Before this room became my office, it was a teenage boy’s bedroom. The walls were navy blue and the closet an odd shade of peach, no doubt a relic from the past. And because teenaged boys don’t use hangers, there were dozens of nails pounded into the walls of that closet.
When I moved into the room, my objective was to create a functional workspace as quickly as possible. That included using whatever random furniture I could find as good-enough shelving in the closet. For two years I crammed my albums, memorabilia, shipping supplies, and books onto one sagging shelf, one tiny bookcase, and what was actually the top of a media cabinet.
I knew there was plenty of space in that closet, but it wasn’t being used effectively. I needed shorter, but deeper shelves – and more of them. I needed more baskets and bins (from elsewhere in my house) here in this space, to contain the stuff that couldn’t sit upright.
I needed a closet makeover!
In the video below you’ll see how I transformed my craft closet into a simple and functional storage solution. My only purchase: two shelving units for a total of $100.
My closet project took just a weekend. I went all-in, focusing my attention on getting this done. Nearly everything was repurposed. Even the paint was leftover from my daughter’s room.
How to Transform Your Closet
Yes, this was a huge project. It was totally doable because I took it step by step and I continuously envisioned the end result. I was ready to have a clean and functional closet that would help me get things done.
Here are five steps to follow for your own transformation:
1. Empty – If you can, remove everything from the closet or workspace. Make sure to keep an eye out for trash.
2. Clean – Dust, sweep, wipe, and mop every surface. Dirt accumulates and you want to start completely fresh.
3. Paint, if needed – A fresh coat of paint is an inexpensive and easy way to dramatically transform a space.
4. Set up storage – Prepare your clean slate with whatever furniture is returning to hold your stuff.
5. Fill – Finally, add items back to the space one by one. Take care to group like with like and remember to leave room to grow.
Does your craft closet need a makeover?
You did a FABULOUS job!!!! LOVE it!!!!!! And LOVE your video too!!!!! WTG!!!!!!
Thanks!
You are so lucky that those two shelving units fit so well in your closet. I used the same type of shelving in my closet, but only one unit. Looks great!
Do they make a narrower one that you could also include?
Looks great! This shelves were a great fit.
Thank you Nita! I measured a million times to make sure.
Great makeover, Jennifer. I am going to adopt your tip no. 1 from my craft room table and empty it. Now.
Let me know when you finish.
My first reaction was *sigh* nothing like a tidy organized closet!! Great job…it feels so good when it’s all done doesn’t it …. almost makes me want to attack the attic…
Alright! When are you going to start? 😉
Wow! Great job, Jennifer! I started a re-do in my studio (my family calls it “Mom’s Happy Place”), and got clogged up in the process. I was trying to replace plastic storage with actual furniture. Then life got busy, and my project got, well, postponed.Now I need to find that mental space to get me into the right place to dive back in. It’s negatively affected my creative time altogether, and I’ve not visited my space to get crafty in weeks now. Thanks for inspiration!
Mentally identify zones in your space and tackle one at a time!
Love that! So what do you store there?
The closet has all of my albums and mini books, incoming and processed memorabilia, larger tools, computer and office supplies, art supplies for my daughter, craft books, and my sewing machine.
I love it! You are a continual inspiration to me.
What brand of shelves did you use? Where did you buy them?
Thanks! These shelves were the Edsal brand, which I got at Menards. Home Depot and Lowes both carry similar units.
Thanks Jennifer!
I really like the step by step you createdd here. Do you have anything alike focused on old photos/albums organization?
No, unfortunately I do not as all the older photos are not in my possession. I will keep this idea in mind though.