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Budget-Friendly DIY Bedroom Closet Makeover with Smart Storage Solutions

  • Writer: Tara M Stewart
    Tara M Stewart
  • Nov 10
  • 5 min read

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I MAY GET A SMALL COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE USING LINKS PROVIDED. HOWEVER, THERE IS NO COST TO YOU. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES. VIEW THE FULL DISCLOSURE HERE


I have a soft spot for the “catch-all” spare bedroom closet, you know, the one that’s part storage, part mystery adventure. You open the door and immediately think, how did all of this even get here? But before you declare defeat, hear me out: with a little planning, it can go from chaotic black hole to beautifully organized, easy-to-use storage.


The truth is, it’s not even your fault. These closets were designed for clothes, not for storage. But that’s an easy fix and today I’m showing you exactly how we solved this problem for one of our clients and exactly what YOU need to DIY it!


We’ve got links, photos, and plenty of ideas to take your closet from “do not open” to a dream space you’ll actually use. With a little intention (and a shelf or two), that same closet can become one of the most functional spots in your home.


Let me walk you through what we did for our client.


Before and after small closet makeover showing transformation from cluttered catch-all space with hanging clothes and supplies to an organized storage closet with labeled bins, deep shelves, blankets, and craft supplies, designed by professional organizer Tara M. Stewart.

The Before: One Lonely Rod and a Lot of Wasted Potential


This particular closet started out with what I call “builder-basic energy.” One single rod, no shelves, and not a hint of personality or purpose.


Our client had been using it to store keepsakes and craft supplies, but it was tough to find what she needed.


As always, we started by pulling everything out, doing a big declutter, and coming up with a game plan for what she actually wanted to store here. Since this bedroom is the only one on the main floor and close to the kitchen, it was the perfect spot for games and arts-and-crafts supplies for her daughter.


Once we had a clear plan, I made a quick trip to Lowe’s for new shelving.


The Plan: Function, Flexibility, and a Little Organizing Magic


We ripped out the old single rod and installed ClosetMaid's ShelfTrack System. I am linking the pantry version here so you can see a whole system, but as I will explain we bought pieces we needed to customize it. ShelfTrack is adjustable, strong, and plays well with your changing storage needs.


You can buy a pre-made setup,as I linked above, but I really wanted deeper shelving. So, I measured the closet width, and had the boards cut to fit this space exactly. (Our local Lowe’s cut them for free).


Most closets have 12-inch shelves, and pantries usually have 16-inch shelves, but I went with 20-inch-deep shelves to handle larger keepsake boxes and bins.


Here is what I purchased:


Wire shelf diagram with labeled parts: A-Hang Track, B-Standard, C-Bracket, D-Shelf End Cap. Text: "Identify Your ClosetMaid Hardware."

You will need to measure YOUR closet to decide what sizes you need. Also I had to cut one of the shelving rails to fit into the closet. So keep in mind if you want it to fit perfectly you may need to get out your hand saw to make the shelving rail go all the way across. Head to this link to grab ClosetMaid's ShelfTrack installation tips.


You can check out the transformation video HERE on Instagram or HERE on YouTube.


The Design: What We Ended Up Storing in this Bedroom Closet


Upper Shelves


Keepsakes, items you do not need quick access to but also want to be able to add things to.


Lower Shelves


Board games, store liked books, for grab and go easy along with small size totes for craft supplies that you want to be able to find, BUT do not want young kids to be able to access without your permission.


Rolling Craft Cart

White cart with art supplies: markers, crayons, coloring books. Labels indicate contents. Bright, organized setup on wooden floor.

To make life easier for our little artist, we created an arts-and-crafts cart that can zip right out to the kitchen table anytime creativity strikes. Instead of carrying piles of supplies, she can just roll it out and roll it back when she’s done. You can see this in action HERE on Instagram or HERE on YouTube.


This cart is from The Container Store with inserts from there as well. However, you can find this cart at Amazon, Walmart, Michaels, HomeGoods and other various places.



A Home for Paperwork


Since we love a good paperwork zone, we tucked in a file box for school papers, medical info, and all those “I’ll need this someday” documents. Everything has a place and you can actually see it all.


For these boxes, we used IRIS file boxes and created custom labels using my Cricut Joy. Inside, I added colorful Pendaflex Reinforced File Folders, which by the way, are still my favorite over the Amazon Basics version. You can check out my Memory Keepsake List on Amazon for all the links for what I used for that project.



The Secret Sauce: Flexibility


Organized shelves with labeled bins and a white rolling cart. Bins are marked "School Supplies," "Coloring Books," and "Reese School Memories."

One of my favorite things about this setup is how completely customizable it is. Below you’ll see a side-by-side of the exact same closet, styled two different ways.


Option 1 shows how we originally set it up, baskets for books and games her daughter could easily grab herself. A craft cart she can easily acess and a command hook for her to easily put up her crafting backpack. But puzzles and games are up high so she can't easily reach them.


Option 2 shows the same shelving system two years later, after a fresh round of decluttering and an update to fit their new needs. We purged some of the games and crafts to make room for keepsake bins on top. We added labeled boxes for school and medical papers, stored some extra blankets that needed a home and lowered the puzzles so she can now reach them since she is older.


Two closet organization options with labeled bins and shelves, featuring board games, toys, and clothes. Text: Option 1 and Option 2.

With just a few quick adjustments, moving shelves up or down, swapping bin sizes, or adding a cart, this system transforms to fit whatever you need right now. It’s proof that a small closet can be flexible, functional, and ready to evolve right alongside your family.


That’s the beauty of a track shelving system is that it grows with you. Need more bins? Add a shelf. Want to store holiday décor instead of school stuff next year? Easy swap.


It’s organizing that adapts instead of needing a full do-over every few seasons. This setup turns that spare closet into a flexible, hardworking space that can change with your life (which, let’s be honest, changes a lot).


Other Ways to Use Your Spare Storage Closet


Clear backpack with stickers hangs beside white wire baskets holding books and toys. Beige carpet floor. Cozy and organized setup.

Not into keepsakes or craft carts? No problem. You can use this same concept to create:


  • A wrapping station (hello, ribbon reels and gift bags that don’t attack you)

  • A guest-ready linen closet with fresh bedding and towels

  • A seasonal décor zone that makes switching holidays a breeze

  • Or even a travel nook for luggage, packing cubes, and “don’t forget this” travel items


Basically, whatever you need more room for, you can create using an adjustable shelving system.


Every home has hidden potential. With a little creativity, the right shelving, and a plan for function, your spare closet can become one of your home’s hardest-working spaces.


Ready to reclaim your hidden storage?

Let’s turn that underused closet into something you’ll actually love. Click here to schedule a free consultation and let’s get your home working smarter not harder.


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