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Do It Yourself Closet Organizing
by Judy Browne

5 tips for a successful project

If you’ve decided it’s time to organize your closet space. You’ll want to consider a few things before you head off to the hardware store to ensure a successful project. Here are some great products you can install yourself Easy Track and interMETRO or you can come up with your own system using standard shelving and supports.

1.Planning is everything! “Measure twice, cut onceapostrophe is an old carpenter’s saying and one it will do you well to remember. Before buying your product you’ll want to document as much about the space you’ll be working with as possible and consider the following:

  • What are the measurements of the space? ( length, width and height)
  • What ‘obstacles’ are in the way? (door, windows, outlets, switches, etc).
  • How will I attach this to my walls and/or where are the ‘studs’ (see tip #2 for finding a stud)
  • What material are my walls? (drywall, brick, lathe & plaster, etc.). If your walls are wood framed they will be covered with either drywall or lathe & plaster depending on the age of your home. Homes built after WWII are typically drywall and before lathe & plaster.
  • Here is a planning worksheet supplied by Easy Track that may help.

2.Find and mark all your studs (wood framed walls). If you don’t have a stud finder you should buy one they are inexpensive and easy to use. I suggest purchasing an electronic stud finder. Some simple tips to make finding your studs easier:

  • Locate an electrical outlet (receptacle) in your wall. There should be a stud on one side or the other of that receptacle, use your stud finder to verify.
  • Measure 16 inches from the location of the first stud and use your stud finder to verify the next stud. If you don’t find one at 16apostrophe inches, try 18apostrophe then 24apostrophe. Once you’ve found the 2nd stud you will know the spacing or layout of your studs for the rest of the wall. They will be evenly spaced apart at the distance you determined.
  • Find and mark all the studs in the space you are working within. I suggest using blue painter’s tape.

3.Gather all your tools. Here is a typical list of tools that are used when installing closet systems and shelving.

  • Power drill/screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • 2 ft level
  • Hammer
  • Chalk line
  • Step ladder
  • Hack saw

4.Choose the right anchors or fasteners. The pre-designed systems will include all the anchors and fasteners you will need to install the product but if you’re creating your own space you’ll need to plan ahead. Here are some suggestions for you to consider.

  • Wood screws – these will be used to attach supports directly to the wood studs. Be sure to choose the appropriate length. 1 ¼ to 1 ½ should be long enough for most projects.
  • “Molly Boltsapostrophe – these are great for installing supports between the studs in a wood framed wall. They are easy to use and provide good strength.
  • “Red Headsapostrophe or masonry anchors. If you’re installing your shelving into brick, concrete or block walls you’ll want to buy these specialty anchors.
  • Toggle Bolts – these are ideal for heavy duty support and if any attachments need to be made to ceilings.

5.Level & Plumb, you’ll be glad you took the time. Take some extra time when installing your supports to be sure everything is level (horizontal) and plumb (vertical).

6.Bonus Tip – Still unsure take the Workshop for Women class “My Screws are Loose – hanging things on walls & ceilingsapostrophe You’ll learn all you need to know about anchors, fasteners, finding a stud and more.

About the author:

Judy Browne is the creator and founder of Workshop for Women, LLC, Workshop for Women offers fun hands-on classes in basic home improvement skills especially designed for women. If you’d like to learn how to fix that leaky faucet, install that motion sensor switch and thermostat or how to repair drywall yourself give Judy a call at, 303-284-6354 or visit her website www.workshopforwomen.com for a current class schedule.
Classes include: Plumbing 101, Home Maintenance, Power Tools, Carpentry, Interior trim, Electrical Basics, Drywall Repair, Hanging Things on Walls & Ceilings, Sprinkler System Maintenance and more.