DIY Small Entryway Closet Organization Ideas

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An entryway closet often becomes a dumping ground for shoes, coats, bags, and more. With a little creativity, you can transform this tiny space into a functional and organized area. Simple DIY projects can make a huge difference, helping you find what you need quickly and maximizing your storage. From adding shelves to using bins, hooks, and racks, there are endless ways to make everything neat. You'll be amazed at how a few changes can create a welcoming and efficient entryway. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into some easy yet effective ideas.

Getting Ready for Your Project

1. Clear Out the Closet: Remove everything from the closet. This helps you see the space clearly and decide what to keep or discard.

2. Measure the Space: Use a tape measure to get the dimensions of your closet. Knowing the height, width, and depth will help you choose the right organizers.

3. Gather Supplies: Collect all necessary tools and materials. Common items include shelves, hooks, bins, and a drill. Make sure you have everything before starting.

4. Set Up a Workspace: Find a nearby area to lay out your tools and materials. A clean, flat surface like a table or floor works best.

5. Safety First: Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands. If using power tools, ensure you know how to operate them safely.

6. Plan Your Layout: Sketch a simple design of how you want to organize the closet. Decide where shelves, hooks, and bins will go.

7. Clean the Closet: Wipe down walls and floors to remove dust and dirt. A clean surface makes it easier to install new organizers.

8. Mark Installation Points: Use a pencil to mark where you will install shelves and hooks. Double-check measurements to ensure accuracy.

9. Pre-Drill Holes: If installing shelves or hooks, pre-drill holes to make the installation process smoother and prevent wood from splitting.

10. Sort Items: Group similar items together. This will help you decide the best way to store them in the closet.

11. Label Bins and Shelves: Use labels to identify where items belong. This keeps the closet organized and makes it easier to find things later.

What You Need to Get Started

1. Measuring Tape: Essential for measuring the dimensions of your closet to ensure everything fits perfectly.
2. Screwdriver: Needed for assembling shelves, hooks, and other hardware.
3. Drill: Useful for making holes in the wall to install shelves or hooks.
4. Level: Ensures that shelves and hooks are installed straight.
5. Stud Finder: Helps locate wall studs to securely attach heavy items.
6. Hammer: Useful for nailing in hooks or other hardware.
7. Shelving Units: Provides additional storage space for shoes, bags, and other items.
8. Hooks: Ideal for hanging coats, hats, and bags.
9. Storage Bins: Helps keep smaller items organized and easily accessible.
10. Closet Rod: For hanging clothes, coats, and other garments.
11. Shoe Rack: Keeps shoes organized and off the floor.
12. Labels: Helps identify the contents of bins and boxes.
13. Paint and Brushes: Optional but can be used to give the closet a fresh look.
14. Adhesive Hooks: Great for lightweight items and easy to remove without damage.
15. Broom and Dustpan: For cleaning the closet before and after organizing.

How Much Time and Skill You Need

Skill Level: Beginner

Time Required: 2-4 hours

1. Declutter: 30 minutes
2. Install Shelves: 1 hour
3. Add Hooks: 30 minutes
4. Organize Items: 1 hour
5. Label Bins: 30 minutes

Follow These Steps

1. Empty the Closet

   • Remove everything from the closet.
   • Sort items into categories: keep, donate, or trash.

2. Clean the Space

   • Wipe down shelves and walls.
   • Sweep or vacuum the floor.

3. Measure the Closet

   • Measure height, width, and depth.
   • Note any obstacles like light switches or vents.

4. Install Shelving

   • Choose adjustable shelves for flexibility.
   • Use a level to ensure shelves are straight.
   • Secure shelves with brackets.

5. Add Hooks and Racks

   • Install hooks on the inside of the door for bags or hats.
   • Add a shoe rack at the bottom for footwear.

6. Use Bins and Baskets

   • Place labeled bins on shelves for smaller items.
   • Use baskets for scarves, gloves, or other accessories.

7. Hang a Rod

   • Install a rod for hanging coats and jackets.
   • Use sturdy hangers to maximize space.

8. Add Lighting

   • Install a battery-operated light if the closet is dark.
   • Choose motion-sensor lights for convenience.

9. Organize by Frequency of Use

   • Place frequently used items at eye level.
   • Store seasonal or rarely used items on higher shelves.

10. Label Everything

    • Use clear labels for bins and baskets.
    • Ensure labels are easy to read.

11. Maintain the Organization

    • Regularly declutter and reorganize.
    • Adjust shelves and hooks as needed.

Helpful Hints for Success

Use vertical space by adding shelves or hooks. Install a shoe rack or use stackable bins for footwear. Label bins and baskets to keep things organized. Add a mirror on the inside of the door to save space and for last-minute checks. Use over-the-door organizers for small items like keys, gloves, or scarves.

Common mistakes include overloading shelves, which can cause them to break, and not measuring the space before buying organizers. Avoid using too many small bins, which can make the closet look cluttered.

Instead of traditional shelves, try pegboards for customizable storage. Tension rods can be used to create additional hanging space. For a budget-friendly option, use cardboard boxes covered in decorative paper as storage bins.

How Much Will It Cost?

Shelving units: $30-$50 each. Wire shelves are cheaper, around $20 each.

Storage bins: $5-$15 each. Plastic bins are budget-friendly, around $3 each.

Hooks and racks: $10-$20 per set. Adhesive hooks cost about $5 per set.

Hanging organizers: $15-$25 each. Fabric organizers are cheaper, around $10 each.

Closet rods: $10-$20 each. Tension rods are budget-friendly, around $5 each.

Tools: Basic tools like a screwdriver ($5-$10), drill ($30-$50), and level ($10-$15).

Paint: $15-$30 per gallon. Sample sizes are cheaper, around $5 each.

Total cost: $120-$250. Budget-friendly options can bring it down to $60-$100.

Make It Your Own

Shelving Options: Use floating shelves for a sleek look or adjustable wire shelves for flexibility. Wooden shelves can be painted or stained to match your decor.

Hooks and Hangers: Install decorative hooks for a stylish touch or magnetic hooks for easy repositioning. Over-the-door hangers maximize space without drilling holes.

Baskets and Bins: Choose woven baskets for a rustic feel or clear plastic bins for easy visibility. Fabric bins add a soft touch and can be color-coordinated.

Shoe Storage: Use a shoe rack for easy access or shoe cubbies for a more organized look. Hanging shoe organizers save floor space.

Lighting: Add LED strip lights for a modern touch or battery-operated puck lights for a quick, no-wiring solution. Motion-sensor lights are practical for hands-free illumination.

Mirrors: Install a full-length mirror on the door for functionality or a decorative mirror to make the space feel larger. Mirrored panels on the walls can also add depth.

Color and Paint: Paint the interior a bright color to make it feel larger or use chalkboard paint for a fun, writable surface. Wallpaper can add patterns and texture.

Rod and Rail Systems: Use a tension rod for a no-drill option or install a double rod for more hanging space. Sliding rails can add a modern touch.

Drawer Units: Add stackable drawers for customizable storage or built-in drawers for a seamless look. Clear drawers help you see contents easily.

Labels and Tags: Use chalkboard labels for a rustic look or printed tags for a clean, uniform appearance. Color-coded labels can help with quick identification.

Decorative Elements: Add a small rug for comfort and style or wall art to personalize the space. Plants can add a touch of greenery and freshness.

Alternative Materials: Use reclaimed wood for a sustainable option or metal shelving for an industrial look. Acrylic shelves offer a modern, minimalist vibe.

Eco-Friendly Ideas

Repurpose old crates or wooden boxes as shelves. Sand them down, paint them with eco-friendly paint, and mount them on the wall for extra storage.

Use reclaimed wood to build custom shelves or hooks. This reduces waste and gives your closet a rustic look.

Recycle glass jars for storing small items like keys, coins, or sunglasses. Attach the lids to the underside of a shelf, then screw the jars into place.

Opt for bamboo hangers instead of plastic ones. Bamboo is a sustainable material that grows quickly and is biodegradable.

Create fabric bins from old clothes or linens. Sew them into simple storage bins for shoes, scarves, or hats.

Install a pegboard made from recycled materials. This versatile solution can hold bags, hats, and other accessories.

Use cardboard boxes covered in fabric or paper for a chic, eco-friendly storage option. These can be used for seasonal items or less frequently used belongings.

Repurpose wine corks as key holders. Glue them together and attach them to the wall for a unique, sustainable solution.

Choose natural fiber baskets like wicker or seagrass for storing larger items. These materials are renewable and biodegradable.

Label storage containers with reusable chalkboard labels. This way, you can easily change the labels without wasting paper or plastic.

Making the Most of Your Space

Organizing a small entryway closet doesn’t have to be a headache. Use shelves, hooks, and baskets to maximize every inch. Labeling bins helps keep things tidy and easy to find. Don’t forget about the back of the door; it’s perfect for hanging scarves, hats, or even umbrellas. Rotating seasonal items keeps the closet functional year-round. A little creativity goes a long way in making a small space work for you. Keep it simple, and you’ll find that even the tiniest closet can become a storage powerhouse. Happy organizing!