How to Maximize a Small Closet

When my sons started sharing a room, their small closet became a major challenge. The single hanging rod wasn’t cutting it, and the mess was a daily battle. I knew I needed a practical and durable closet organization solution that will handle the chaos of two young boys. The best part? I managed to do it myself with a DIY closet makeover that looks custom but was incredibly affordable.

My main goal was to create a functional system that made the most of every inch of our small space. I decided to try a Closet Maid system, and I was genuinely impressed. This was my first time using one. The quality was impressive. It was affordable. The ease of installation made it a perfect fit for a beginner-friendly closet project. It gave us that sought-after built-in look without the high cost of a professional installation.

Materials and tools linked here. Watch the reel here or watch my Instagram story highlights here.

Before

After:

Tools:

Materials:

* (1) ClosetMaid 4–9 ft W x 6.85 ft H Wood Closet System – on sale for $99 through July 31st!
* (5) 16” Drawers
* (2) Extra shelf boards
* (4) Side brackets
* (4) Alloy rod supports / end caps (optional)
* (1) Vinyl-wrapped wood closet rod (optional)

DIY Tip: The metal rod included in the kit was too long for our narrow closet and tough to cut. I highly recommend swapping it out for a wood or vinyl-wrapped rod, as it’s much easier to cut to the perfect size.

Breaking Down the Budget-Friendly Closet Makeover

One of the biggest wins of this project was the cost. While a custom-built closet could cost thousands, this DIY closet system came in at a fraction of that price.
My Total Cost: $541.12

---

Your closet system comes with insutrctions but here is the PDF version of it.

Step 1: Plan and Demo

Figure out where you want the tower and the shleves to go so you can determine how many shelves and Side Brackets that you need. Remove the prior racks in the closet and patch the holes.

Step 2: Build the Tower and Attach to the Wall

The closet comes with clear step-by-step assembly instructions. I didn’t locate the studs ahead of time since the kit included wall anchors. Instead, I first positioned the tower where I wanted it, then found the studs. In areas without a stud, I pre-drilled holes using a 1/4″ drill bit, inserted the anchors, and securely mounted the tower.

Step 3: Build and Add in the Drawers

The drawers are sold separately. I added them to my boys’ closet since they couldn’t reach the higher shelves, and I’m encouraging them to start putting away their own clothes.

Step 4: Add side brackets

I used four side brackets since I needed it for both of my boys. Here’s the insturctions on how to install those.

Step 5: Measure, Cut and Attach the shelves

I just used my table saw but if you have a circular saw that will work too! The bracket comes with screws to attach to the shelf.

Step 5: Add in Closet Rod

The closet system includes rods and brackets, but the space I was working with was shorter than the minimum length the provided rods could accommodate. I initially tried cutting the metal rods, but the edges turned out jagged. Instead, I opted to purchase a vinyl closet rod, which was easier to work with. I also had to buy compatible brackets separately. I used my miter saw to cut the vinyl rod to the correct length.

The Final Look

Closet makeover complete! ✅

This was my first time using a ClosetMaid system—and honestly? I was impressed. It’s affordable, beginner-friendly, and gave us a built-in, custom look without the custom price tag. Full tutorial is saved in my highlights!

My boys share a room AND a closet… so I needed something practical and durable. And of course, everyone keeps saying:
“The boys are just going to destroy it anyway.” 😅
Well—let’s see how long it lasts. A mom can dream, right?

---

✨ Follow along for more DIY projects and home details over at @latticeandluxe!