How To Transform Your Built-In Closets To Custom Closets On A Budget

I’ve had a lot of clients request for help with their closets as most of them appeared to be custom closets at one point. But the one thing I have noticed with most of these closets is they were built for either the previous owner, or by the builder. And, while they look pretty, they […]

A professional organizer shares tips for ways you can DIY closet organizer so you can utilize space, and keep your clothing organized! #closets #organized

I’ve had a lot of clients request for help with their closets as most of them appeared to be custom closets at one point.

But the one thing I have noticed with most of these closets is they were built for either the previous owner, or by the builder. And, while they look pretty, they are not custom closets.

So I am going to share my easy tricks for how to transform your closet into a custom closet without spending a ton of money!!

Clothing on a hanger arranged by color

How To Transform Your Built-In Closets To Custom Closets On A Budget

This post gives ideas for how you can transform your current built-in closet to appear to be a custom closet on a budget.

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Declutter First To Create Custom Closets

The first step to any closet transformation is to remove all the unwanted “stuff”.

If you don’t wear it, remove it from your closet. Don’t let your closet turn into a dumping ground either!

I’ve had a few clients who use their closets for extra storage.

Try to keep your closet for clothes and your storage space for storage.

For more tips on how to quickly declutter your closet, check out this post!!

Adding Shelving Can Create Custom Closets

The easiest way to transform your built-in closet to a custom closet is to set it up for your needs.  Assess what type of clothing you have. A lot of long dresses? Tons of hanging pants? Dress shirts?

Based on what you have and wear, figure out what is lacking in your closet. For example, if your closet has lots of space for long hanging items, but you don’t need that, you can easily add a bar to hold more clothes that you wear!

Lowes’ has Rubbermaid laminate boards that you can get cut to size. Then get the pegs that hold the boards in place to put in your closet.

Have Lowes’ cut the board to your size so it fits perfectly in your closet.

To measure, either measure another shelf you have already in the closet that is the same size as you need; or measure from the inside to the other side of the closet shelves.

A professional organizer shares tips for ways you can DIY closet organizer so you can utilize space, and keep your clothing organized! #closets #organized

Add Hanging Space To Create Custom Closets

You can also add hanging space to your closet by having Lowes’ cut a rod to the size you need in your closet. They sell brackets to hold the bars in place as well!

This is really helpful if you need more space for clothing to hang because you are turning a built-in closet into something that is custom for you!

organizing closet with hanger trick by declutter clothes with hangers

Use Bins For A Custom Closets On A Budget

Finally, if your closet has lots of shelving, but things just aren’t staying in place, you can easily add bins to the shelves to create ample storage!

Custom Closets On A Budget

To transform your built-in closets to custom closets, start with decluttering your space.

Remove all unwanted items. Then make a plan to add shelving or hanging space.

Head to your local Lowes’ to have them cut wood boards to fit snugly into your built-in.

Then add bins to shelving to create extra storage.

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The Organized Mama with Home Sweet Organized Home
Hey, I’m Jessica! Welcome to The Organized Mama—where organizing is made ADHD-friendly, doable, and totally overwhelm-free. As a former in-home organizer (and mom!), I’m here to help you simplify your home with easy-to-follow systems that actually work with your brain, not against it. Whether you're organizing with kids, figuring out where to start, or just feeling buried in stuff, you'll find real-life tips and support right here.
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