We took a break from projects as my due date approached and as we adjusted to life with a newborn again. But just before Thanksgiving, the DIY bug bit and we started up on a couple of projects that have been on our list for some time.
During the summer we completed a full makeover of our small coat closet on the first floor. Best time & money spent. It’s been so functional and nice to open the door and find an organized space! The main coat closet, however, continued to be a mess – until last week.
When we moved in, the main coat closet had one wood shelf and a hanging rod. Basic and served the intended use, but I quickly had a full stack of stuff on that top shelf and we had piles on the floor. It was a disaster and a tad embarrassing if a guest came and needed to hang up a coat.
Trent took measurements of the existing shelf and supports before we headed to the home improvement store. There we selected whitewood lumber to match and had it all cut to length. This saved us getting out our own saw for such a small project.
Before installing, Dylan & I painted the pieces in semi-gloss white. Each piece took 2-3 coats to get a nice clean finish. After allowing time to dry, Trent took care of the installation. I then followed up with filling the holes & joints.
Finally, we began returning the “mess” of stuff to the closet (minus a few items removed during the process) in a much more orderly fashion. I had asked Trent to place the new shelf high enough to fit the drinkware storage containers so those were placed first and then I filled in with assorted adult/older child board games (the “kid” ones are in the playroom); a plastic bin of cables (really need to slim that down – who needs that many tv & computer cables?); and our instruction manual binders.
Cost breakdown: approximately $14
– wood for new shelving
– paint (already owned)
– nails (already owned)
– wood filler (already owned)
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