The Simple IKEA BILLY Hack That Will Tidy Up Your Cluttered Closet

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You've tried everything. You read up on what to do before starting Marie Kondo's KonMari organizing method. You folded things differently, moved your shoes from the top shelf to the bottom, and still, your closet feels cluttered and messy every time you open it in the morning. If this sounds familiar, maybe it's time for a simpler solution: using an IKEA BILLY Bookcase to anchor a customized closet.

Okay, initially, that might not sound like the simplest solution, but hang with us here: by using the trusty BILLY to act as an anchor in your closet (plus provide its famed storage), you can organize shelving and hanging rods around it to craft your dream — and clutter-free — closet. Plus, this hack makes the most of your closet's storage space so you have room for everything, it can be tailored to your exact needs, and it finally answers the perennial question of "What on earth do I wear?" Sounds good? Let's get started.

Think about your daily needs. What do you need to be able to easily grab? What do (and don't) you want to see every day? These answers will tell you what needs to be accessible, what to keep in your line of sight, and what to tuck away. Map your configuration out to make it easy during installation. Next, decide where you want to put the BILLY. Positioning it in the middle of the closet can stabilize the shelves, but choose what works best for you. Keep in mind that shelves may need additional support to prevent sagging. A good rule of thumb is to have a bracket every 2 feet to hold light to medium weight. For heavier loads, bring the brackets closer together.

Next, decide which installation method to use. If you like to shake up your closet configuration occasionally or know you'll need more space in the future, a flexible shelf solution like IKEA's BOAXEL System may be best. This storage system is a game-changer for cluttered closets because you can move the shelves up and down as needed to create more storage. Simply install the BOAXEL uprights along the studs, add the brackets, then install the shelf and slide the suspension rod into the bracket for under-shelf hanging.

If you don't plan on changing up your storage layout, grab heavy-duty shelf and rod support brackets, like Nuk3y Heavy Duty Adjustable Shelf Rod Support Bracket, and install them on the studs for stability. Slide the wooden closet poles into position, then screw ¾ inch to 1 inch common board on top for shelves. Add your clothes and enjoy!

Now that your new closet hack is installed, let's make it yours. One of the best things about the BILLY is its customizability. There are whole lists of the smartest DIY hacks you can do with an IKEA BILLY bookcase, but here are a few of our favorites to spice up your new closet. First and foremost, paint. It's a standby for good reason: paint has the ability to bring new life to anything. Because the bookcases are laminate, they require a few extra steps, but it is still doable. Use a 220-grit sandpaper to break up the laminate's texture, wipe clean, then apply liquid sandpaper to make it easy for the paint to grab onto the laminate. Prime with a laminate-friendly primer, let dry, sand, then repeat for extra grip. Then add your paint and dry for a whole new look.

Another way to bring a little color and personality is to apply peel-and-stick wallpaper. You can apply it to the back and inside walls of the bookshelf, along the closet shelves, or even along the back of the closet for a whole new look. Also, consider adding in track lighting, like HONWELL Track Lighting Wireless LED Spotlights, to highlight your treasured items or just make it easier to get dressed in the morning.