Hello my fru-gals and guys! I'm the Penny Pincher Postmistress here with loads of money-saving tips. Having raised a family of four kids in a 14 X 70 mobile home, I learned all kinds of tricks to save not only money but space and home organization. And sometimes you have to create space. Here's an easy, inexpensive DIY guide to maximize your closets, cupboards and storage spaces AND to configure a closet where none exists.
Skip installed wall mount shelves
In the first iteration of this article, circa 2008 (!) I wrote about a Rubbermaid fastrack wall mount shelving system we installed in what was just basically an alcove off the upstairs bathroom. It was a series of shelves of various sizes that you attached to a track. It served its purpose but was honestly kind of pain to install, can't be moved and wreak havoc if you do.
And here's why
Well, a lot of time has passed. The kids grew up and moved out. And THEN, to top it off, the youngest daughter moved out, then back in again for a time. And for reasons known only to her, decided to dismantle the entire closet and take everything to the thrift store. Leaving us with a wall covered with gaping holes where the screws has been. And I can't even find that style anymore.
I fumed for about a month, finally forgave her (LOL) and had to admit, that, in retrospect, I wouldn't have put in all that hardware. I'd have configured my own from repurposed furniture, shelves and boxes. Well, now with it out, I had no excuse not to do that (and yes the little rascal shelf destroyer had the audacity to say "You're welcome!")
Cheap, free-standing sturdy shelves
What we created was a homebrew room/ storage place for my husband's hobby. And we used some free standing shelving units I got cheap from Amazon with all my reward points, Prime membership and coupon rebates. I hadn't thought those would work because the carpet is thick and I thought they would tip over. But those nice wide feet they put on shelves prevent that.
Nifty hook hack
The shelves are designed so that you can hang all kinds of goodies from them. You don't even need special hooks. Here's where my improvisor brain really came in handy. I got some of the cheap clip style shower curtain hooks, like 4 for $1. My husband can hang pots, pans, spray bottles, and any other stuff that will fit in the hook.
DIY closets for teens
I made closets for my kids and teens this way too. I used curtain hooks to hang jewelry, shoes, scarves, bags, toes, garments, belts, accessories, etc. Turn the shelf into a multifunction storage unit. Then, create a space to hang clothing using two large tension rods like the kind for a shower curtain. Place one higher for short coats, shirts and jackets and then one a little lower for dresses. The good thing about tension bars is that they are adjustable. You can even hang some clothing from your shelves. I tried the rolling ones which are okay for lightweight clothing.
Why I prefer DIY clothing racks
This works so much better than traditional closet hanging arrangements in which all the clothing, regardless of length is hung from the same level, wasting a good deal of space. It also helps to organize clothing by season, style and purpose. By adding baskets for accessories and folded clothing, and placing shoes on a rack or in boxes on the floor, you eliminate the need for a cumbersome dresser. We hung another bar a little way out and added a pretty shower curtain to finish it off.
My favorite storage hacks
Now for shelves, I've got another several DIY shelving hacks for you. Repurpose old wooden baby changing tables, bathroom shelves, book shelves, wine racks and baker's racks as storage. You may not have heard of baker's racks. They were a 90s thing and I'm glad I hung onto mine (see image with chair). I checked an Amazon still sells bakers racks under $100. Some even have outlets on them. These make fabulous multiuse storage.
Get some collapsible baskets cheap at Dollar Tree. Or stack things in creative ways. Keep an eye out at thrift stores and garage sales for older vintage furniture. It's so much much sturdier than the pre-fab cube shelves you have to assemble. You can even make your own from old pallets.
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