My teenager is a sweetheart, but when it comes to her closet, it tells a different story. The bottom shelf has become a catch-all for jeans and pants and, on a good day, looks like the photo below. More often it’s an untidy tangle that makes finding a single item a frustrating search. I won’t show the worst of it—I don’t want to embarrass her — but it was obvious the shelf needed better organization.
The bottom shelf was serving as a jumble of clothing where everything was mixed together, pulled out, and then tossed back in. To help, I decided to separate and organize items using boxes—and to make them pretty.
I’m not a neat-freak, but I value being able to find things quickly, and I try to pass that habit on to my children. Everything works better when it has a place: if you put it back, you’ll find it again without rummaging. Because the shelf layout made it easy for items to mix together, I chose open-front storage boxes that allow easy access to the contents. To make them more attractive and personal for my daughter, I covered the boxes with her favorite color—red—using decorative wrapping paper.
These open-front boxes are ideal for shelf storage because they let you reach in without pulling everything out. The covering process is simple and quick: fold the wrapping paper into three sections and wrap the box much like you would a gift, trimming any paper where the front opening is to keep the access clear.
Step-by-step wrapping method:
- Measure and fold the paper into three parts so the sides will wrap neatly around the box.
- Fold the paper onto the box as you would when wrapping a gift, but cut away paper where the front opening would be so the contents remain accessible.
- Fold the front and back edges inward and secure the paper with tape for a tidy finish.
- Add one more piece of paper to the bottom of the box for a polished look and extra durability.
Once each box is wrapped and taped, I added labels so clothes can be separated by type—jeans, leggings, shorts, pajamas, etc. Clear labeling not only keeps the shelf tidy but helps kids (and adults) put things back in the right place without guesswork.
The finished boxes look much nicer than the original mess. They fit neatly on the bottom shelf, and if desired, they can be stacked to maximize vertical space. Because they are open in the front, items are easy to retrieve and return, making day-to-day maintenance much simpler.
Tips to help these boxes stay organized longer:
- Assign categories and stick with them—consistency makes returning items easier.
- Place frequently used garments in the most accessible boxes.
- Periodically review the contents and remove items that no longer fit or are out of season.
- Make the system part of the daily routine: a quick five-minute tidy-up keeps the shelf from sliding back into chaos.
The pretty boxes are now ready to receive what used to be a messy jumble. I’ve asked the room’s occupant to do her part and return items to their labeled places. I’m hopeful the new system will stick, but it will take cooperation and a little habit-building to keep the shelf neat. How do you handle similar closet clutter at your house?
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This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read the full disclaimer and use common sense when trying any projects. I love receiving your comments and I try to reply to every one of them.