The $20 IKEA Hack That Doubled My Closet Space

Small Closet? Try This Budget-Friendly DIY That Actually Works

If you’ve ever opened your closet only to have it explode with tangled hangers, lost shoes, and wrinkled clothes, I’ve been there too. Living in a small apartment with a tiny closet meant I had to get creative—and I finally found a solution that changed everything.

The $20 IKEA Hack That Doubled My Closet Space

It cost me just $20 and came from IKEA. With one simple addition and a little tweak, I literally doubled the usable space in my closet—without installing any shelves, buying a new wardrobe, or drilling into walls.

Let me show you exactly how I did it, why it works, and how to replicate this budget hack using a few clever add-ons from IKEA—and even easier alternatives from Amazon.

The Problem: One Rod, No Storage

Most closets come with a single hanging rod and maybe one shelf. If you're lucky. That setup wastes so much vertical space. Pants are squished together, jackets overlap, and forget about storing shoes or bags neatly.

My closet was a jungle of tangled hangers and unused space below my hanging clothes. I wanted something modular, easy to install, and cheap. So I went to IKEA.

The Solution: IKEA MULIG Clothing Rack (Plus One Genius Flip)

Enter the MULIG Clothing Rack. It’s normally marketed as a freestanding rack, but here’s where the magic happens:
👉 Instead of using it as a traditional clothes rack, I installed it as a second hanging rod inside my closet—creating double the hanging space for just $20.

Here’s why it works:

  • It’s adjustable, so you can customize the height.

  • It’s lightweight but sturdy enough to hold jeans, sweaters, and jackets.

  • The simple design fits in almost any closet.

You don’t need to be a DIY genius—just a tape measure and a screwdriver.

Step-by-Step: How I Did It

What I used:

  • 1 IKEA MULIG Clothing Rack ($19.99)

  • Measuring tape

  • Screwdriver or power drill (optional)

  • Zip ties (to secure if not screwing into walls)

Installation Steps:

  1. Measure the space under your existing rod. I wanted to hang shirts on top and pants on the bottom.

  2. Assemble the MULIG rack but remove the legs. You’ll only use the horizontal rod and supports.

  3. Install horizontally by attaching the side supports to either wall of the closet or even bracing it with zip ties to the existing rod.

  4. Hang your clothes. Voilà—instant second tier!

It’s like building a custom double-hanging closet system for under $20. You can even spray paint it gold or black to match your aesthetic.

Why This Hack Works So Well

  • Maximizes vertical space you weren’t using before.

  • Keeps shirts and pants wrinkle-free and visible.

  • Works for any closet—even if you rent (just zip-tie it instead of drilling).

  • It’s modular—if you move, take it with you!

No IKEA Near You? Try These Amazon Alternatives

If IKEA isn’t nearby or you prefer shipping straight to your door, there are some smart Amazon alternatives that do the same job.

🛍️ Double Hanging Closet Rod (Adjustable)
This expandable rod hangs from your existing rod, adding a second level in seconds—no tools needed!

🛍️ Tension Rod Clothing Bar
Ideal for renters: install this without tools. Great for adding a second rod under your existing one.

🛍️ Closet Rod Extension with Hooks
Perfect if you need flexibility. This hangs with hooks and works great for kids' closets too.

Bonus Closet Hacks That Cost Less Than $25

Once you double your closet space, make it actually organized with these cheap-but-brilliant accessories:

1. Space-Saving Velvet Hangers

Thin, non-slip hangers give you twice the space as bulky plastic ones.

🛍️ Pack of 50 velvet hangers for under $25—these are a total game-changer.

2. Hanging Shelf Organizer

Don’t waste vertical space! These fabric hanging shelves create extra room for sweaters, jeans, and shoes.

🛍️ 6-shelf hanging organizer folds up if you don’t need it.

3. Slim Shoe Rack for Closet Floors

If your shoes are in a pile at the bottom of your closet, this slim 3-tier rack keeps things tidy and accessible.

🛍️ 3-tier metal shoe rack fits 9 pairs and costs less than a pizza.

4. Over-the-Door Hook Rack

For purses, jackets, robes—anything that needs a home.

🛍️ Over-the-door hook rack gives you instant storage behind your door.

5. Drawer Dividers for Folded Items

Use these in dresser drawers or fabric bins to organize socks, underwear, or accessories.

🛍️ Adjustable bamboo drawer dividers help keep things neat and visual.

Final Reveal: Closet Before vs. After

Before:

  • One rod crammed with clothes

  • Floor covered in shoes

  • Folded piles that always tipped over

  • Constant re-folding and reorganizing

After the $20 Hack:

  • Double the hanging space

  • No more crammed rods

  • Floor space freed up

  • Everything in its place (and visible!)

Why You Should Try It Too

If you feel overwhelmed by your tiny closet—or constantly battle clutter—this one small IKEA tweak can make a massive difference. You don’t need to be ultra-minimalist or install fancy shelves.

You just need to make smart use of vertical space. And for under $20? It’s probably the best investment I’ve made in my tiny space.


The $20 IKEA Hack That Doubled My Closet Space

 

#ClosetHack #SmallClosetSolutions #TinyApartmentTips #ClosetOrganization #StorageHacks #IKEAHack #BudgetClosetMakeover #MinimalistCloset #ClosetGoals #AmazonHomeFinds

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