Do you have that one closet that you can't get your hands on for months? For me, this small closet in our bedroom was one of those "never can get my hands on it" projects. I shared with you 10 tips on how to organize a small closet and today I'd like to show you how to make simple DIY wooden shelf dividers.
It's a game-changer! Not sure how I lived without it for so long.
First, let me mention that we live in a rental and I didn't want to make an extensive renovation. Obviously, if it was my house I'd make it much different. But for the place that we will leave in a year or so I didn't want to invest a lot. So here is what you can do if you are on the budget but need to add functionality to your closet.
Most of the closets that I had always had this dead space above the shelf. It drives me absolutely nuts. I'm always pro-functionality and I don't understand this concept of having a lower shelf and leaving all the space to the ceiling empty. It could be used so much better!!
For my small closet, I decided to add an extra shelf on the top where we would keep our out-of-season items and stuff that we don't use every day.
Also, I decided to add wooden dividers to the main shelf. I've seen people making it from cardboard but I prefer something more sturdy.
As an alternative, you could use shelf brackets for this purpose. Just choose the wider ones to fit better on the shelf. Something similar to this, but they cost $9.99 each, which adds up and kind of defeats the purpose to make it on the budget. It could save you time, but if you have a saw or a handy husband, then definitely go for the custom ones. They are super fast to make with a scroll or jigsaw and cost practically nothing.
The purpose of those DIY wooden shelf dividers is simple.
On the long shelf, you try to put items in organized piles. It never works, because piles get bigger, they fall on each other, becoming a hot mess. As you can see that what happened to us. Lol Of course, if you are a super neat person It wouldn't happen to you. But that's not our story and not why you are here.
A simple step as adding dividers to your long shelf can save you sanity and keep your closet organized. If you have kids, no assigned organizer, or a cleaning lady, then probably your closet will never look neat or tidy, but.. we can archive a semi tidy effect. By simply dividing your shelf and make room for each item category.
I used a scroll saw to make these wooden dividers but if you can also do it with a jigsaw (I was never able to master that). Another option is to simply make a straight cut and leave it as it is. After all, it's better to get things done than do it perfectly.
Using my scroll saw, I measured the "wave" and cut it. It was my first cut with a scroll saw so don't judge me hahh
To attach them to the shelf, I made few holes with a Kreg jig and connected them. You could simply nail it from the opposite side.
Or if you use shelf brackets, attach them to the wall in the back of your closet.
>>>>>>>PIN FOR LATER
This simple thing completely transformed our small bedroom closet and it's been already 1 month. It's still neat and organized. Mission accomplished!
If you want to see more organizational videos, check out my YouTube channel, where I post a video once a week. I'd love to see you there!
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And if you are a fan of little squares, let's be friends on Instagram.
xoxo,
April
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