Easy DIY shoebox shelves
![closet-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest Before and after closet photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/closet-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C1120&ssl=1)
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 three types of hangers: wood, padded, and skirt hangers (the latter two are on the left side of the closet).
![DSCF3565-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest White wooden shelves with shoeboxes, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSCF3565-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=1200%2C1200&ssl=1)
The solution to the shoe mess: plastic shoe boxes from The Container Store. Plastic shoe boxes are also available at Organize.com. 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.
Update 3/8/21: While plastic shoeboxes come in handy for storing all sorts of things (spare cosmetics, first-aid supplies, craft paraphernalia, duct tape, etc.), I no longer use them to store shoes. Why? Because plastic doesn’t allow your shoes to breathe, and they get smelly after a while. If you’re going to store shoes in plastic boxes, I would suggest you let them air out overnight before storing them in their box, or put some sort of moisture/odor absorber in each box.
![hall-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest Hall closet before and after photos](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/hall-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=510%2C525&ssl=1)
While my bedroom closet project was about paring down, my linen closet project was about organizing so I could cram more into it. When you live in a small apartment, that’s what you do. So, while it’s stuffed, I can easily find the things I need. Mission accomplished. (Notice the shoeboxes holding my cosmetics.)
How to make easy shoebox shelves
SUPPLIES
TOOLS
INSTRUCTIONS
![sketch-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest Sketch of the shoebox shelves](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/sketch-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C400&ssl=1)
1. Cut all the pieces of plywood to size. (See the supplies list.)
![DSCF3551-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest Drill and screw the sides to the top, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSCF3551-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&ssl=1)
2. First drill pilot holes to screw together the top and sides. I used two screws for each side.
![DSCF3553-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest Top and sides assembled, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSCF3553-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&ssl=1)
3. Once the top and sides are assembled, flip it on its side to measure and make where each shelf should go.
![DSCF3556-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest Mark wher the shelves go, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSCF3556-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&ssl=1)
4. 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.)
![DSCF3557-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest Shelves installed, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSCF3557-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&ssl=1)
5. 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).
![DSCF3569-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest Paint the shelves, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSCF3569-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=1000%2C1000&ssl=1)
6. Prime (one coat) and paint (two coats). Let dry overnight. Ta-da!
![pinterest-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest Crafty Nest shoebox shelves Pinterest image](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pinterest-shoebox-shelves-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1)
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Made this project? Email your photo(s) to monica (at) craftynest (dot) com, and I’ll share your version here!
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