5 Ways to Refresh an Outdated Closet and Feel Instantly Renewed!

Kim DeMado
Jun 25
2 min read

Updated: Jul 8

When I’m not at the gym or running outside, you’ll usually find me deep in a home project. After finishing our bathroom remodel, I turned my attention to an often-overlooked space: the hall closet.

Living in an older home means constantly discovering little projects that were either done halfway—or never done at all. This time, it was the narrow broom closet just outside our first-floor bathroom. It hadn’t been painted in years (maybe ever!), had no shelving, and had become the ultimate catch-all space. Sound familiar?

If you’ve got a forgotten closet that could use a reset, these 5 simple steps can help you transform it into something functional—and even beautiful.

1. Decide How You Really Want to Use It

Before organizing, think: What purpose do I want this closet to serve?

In our case, it had become a jumbled mix of light bulbs, batteries, cleaning supplies, and dog food. Half the time I couldn’t find what I needed. Make a list of what you actually want to store there. Need tall space for brooms or vacuums? Smaller zones for tools or seasonal items? Design with that in mind.

2. Declutter Like You Mean It

Pull everything out of the closet. Yes, everything. Sort items into categories—what stays, what goes, what needs to be relocated. This step alone can be a game-changer. You’ll likely uncover items you forgot you had or no longer need. Give the walls a good clean, patch holes, and prep the space for its mini glow-up.

3. Add Shelves or Closet Systems That Fit Your Needs

Whether you’re going full custom or DIY like I did, shelves are key. I picked up finished wood planks from Lowe’s and installed them with simple side brackets—easy and affordable! Just be sure to measure your space first and leave enough room for taller items if needed. Then, choose bins or baskets that match your style and function. Keep it cohesive—it’ll make the space feel more intentional.

4. Label Everything for Easy Access

Labels are a lifesaver. Trust me. We all have busy lives, and labeled bins mean no second guessing where things go—or where to find them. Try chalk labels, clip-on tags, or printable sticker labels. Whatever your style, labeling makes it easier to stay organized over time (not just right after the makeover!).

5. Keep It Simple + Don’t Overfill

The biggest mistake? Overloading the space again. Aim for simplicity. Let the shelves and bins do the work of creating order, and resist the urge to shove extra “just in case” stuff in there. A refreshed closet should feel clean, functional, and easy to maintain—not like another junk drawer with a door.