bedroom_beforebedroom_after

Closet cleaning isn’t a flashy subject, but I can’t help it: I’m in full organization mode. I blame the new year. I simplified this closet by chucking old clothes and sticking with just one type of hanger (padded hangers and skirt hangers are on the left side).

shelf_unit

The solution to the shoe mess: plastic shoe boxes from The Container Store. I built a simple shelf unit for them out of plywood that I got on Freecycle. Rick at The Barn Woodshop was kind enough to cut the wood. Once the pieces were cut, assembly was a cinch.

Shoebox shelves

Supplies

  • plywood cut into these pieces (in inches):
  • top: 34-1/2 x 13
  • sides (2): 30-1/4 x 13
  • shelves (2): 33 x 13
  • primer
  • paint (I used Benjamin Moore Navajo White [N333 73])
  • wood screws
  • wood filler
  • plastic shoeboxes (this will hold 16 women’s shoeboxes, 4 men’s shoeboxes, and 1 boot box)

Tools

  • drill and drill bit
  • sand paper or electric sander
  • ruler and pencil
  • paint brush or small paint roller

closet_sketch2

closeup_drilling

1. First drill pilot holes to screw together the top and sides. I used two screws for each side.

topsides

2. Once the top and sides are assembled, flip it on its side to measure and make where each shelf should go.

sides_marked

3. Draw where the shelf should go, line up the shelf, drill a hole in the middle of the two lines, then screw in the screw. Then move to the next screw, and so on. (I usually counter-sink the screws and cover the holes, but considering it’s just a closet unit, I didn’t bother this time.)

assembled

4. Once assembled, fill any gaps in the plywood with wood filler. When dry, lightly sand the edges, then wipe it clean from dust (with a tack cloth or vacuum attachment).

shelf_unit_empty3

5. Prime (one coat) and paint (two coats). Let dry overnight. Ta-da!

Related content