded clothes.

Add Organizers for Shoes, Accessories, and Folded Items

Small items can quickly become cluttered without proper organization.

Use drawer dividers or small bins for accessories like socks, ties, or jewelry.
Invest in a shoe rack or cubbies to keep footwear neatly arranged and visible.
Stackable bins or baskets are great for folded items like sweaters, workout gear, or off-season clothes.
Opt for clear or labeled storage containers to easily identify what’s inside.

Consider Matching Hangers for a Clean, Cohesive Look

Mismatched hangers can make your closet look chaotic and take up unnecessary space.

Switch to slim, matching hangers to create a uniform and polished appearance.
Velvet hangers are great for keeping delicate fabrics in place, while wooden hangers are ideal for heavier items like coats.
Use cascading hooks to save even more space while keeping outfits grouped together.

Step 4 – Put It All Back in an Organized Way

Now that you’ve decluttered and optimized your closet space, it’s time to put everything back in a way that works for you. The key is to create a system that is both functional and sustainable.

Here are some tips:

Arrange Items for Easy Access

Organizing your closet is about convenience and efficiency.

Prioritize frequently used items: Place items you wear regularly (e.g., everyday tops, work attire) at eye level or within easy reach.
Seasonal storage: Rotate out-of-season clothes to higher shelves or less accessible areas. For example, store heavy coats during summer and swimsuits during winter.
Group similar items together: Arrange clothing by category, such as tops, bottoms, dresses, and jackets. This will save time when you’re looking for specific pieces.
Consider color-coding: Within each category, arrange items by color to make your closet visually appealing and easy to navigate.

Use Labels or Dividers if Needed

Labels and dividers are your best friends for maintaining order in the long run.

Drawer dividers: Use these for small items like socks, underwear, or ties to keep them from getting mixed up.
Shelf dividers: Add vertical dividers to separate stacks of folded clothes, preventing them from toppling over.
Clear bins with labels: Store accessories, seasonal items, or bulkier pieces in clear bins labeled with their contents, such as “Scarves,” “Winter Hats,” or “Gym Gear.”
DIY or purchased organizers: Some closet systems come with customizable sections, or you can add your own labels to drawers, baskets, or cubbies.

Try the hanger method

The hanger method is something I am a big fan of!

This is when you hang all your clothes back up but turn the hanger so that they are backwards. Then when you remove and wear a piece of clothing you rehang it and turn the hanger the right way.

This will help you easily see what you actually wear and what can be donated. If there are any unturned hangers at the end of the year I know all those items need to be donated, minus the fancier dresses that are for special occasions…

I also really like using this method because it makes me more likely to put “new” outfits together using pieces I don’t normally wear.

Tips for Maintaining Your Closet Organization

Now that you have your closet organized and ready the worst thing would be to have it back to being a disaster in a few months.

Here are some tips I use to maintain an organized closet:

Adopt the One-In, One-Out Rule

Every time you bring a new item in, remove one item.

If you are adding a new pair of jeans maybe toss a pair that is well beyond its life expectancy date.

Regularly Reassess Your Wardrobe

Schedule a seasonal or annual declutter session.

I like to review my wardrobe when I tackle my seasonal cleanings. This keeps me from having to do large, overwhelming closet purges.

Create Daily Habits for Tidiness

As much as I love to stack the ottoman with clothes that are too clean for the laundry but too dirty to be hung up, tossing them on the ottoman is not the answer.

Put all items in their designated spots immediately to keep the closet clutter free.

I also like to keep a decorative but empty bin in the closet for items that need to be donated throughout the year. This helps me to not just leave them hanging or having an unsightly donation pile on the floor.

Common Closet Organization Mistakes to Avoid

When organizing your closet, it’s easy to fall into traps that can sabotage your efforts.

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them:

Holding Onto ‘Just in Case’ Items

It’s tempting to keep items you might use someday, but these often end up as clutter.

Why it’s a problem: “Just in case” items rarely get used and take up valuable space that could be better utilized. Examples include clothes that no longer fit, outdated styles, or items you’ve been saving for a hypothetical occasion.
Solution: Be honest with yourself about whether you truly need the item. Ask:
- Have I used or worn this in the past year?
- Does it still fit my current style or lifestyle?
- Would I buy this again today?
If the answer is “no,” it’s time to let go. Donate or sell items to give them a new life with someone who will use them.

Neglecting Vertical or Hidden Spaces

Underutilizing your closet’s full potential can lead to wasted space.

Why it’s a problem: Many closets have unused vertical areas above hanging rods or awkward corners that remain empty. This leads to overcrowding in easily accessible areas.
Solution: Make the most of every inch:
- Install shelves above or below hanging rods for folded clothes, bags, or bins.
- Use the back of the door for hooks, hanging racks, or over-the-door organizers for shoes, scarves, or accessories.
- Add pull-out drawers or baskets for small items in hard-to-reach spots.
- Consider a step stool for accessing high shelves.

Overloading Your Closet with Unnecessary Organizers

While organizing tools can be helpful, using too many can backfire.

Why it’s a problem: Overloading your closet with bins, boxes, or hangers can create visual clutter and make it harder to access your items.
Solution: Be strategic about the organizers you use:
- Choose multi-purpose tools, like stackable bins or adjustable shelves, to maximize flexibility.
- Only buy organizers after decluttering so you know exactly what you need.
- Avoid filling every inch of space—leave some breathing room for a clean and functional look.
- Opt for clear or labeled organizers to easily see what’s inside without rummaging.

Sources: Ottoman – Rug – Chandelier – Rods

Your organized closet is awaiting and hopefully this helped you to get a game plan of how to get started.

Don’t let the overwhelm of it all make you anxious to get organizing. Start with the 4 steps above and go from there.

Trust me you will be so much happier having a neat and organized closet, especially when the rest of the day can get kind of crazy.

Let me know if you have any other tips or tricks for closet organization!

Budget-Friendly Closet Organization Must-Haves

Want More Budget DIY Closet Organizing Ideas?

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How To Build A Custom Walk-In Closet On A Budget: Part 1

$100 Room Challenge: Linen Closet Reveal

DIY Closet Shelves & Rods Under $100

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