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When your closets are cluttered, it takes too much time to find what you need and it can make you feel stressed every time you open the door. The solution: A closet makeover. This guide will walk you through the process and answer such questions as: How much does a closet remodel cost? What are the best ways to spend less and still get what you want? Here is everything you need to know about getting a closet remodel that works for you — and your budget.
Average Cost of a Closet Remodel Project
Like the cost to remodel a home, the cost of closet remodels come at a variety of price points, depending on the size, upgrades you make, quality of materials, and more. Here are averages for small closets, master closets, and entryway closets.
Cost to Remodel a Small Closet
The most cost-friendly closet is a small or reach-in closet. Organizing one of these with hanging racks and shelving can cost between $500 to $1,500.
Cost to Remodel a Master Closet
Walk-in closets in a master bedroom that give you plenty of space to organize your clothes and shoes, as well as room to get dressed, are highly desirable. On average, these can cost between $2,500 to $5,000.
Cost to Remodel an Entryway Closet
With an entryway closet (also called a hall or foyer closet), expect to pay approximately the same price as a small closet — $500 to $1,500. If your entryway closet is a walk-in, the cost may be approximately the same as a master closet ($2,500 to $5,000).
Determining a Budget for Your Closet Remodel
In order to make a budget for your remodel, first consider your goals. For instance, do you want to declutter, organize, or make the space more attractive and well lit? Prioritize what you want. For instance, maybe shelving is the most important thing to you. As you make your priority list, consider what you’re willing to splurge on and where you can go with less expensive options. Next, get estimates for the project. For a walk-in closet, this might include getting bids from contractors to get a sense of what they charge, including labor. Or you might browse the websites of closet organizing companies to get an idea of their fees. Total up the costs to see if you have the budget for that kind of overhaul.
Lowering the Cost to Remodel Your Closet
If your dream closet exceeds your budget, one of the best ways to save money is to do whatever work you can yourself. This might include pulling out old shelving, painting, ordering accessories for your new closet online, and more. Look for items at liquidation stores and sites that offer overstocked or out-of-production items at discounted prices. You can also buy used items that are in good shape.
DIY Closet Remodel Ideas
To get started, you can apply a fresh coat of paint for only $2 to $6 per square foot. Choose a color that’s different from the current shade, and you’ll get an instant closet upgrade. In small or dark closets, white or soft neutrals will brighten up the space.Choose closet organizers and shoe racks, seeking the best prices. Consider strategically adding hanging rods and hooks for clothing, jewelry, and purses, which can help you organize your belongings at a relatively low cost. Rods cost about $50 to $75 each, and hooks range from $5 to $35 each.Upgrading the lighting will give the closet a refresh, as well. Custom lighting can cost anywhere from $50 to $2,000. Affordable options include:
Strip lighting: These strips of small LED lights can be attached with adhesives.
Recessed lighting: This fits into a ceiling cutout, flush with the drywall.
Track lighting: Individual lights are mounted onto a metal bar.
Add a mirror for practicality and style, and it will reflect light, too. A mirror will run you about $100 to $300.
Small Closet Remodel
To maximize space on a budget, use a double rod for clothes, add shoe drawers (they help you fit shoes in a compact space), hang baskets on the inside of the closet door for scarves, belts, and other accessories, and use a corner hamper, which takes up less room. Put a tiered jewelry stand on a shelf to hold all your necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Master Closet Remodel
You can start by looking at bedroom renovation ideas to provide inspiration for your master closet remodel. If two of you share this space, it won’t cost much more to divide shelves, drawers, and hanging racks into separate areas. You might want to consider locking drawers to protect precious belongings or to keep holiday gifts hidden until the big day.
Entryway Closet Remodel
In general, ideas for a small closet remodel will work well for an entryway closet remodel. Consider moving bulky coats out of the closet and storing them away to save space. Also, pack away seasonal items so the closet only contains what you need now.
Purchasing Refurbished Wardrobes
A wardrobe can add more storage to your closet. Scour yard sales, tag sales, and estate sales for one. Ask friends and family members if they have a wardrobe they’re ready to get rid of. Then paint, stain, or stencil it — whatever works best with your closet design.
Patching the Drywall
Do the walls of your closet have holes or cracks? Patching the drywall can help. There are plenty of videos and self-help articles online to show you how to do it. By filling small cracks and patching holes before you paint the walls, you’ll give your closet a polished appearance.
Using Plastic or Metal Materials
For a sleek look and a less costly closet upgrade, consider using a metal closet system. There are plenty of options available today. Plastic dividers on your shelving can also be a functional and attractive way to keep things neat.
Limiting the Number of Accessories
As you work on your closet makeover, declutter. If you haven’t worn something in a while, donate it to charity. Set a limit for how much you’re going to put back into your closet after the remodel. Your goal is to streamline. If you’re unsure about certain items, put them in a box and check back in three months. Do you need any of them? If not, get rid of them.
Purchasing Material on Sale
If your closet remodel doesn’t need to be done urgently, make a list of materials and items you need to buy, and watch for sales in stores and online. Go to liquidation events and discount stores to look for deals.
Financing Options to Cover the Cost of Closet Remodeling
If you’re ready to start your closet remodel and you’re looking for ways to finance it, one option to consider is a personal loan to improve your home. A key benefit of how a personal loan works is its versatility, which means you can use it for things like closet upgrades. There are different personal loan types, but you typically don’t have to put up collateral for the loan, and you’ll also be able to get the funds you need quickly once you’re approved. You’ll pay off the loan in monthly payments. Just be sure to look for a loan with a lower interest rate. A good credit score can help you get a personal loan, so make sure yours is in good standing.
Personal Loans for Home Improvement Projects
If you’re considering a personal loan for your closet remodel project, you can easily compare personal loan interest rates with Lantern by SoFi. With a single application, you can get information on multiple loans quickly to help you find the right lending option for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it typically cost to remodel a closet?
What is a good budget for closet remodels?
Can you use a personal loan for closet remodels?
Photo credit: iStock/urfinguss
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About the Author
Kelly Boyer Sagert
Kelly Boyer Sagert is an Emmy Award-nominated writer with decades of professional writing experience. As she was getting her writing career off the ground, she spent several years working at a savings and loan institution, working in the following departments: savings, loans, IRAs, and auditing. She has published thousands of pieces online and in print.
