There are tons of benefits to having a well-organized and functional closet. Not only does an organized closet help keep clothes fresh and hanging right, but it also makes your wardrobe experience much more pleasurable than stressful – and let’s be honest, everyone can do with a little less stress right about now.
However, the idea of designing a custom closet may fill you with fear of what that might mean for your bank account. But there is good news, don’t worry. By thinking a little outside the box and indulging in a little forward thinking, you can create a dream closet without burning a great big hole in your pocket.
In this article, we will explore some budget-friendly ways to help you design your perfect custom closet. We’ll also list our favorite pieces for a flawless capsule wardrobe so you can start filling your dream closet with some dream clothes to suit.
Declutter what you already own
The first step in designing a budget-friendly custom closet is to sort through your clothes. Going through what you already own will not just help you declutter but also give you a better idea of the storage space you need. When you have a free afternoon (or free day, depending on how many things you own), you can properly go through each item and decide what you want to keep in your closet, donate to someone in need or sell online.
Keep seasonal clothes somewhere else
If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere that has a distinct winter and summer season, consider storing off-season clothes somewhere other than your closet. This could be under the bed, in storage bins, or even in a spare closet. By keeping only the clothes you need for the current season in your custom closet, you can maximize the available space, not to mention make it a whole lot easier to find what you’re looking for!
Add shelving
Shelving is a cost-effective way to add storage space to your custom closet. And the best part? You can install them almost anywhere… If you’re struggling to imagine how shelving fits into your dream closet, reach out to companies specializing in custom design services for ideas. Additionally, consider adding some adjustable shelves to fit different items and maximize the use of your vertical space.
Use boxes and baskets for smaller items
Boxes and baskets are great for storing smaller items. In particular, socks, belts or scarves. These storage solutions not only keep everything in one place but also add a touch of style to your custom closet. You can find cheap boxes and baskets at thrift stores or repurpose items you already have, such as shoeboxes or decorative baskets.
Hang clothes properly
The easiest way to look after your clothes in your new custom closet? Hanging them properly. You can hang your clothes by category (e.g., shirts, dresses and pants) and arrange them by color for an aesthetically pleasing display guaranteed to make your home seem truly unique. Use cascading hangers or space-saving techniques like hanging multiple items on one hanger to maximize your closet space.
Choose matching hangers
Speaking of hangers, investing in matching hangers can instantly make a closet look more organized – and a lot more cohesive! Opt for slim hangers to save space and prevent clothes from slipping off. You can find affordable packs of matching hangers at discount stores or online – or can test your DIY skills by upcycling old hangers into fun new patterns and colors.
Categorize your clothes
There’s nothing worse than opening your closet and not knowing where to look. Dividing your clothes into categories can help you stay organized and make it easier to find what you need. Labeled bins or dividers can help separate your different types of clothing, like workout gear, formal wear or everyday essentials. Dividing your clothes this way will save you time and prevent your custom closet from becoming cluttered.
Use Pinterest to search for ideas
Building a custom closet can be tricky, especially when you don’t have any inspiration in mind. If you’re sitting around waiting to be inspired, why not head to Pinterest? You can use this app to search for ideas and DIY projects that match your style (and budget.) You’ll also find plenty of creative solutions and hacks that can help you make the most of a space without spending a total fortune. If Pinterest doesn’t have what you’re looking for, consider other social media sites like Instagram, Facebook and Reddit.
Keep your goals in mind when you buy
When it comes to adding new items to your custom closet, it’s important to buy slowly – and keep your closet goals in mind. By avoiding impulse purchases and instead buying clothes that you know you’ll wear frequently and really love, you’ll not only save yourself money in the long run but also prevent your closet from becoming extremely overcrowded.
Work out the cost per wear of everything you buy
Before making a new purchase, calculate the “cost per wear” of each item. This involves dividing the price of the item by the number of times you think you’re going to wear it. By considering the longevity and versatility of the item using this technique, you can ensure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck.
Create a capsule wardrobe
Building a capsule wardrobe takes time. However, it’s an easy guaranteed way to explore your favorite fashion trends without leaving you with no disposable income. Here are a few of our favorite go-to pieces to start you off:
- Good quality white t-shirt
- Great pair of jeans
- A tote bag that goes with everything
- Statement earrings
- Tailored trousers
- Go-to heels
- Smart loafers
- Classic belt
- Oversized blazer
- Vest top
- Trench coat (or other statement jacket)
The best way to start a capsule wardrobe is to first work out what you actually wear. And there’s a trick to doing this! Start out by having all your coat hangers facing the same way, then every time you wear something, turn it around. In a couple of weeks, you’ll have a better idea of what you can’t live without and always seem to be wearing; these are the pieces you should base your capsule wardrobe around.
Final word
Designing a custom closet on a budget doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these tips and tricks, you can create a close that’s stylish, functional and reflects your personal style – all while leaving you with enough cash to fill your dream closet, too!
