Installing a DIY Walk-In Closet Step by Step

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Today is install day for our new closet, and I’m showing you exactly how to turn a spare bedroom into a dream walk-in closet. This project is part of our partnership with Easyclosets. If you saw Jim’s closet makeover last week, we did the same install style—goodbye wire shelves, hello sturdy wood!

Key Takeaways

• Timeline: 2 weekends (including Jim’s work-clothes closet).
• Biggest savings: DIY the install, labor is the budget killer.
• Layout: L-shaped wall system + center island, double-sided drawers.
• Pro help: Easyclosets free design specialist maximizes every inch.
• Resale plan: Offer to convert back to a bedroom if buyers want it.

Why work with a designer?

They’ll squeeze storage out of awkward corners, suggest accessories you didn’t know existed, and make sure the rods/shelves match your wardrobe habits—all free with Easyclosets.

This installation followed the same process as Jim’s small walk in closet (he uses for his work clothes!)

Walk-In Closet Installation: Step by Step

Pro Tips

• Sort first, measure second: Your final hanging vs. folding mix should match the clothes you actually keep.
• Double hanging = double space: Use it everywhere except for long dresses/coats.
• Plan walkways: Aim for ~36″ clear between island and walls for easy movement.
• Remove baseboards: Cleaner built-in look, tighter fit.
• Label parts by zone: “Island – left,” “Wall A – drawers,” etc. Future you will thank you.

The whole install took us two weekends (including Jim’s work-clothes closet).

I grabbed this photo of Jim during the home stretch—he was already in celebration mode. 😄

Here’s the final install before we moved clothing in—clean lines, tons of storage, and that island I begged for.

And a second angle because… worth it.

Does adding a walk-in closet add value?

Short answer: It depends on your market, but a large, well-designed primary closet is a selling feature—as long as you’re not removing a much-needed bedroom with no plan to reverse it.

• Our decision: We rarely used the spare bedroom, and when Jim moved in we needed real storage—so closet it is.
• Resale plan: When we sell, we’ll offer to remove the system and convert back to a bedroom if buyers prefer. (Bonus: these systems disassemble and travel surprisingly well.)
• Multigenerational angle: A second suite or oversized primary closet can be a win for multi-gen buyers.

Budget & Cost-Saving Ideas

• DIY install: Biggest savings by far—labor adds up fast.
• Mix hanging + shelves: Shelves are cheaper than stacks of drawers; use drawers where they matter (underwear, tees, accessories).
• Standard finishes: Skip specialty colors/hardware to keep costs down.
• One island, not two: A single, well-planned island beats multiple small units.

Quick Planning Checklist

• Measure usable wall lengths (subtract windows/doors) and mark outlets/vents.
• Decide hanging lengths: long hang vs. double hang.
• Count drawers you actually need (then add one more—trust me).
• Plan accessory zones: valet rods, hampers, shoe shelves, pull-out ironing board.
• Confirm walkway clearances (aim ~36″).
• Remove baseboards for a snug, built-in look.

That wraps up how to turn a spare bedroom into a dream walk-in closet.

For the full reveal (closet loaded with clothes and my shoe wall!), head here: bedroom-to-closet before & after.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Easyclosets. All opinions and words are 100% my own.