Install a closet organizer

About this project

Control the chaos crammed behind your closet doors with our step-by-step instructions for installing a wire-frame closet organizer. We’ll help you get your closet straightened out — and give you advice for keeping it that way. And we share some pointers for making your closets family-friendly and eco-friendly.

Level of difficulty
3 of out 5

You need basic home improvement skills to do this project, but if you prefer you can hire a pro.hire a pro.

What you need for this project


Drill
Drill bit set
Level
Measuring tape
Pencil
Screwdriver
Stud finder
Toggle bolts, if needed

Get it done - step by step:

  • Step 1: Assemble the elements

    To get started, lay out all the pieces of your closet organizer kit and put together each component that requires assembly before installation.  Each kit is different, so follow the instructions that came with the component, using the hardware provided.

  • Step 2: Mark your closet

    On the wall where the closet organizer will hang, measure from the floor to the desired height of your organizer. Take into consideration the height of the person using the closet and the size of the items to be stored on shelves and hung on racks — you might find height suggestions in the installation instructions.  Mark the height with a pencil, then use a level to extend the line across the wall where the component will hang.

  • Step 3: Attach cleats to the wall

    Use a stud finder to locate studs for the wall cleats — the interlocking plates you drill into the wall and hang the closet organizer on. Mark the stud locations on the line you drew in the previous step. Drill pilot holes for the cleats through the wall, into the studs — the pilot holes shouldn't be larger than the screws. Then attach the cleats to the wall with the screws that came with the component.

    If no studs are available, use toggle bolts in the walls. Without them, the loaded component could fall, tearing holes in the wall.

  • Step 4: Build the base unit

    Hang your assembled organizer on the wall cleats and secure it with screws or toggle bolts. If your closet organizer comes with drawers, screw the drawer glides into place inside the cabinet and slide in the drawers. Secure the front of the drawers with the screws provided and adjust the drawer fronts until they’re even.

  • Step 5: Attach the side panel

    To make sure the cabinet is straight, set a level against the side panel and then screw through the bottom cleat into a stud to secure it.

  • Step 6: Install the top panel and shelves

    Install the support pins for the top panel. Lay the panel on top of the pins, adjusting as necessary.

    Install support pins for any filler shelves and set the shelves on top of the pins.

    After you install all the shelves, gently press down on each shelf to check the stability.

  • Step 7: Install the rod

    With the closet organizer in place, you're ready to install the hanging rod if you're including one. Check the distance from the rod to the floor to see if there's enough room for clothing. If you need to adjust the rod's height, check the installation instructions.

    If your kit comes with an additional rod for a bottom rack, attach the hardware and install it. Refer to the installation instructions for adjusting the rod's height.

    After you connect all the units, tighten all the screws one more time.

Get what you need

Maintenance Tasks

1. Spring clean your closet

Closet clutter wastes space and makes it harder to find the matching shoe when you're late for work. We recommend an annual closet cleaning.

Time
1-2 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Frequency
Annually
Where
All US
Overview

While organization is a daily process, a spring closet cleaning once a year keeps your closet clutter-free and your clothes easier to find.

Task Steps
  1. Empty your closet. Take everything out and make three piles: one for things to throw away, one for things to sell or give away and one for things to keep. If you haven’t worn something in a year or more, throw it away. Put throwaways directly into a garbage bag; store your keep pile and sell/giveaway pile in laundry baskets while you work.
  2. Closet cleaning means cleaning your actual closet space, using spray cleaner and a clean rag to wipe the shelves, the top of hanging rods and the inside of drawers. Then give the floor a good cleaning with a mop or vacuum, depending on the floor type.
  3. Put everything in your keep pile back in the closet. Try organizing by season, with warm weather clothes on one side and cold weather on the other. Within these groups, you can further organize by color, sleeve length and type.
  4. Divide the sell/give away pile into items to sell, items to give to friends and family, and items to donate to a charity. Be realistic about whether you'll actually get around to having a garage sale, taking it to a resale shop or listing it on eBay. Donate clothing only if you'd wear it, if you could; discard tattered clothing or find a way to recycle it.

2. Clean out your medicine cabinet

It's easy to ignore what's happening behind the closed door of your medicine cabinet. But give it a little attention once or twice a year.

Time
1 hour
Difficulty
Easy
Frequency
Once or twice year
Where
All US
Overview

As any snooping dinner guest can tell you, medicine cabinets hold everything from medicine and mouthwash to tweezers and toothpaste. Some of those contents don't age well, while others leave telltale glops. Here's how to bring yours up to date and make it shine.

Task Steps
  1. Remove all prescription and over-the-counter medications from the medicine cabinet — including ointments — and check their expiration dates. Set aside expired ones to take to your pharmacy for disposal. If your pharmacy doesn’t accept them, put them in the trash in a non-descript bag, to discourage anyone from taking them from the garbage for reuse.
  2. Take out all the bottles of mouthwash, shampoo, skin cream, sunscreen and the like. Throw out those that are nearly empty, or consolidate them with other containers of the same product. Wipe off spills on the outside of the container. Set them aside.
  3. Inspect toothbrushes and discard worn ones. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. Children's brushes generally need replacement more often than adults'.
  4. Remove any remaining items from the medicine cabinet. Lift out all removable shelves, clean them with a damp cloth and dry them with a dry cloth. Set them aside. Rinse and wring the damp cloth and then wipe the back and sides of the medicine cabinet. Put the shelves back into place.
  5. Cover the shelves where you store drippy things with a sheet of paper towel folded to fit, to make the next cleaning easier. Place small, loose items — such as tweezers — into a small plastic container to make them easier to find. Arrange the items on the shelves neatly, admire your work and then close the door. Use window cleaner and a dry cloth to clean the mirror.