From Messy Clutter to a Picture-Perfect Wardrobe
As a busy working mom with two kids, keeping my closet organized is basically impossible. Between everyone’s clothes, shoes, accessories, and general clutter accumulating in there, my closet always seems to regress into a black hole of mess no matter how often I tidy it up. But I finally decided enough was enough. I was wasting too much time searching for what I need to get ready every morning amid the chaos. So I embarked on a mission to overhaul my closet with some organizational systems from Menards.
With its wide selection of closet organizers, custom storage solutions, and budget-friendly prices,Menards had everything I needed to transform my disastrous closet into the functional, Pinterest-worthy space of my dreams.No more dumping clean laundry straight into the closet or shoving shoes under a growing pile. I now have a place for everything, and I can actually find what I need!
If you also have a cluttered closet that makes you cringe every time you open the door, read on for a play-by-play of how Menards helped me organize my way to closet nirvana. I’ll share what types of systems I chose, how I planned out and purchased everything I needed, tips for easy assembly and installation, and the final result of my newly tamed closet. Let’s get organizing!
Assessing the Disaster Zone: My Unorganized Closet Before
To start this organizational journey, I needed to fully take stock of what I was working with. My walk-in closet is a decent size, about 6 feet wide and 4 feet deep with two doors opening in the middle. I have one hanging rod on each side and a shelf running across the top. So it had the basic bones to become my dream organized space.
The problem was that the rod and shelf were completely stuffed with clothes, belts, purses, hats, Scarves – you name it. I could barely see the wall behind everything jammed together. Sweaters and heavier items were drooping off their hangers. The shelf was buried under random junk and piles of accessories. shoes and boots covered the floor in unruly clusters.
Every time I needed something, I had to dig through piles and move things around to find it. Getting ready always took twice as long as needed because I wasted time searching every morning. I constantly forgot what clothing items I even owned since I couldn’t properly see everything.
Clearly, I needed more defined storage zones, vertical space, and better ways to contain all the closet contents. The open hanging rod and shelf were not cutting it. I decided to check out Menards’ selection of closet organizers to find the components I needed to maximize my closet.
Researching the Many Closet Storage Solutions at Menards
Lucky for me, Menards offers a huge variety of closet organizing systems, accessories, and individual components. Browsing their options online and in store, I identified the main types of organizers and features I wanted for my closet:
- Adjustable closet systems:I needed something customizable that could work specifically with my closet’s size and shape. Menards has adjustable systems from brands like ClosetMaid and Easy Track that use removable or movable components.
- Modular wooden organizers:I loved the aesthetic of the Allen + Roth Closets wooden organizer pieces. The modular design meant I could mix and match components like drawers, shelves, rods, and shoe racks.
- Hanging organizers:Canvas hanging organizers from NeatFreak and StorageWorks provide extra storage on the closet rod without taking up floor space. I planned to use these for accessories.
- Shoe storage:No more piles of shoes! I chose a ClosetMaid stackable shoe rack shelf to neatly contain all our footwear.
- Drawers:Extra drawer storage is great for clothing items like undergarments, socks, and pajamas. I opted for a few small Allen + Roth drawer elements.
- Baskets:I picked up a bundle of fabric bins and storage cubes from StorageWorks to use for hats, scarves, and other accessories.
Menards had all the individual components I needed to design my ideal system. I really appreciated the ability to hand pick pieces and customize.
Creating My Custom Closet Layout
The next step was planning out exactly how I wanted to arrange everything in my newly organized closet. I measured the closet space and mapped out my layout on paper, incorporating the different elements described above.
I wanted to take advantage of all the vertical space, not just the floor. So I planned hanging organizers mounted at different heights for purses, belts, scarves, and jewelry. The shoe rack shelf would go on the floor by the doors. I split one side into a hanging rod area and drawer/shelf zone. The other side I left open for long hanging clothing.
Making a detailed layout was crucial so I could purchase the right quantities of each component and visualize how it would all come together. Menards makes it easy to mix and match and buy only what you need.
Purchasing My Custom Closet System
I headed to Menards armed with my layout plan and a tape measure. I took my time test fitting components, imagining my future organized closet. Here’s a run-down of what I purchased for my custom system:
- 1 Easy Track adjustable rail kit for the long hanging side
- 1 Allen + Roth closet tower with drawers and a hanging rod for one side
- 3 Easy Track standards with shelves for more vertical storage
- 2 StorageWorks canvas hanging organizers
- 1 ClosetMaid stackable shoe shelf
- A variety of Allen + Roth drawer elements in different sizes
- Multiple StorageWorks fabric bins and cubes
- Baskets for hats and other accessories
- Extra Easy Track hardware and accessories as needed
Between all the modular pieces, I was able to build the custom storage solution of my dreams. The total cost was around $650, which felt reasonable for a made-to-order system. The associates helped make sure I got compatible components and had everything I needed.
Assembling the Components at Home
Of course, all the parts and pieces need to be assembled! I enlisted my husband’s help for this phase. Some components like the Allen + Roth organizers come fully assembled already. For other pieces, the assembly was generally straightforward following the included instructions.
We used basic tools like a drill, Phillips head screwdriver, and hammer for assembly. Most connections involved simple screws or brackets. Having two people made construction easier for large pieces like the tower unit. Assembly for each component took anywhere from 15-45 minutes.
Some pieces were a snug fit getting them in place inside the closet. But after a few days of use, everything softened up. Overall, the assembly was totally manageable as long as you carefully follow directions. Discussing the plan for orientation ahead of time ensured we put everything together correctly.
Installation and the Big Reveal: My New Organized Closet!
Once all the components were assembled, it was time for the big installation and reveal! We attached the Easy Track rails first using the hardware included, leveling them out. Next we worked from the top down, securing the standards, shelves, hanging organizers, and finally the tower unit and shoe rack.
After installing all the bones of the system, I started the fun part – arranging all my stuff inside the organized zones and compartments! I folded and organized clothes into the drawers. Designer purses and jewelry went into hanging pouches, while scarves and belts occupied cubbies. The shoe shelf corralled all our flip flops, sneakers, and more.
Finally, I stood back and gazed at my newly tamed closet. Everything had a dedicated spot. I could see and access all my belongings. No more yawning black hole of disarray! The custom arrangement worked perfectly for my family’s needs and closet dimensions. And the modular components looked cohesive once installed.
Enjoying My Functional, Organized Closet
It has now been about 6 months since I overhauled my closet with Menards organizers. And I’m still relishing the system every single day! Mornings are so much faster without wasting time rifling through piles to get dressed. I have a spot for every clothing item, shoe, and accessory, so things stay neater.
My closet no longer stresses me out when I open the door. I can instantly pick out an outfit thanks to the visible organized storage. The adjustable components make it easy to tweak the layout if needed. While my closet is far from Pinterest perfect with cute labels and baskets, it functions beautifully. My Menards system brought peace and order to the space.
So if you also have a cluttered mess lurking behind your closet doors, I can’t recommend Menards organizers enough! Take measurements, make a plan, and pick out the mix of modular components that will work for your needs. The quality, price, and selection of closet systems at Menards is hard to beat. Your wardrobe will thank you after you install organized storage that makes your closet functional again!
