Declutter Your Closet With This Clever DIY Sweater Storage Idea

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If you've ever tried to shove one more sweater on an already packed closet rod, you know the familiar struggle. Everything starts sliding off the hangers, your knits wrinkle instantly, and the whole space feels chaotic. Sweaters are great for staying warm, but they're bulky and many closets aren't designed to accommodate a big collection. Before you start thinking of thinning out your wardrobe or donating pieces you genuinely love, transform your closet into a much more functional space by creating a designated zone just for sweaters with floating shelves. 

A set of narrow floating shelves, the same kind you often see in bathrooms or living rooms, can instantly add vertical storage without tearing apart your whole closet. Some people might think that floating shelves are becoming outdated, but they still have their uses. They maximize space and don't take up much depth. Best of all, this is one of those DIYs that looks far more involved than it actually is. 

All you need are a few floating wood shelves (like Amazon Basics set of three for $30 or Walmart Mainstays set of two for $12), basic mounting hardware (brackets and screws are typically included with the shelves), a pencil, stud finder, and screwdriver. That's it. There's no cutting, staining, or complicated tools required. With an open afternoon and a little bit of energy, you can declutter your closet and give your sweaters an intentional home. 

Once you've decided where you want your floating shelves to go (usually on a narrow side wall or the back of the closet), the installation is pretty easy. Start by using your stud finder to locate studs so the shelves can support the weight of the folded sweaters. Mark the placement with a pencil, line up your mounting brackets, and secure them to the wall using a basic screwdriver. Then, place the shelf on top and tighten the included screws to lock everything into place. Repeat with each shelf, spacing them out just enough for the height of your folded sweaters. Within minutes, you've carved out a perfectly sized, totally customized sweater nook that is easy to sort through.

The beauty of this trick is how functional it becomes. Sweaters naturally do better folded because hanging them stretches the shoulders and the material. Giving them a flat, dedicated landing spot helps preserve their shape. If you choose particularly shallow shelves due to space constraints, you'll want to roll your sweaters instead of folding. If you want to spend even less money, you can DIY stunning floating display shelves on a budget with a clever Dollar Tree hack.

Sort your sweaters by color, season, material, or even thickness. If you don't have room in your closet at all, you can always put these up on a bare wall in your bedroom. To customize, consider adding adhesive LED strip lights under each shelf. If you decide to buy extra shelves, here are some tips for styling floating living room shelves to create a beautiful design.