IKEA Expedit Closet Makeover

Welcome to the 163rd Metamorphosis Monday!

A while back I wrote about how on a recent visit to the Atlanta IKEA with a friend, I repeatedly decided and un-decided to buy an Expedit shelving unit.  I really wanted to buy one for my office closet but there was one big problem.

Ikea Expedit

The Expedit measures 58 5/8 inches wide and my closet measures 57 1/2 inches wide and 47 1/2 inches deep.  With the baseboard molding removed, the closet measures 59 1/4 inches wide.  So, my office closet was barely wide enough to fit an Expedit across the back wall if I removed the baseboard molding.  But the real problem would be getting it through the closet door and then rotating it to go against the back wall.  The Expedit was just too wide to make the turn once inside the closet.  I knew this because I created/cut a fake foam-board shelf the width of the Expedit and tested pushing it into the closet and turning it.  No go!

Never being one to be swayed by logic 😉 I’ve been noodling this issue for days.  I knew it would be next to impossible to build it inside the closet—in place, because there are little pegs that go in the side panels to hold them on and I would need some space on the end to hammer on the side panel.

Instructions

With the unit built inside the closet on the spot where it would stand, I’d only have about 3/4 inch to spare, not enough to hammer on the final side panel, actually not even enough space for the pegs to fit since they stick out more than just 3/4 inch.

Ikea Expedit Instructions

 

 

Anyone with half a brain would have given up and just bought a regular old book case, but apparently I don’t have half a brain because back to IKEA I went yesterday.  I arrived around 1:30 PM and took this pic with my cellphone from the car as I sat waiting to turn at the light.  IKEA sticks out against the city landscape.  It’s HUGE and it’s electric blue with bright yellow accents.   Once I was finished in IKEA, I headed back home, stopping by the grocery store just long enough to pick up kitty food for Mr. Max.   I was back home by 4:00 PM to begin the impossible.

IKEA in Atlanta GA a

 

Here’s how the closet looked before I started…in desperate need of some organization.  I still had painting supplies in the closet from when I painted the room several months ago.  You can see the renovation of the office from start to finish in THIS post.

The big box in the right corner is full of fabric I hope to use one day.  Do you have a box like that at your house?  There are also camera boxes, 2 camera bags,extra printer paper, trash bags, a typewriter, desk lamp, a small scale for weighing packages, my Silhouette machine and magazines I can’t bare to recycle until I go through them one more time.

BEFORE:

Office Closet Before Installing Expedit

The top shelf BEFORE…

f

Awful, wasn’t it?  Ready to see the AFTER?

Much better!

IKEA Expedit Inside Closet

Meet Mr. Expedit. 🙂

Expedit Closet Organization

 

Sorry I can’t get a full shot of Mr. Expedit in the closet, the closet door just isn’t wide enough.  But he’s all there in full size.  The magazine holders are a pretty shade of green that matches the green and white floral chair in the office, the one just outside the closet door.  They came out dark in the photo but here’s how they actually look.  I filled them with my ancient Traditional Home magazines…still love those older issues.

kassett-magazine-file_

I wish I could get the whole view in.  The globe used to be in this room when it was my son’s bedroom.  It’s the only thing left in this space from those days. (sniff)I may add four more of the PJAS baskets to the unit so I’ll have two rows of those in the center.  Not sure on that, yet.  I’m kind of enjoying the openness, so it may just stay this way.

IKEA Expedit Inside Closet

 

Here’s the amount of clearance I ended up with on either side.  The left side…

25 021

The right side.  Crazy, huh?

25 031

Here’s a side-by-side comparison.   I finished at midnight actually closer to 1:00 AM.  Today I’m typing this with the help of Advil.  Did you know you have muscles in your sitting-down-place?  Yup, you really do and I can feel every one of mine today. lol  Wow, what a workout!  I’ll create a post soon showing how I got this baby in here.  It wasn’t easy, but by golly, where there’s a will, there’s a way!  Let’s just say, I LOVE my Dremel!

Building and Using an Ikea Expedit Inside a Closet

So looking forward to all the Before and Afters for this Metamorphosis Monday!

IKEA Expedit Built Inside Closet

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Comments

  1. black eyed susans kitchen says

    Wow, Susan…I wonder if we were on the same wave length this week! I also used the Ikea Expedits to renovate my new closet. I would love it if you would take a look. Susan

  2. Okio B Designs says

    I heart Ikea! Thanks for hosting! Jeanine

  3. laxsupermom says

    It looks amazing! Where there’s a will there’s a way – indeed! Looking forward to reading the story of how you made it happen. Thanks for sharing and for hosting this party each week.

  4. Martina @ Northern Nesting says

    Susan your closet looks great, love that organizer! Thanks so much for hosting!

  5. Martin @PhotoLifeSite says

    Beautiful job! Enjoy your new closet 🙂

  6. Alderberry Hill says

    You totally rock…it couldn’t be more perfect. Thanks for sharing & thanks for hosting as well. Hope you have a great week!

  7. Wow! Looks really good in there,Susan! Definitely worth all the trouble…Christine

  8. Judy Bigg says

    Good job, I can’t wait to see how you got it in there. I love your parties.

  9. Colleen Jorgensen says

    Fabulous, Susan! I can’t wait to see how you fit that ‘baby’ in there. And those baskets? LOVE! Did you get those at IKEA too? Guess I need to take a trip down there. (It’s nearly an hour away.) I’m afraid I’d be in ‘overwhelm’ with all the goodies. But then, I’m used to that state 🙂 Thanks for hosting!

    • Thanks, Colleen! Yup, the baskets are form IKEA. They are called PJAS and fit the Expedit perfectly. It’s totally worth the drive. It’s a HUGE store though…like 2 Walmart stacked on top of each other…maybe bigger. So be prepared to be there a while. They have a cafeteria about half way through, so you can eat and keep your energy up for the shopping.

  10. reFresh reStyle says

    You closet looks amazing, I wish mine looked like that! Thanks for hosting, Debbie

  11. Ingrid@morestylethancash says

    I laughed and I laughed as I read this because I know that any woman who has a will can find a way! Once when my husband was working our of town for several weeks I bought a 4 poster bed that must have weighted 500 pounds. I was determined to get it upstairs to our bedroom and after an afternoon of muscle strain I did it! I can`t wait to see how you did this!

  12. Lisa - A Room with A View says

    Thank you for hosting, Susan! I dream of Expedit but there is no Ikea within an hour or more driving distance, unfortunately. I love the transformation. That must have been quite a feat, trying to fit it into the closet – well done. I can truly imagine you needing some Advil relief today.

  13. I would love to have everything organized that neatly. It’s not gonna happen here, though. Can’t wait to see how you got it in!

  14. ♥ Sonny ♥ says

    It looks great and I have the perfect wall in my storage room for it- maybe 2 lol.. I wish Ikea wasnt 90 miles away.

  15. Lori @ Projects Plenty says

    Your closet looks great… shames mine. 🙂 Thanks for hosting another great party. Lori

  16. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    If nothing else, you are one determined woman, Susan! : ) It looks great and I can see why you wanted to keep at it. I need a mini version of this for my craft/sewing room. I’m looking for something with shelves to hold other supplies that are presently sitting on the floor.

  17. Betsy Speert says

    OK, I’m sitting at my desk, staring at my closet, wondering if I can do what you did. Oh, boy!!!! something else to change. What a great transformation. You have inspired me to think about getting off my @$$.

  18. I would love to visit an Ikea store but don’t have one here…would have to drive to St. Louis, but anyway, I love your closet organization. Perfect!

  19. How to Nest for Less says

    Can you believe that I have NEVER been to an IKEA?! Oh, how I wish there was one near me… I think I’ll have to make a road trip to Chicago soon cause your closet makeover is FANTASTIC!! Thanks for hosting again this week 🙂

  20. Glenda/MidSouth says

    Yay! You got it done! 😀

  21. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    Love the closet re-do, Susan! Have a great week!…hugs…Debbie

  22. Jo @ To a Pretty Life says

    Wow, that looks amazing in there! I’m guessing you won’t be taking it back out any time soon 😉 I can’t wait for the details!

  23. Wow! What a huge difference the new shelving unit made!!! It really looks great….love those baskets! ~ Des

  24. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    Nice closet makeover. Love all the storage. Thanks for hosting.

  25. h. m. setton says

    it looks fantastic. definitely worth the trouble.

  26. Rebekah Greiman says

    LOVE the storage cubes in the closet! And Good Monday morning to you! I linked up my Easy Laundry Soap. It’s super easy to make and smells fantastic!Thanks for hosting the party once again. Have a great week! Rebekah-

  27. anangloinquebec says

    Thanks for hosting! You certainly have patience! Great job!

  28. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    Gulp. OH. MY. GOSH! Susan, you are a woman not to be stopped. I am so impressed, man I could use your help in my very disorganized chaotic office and craft room!!!! WELLLLLLL DONE, ma’am!!!!!

  29. Anonymous says

    I had the same issue with my chrome shelves, had to assemble them inside the closet, but by golly, I, too, got it done. Was not easy, but where there’s a will there’s a way. Great job.

  30. We have that same unit in our rehab office at work. Each therapist has their own cubby for personal belongings while at work. Works great for us. Along the bottom row other things are stored in them. Some sections have a basket and some of doors. Makes for an interesting mix. Linnea

  31. Nan @ Playful Decor says

    Hi Susan, I’m intrigued to know HOW you got the thing in there!! Thank you for hosting – I’m coming back after a long break, still working on our house and hoping to open my biz this week! I’m about half way done with the kids bath, linked up a rough tut for DIY mural painting. Have a great week! Nan

  32. poindextr says

    NICE job!!! I’m beyond impressed!

  33. Let’s hear it for dogged determination.

  34. Robin Boyd Jackson says

    Thanks for hosting. Don’t you just love/hate Ikea! The closet looks great. Robin

    • Robin, so funny you should say that. I do have sort of love/hate relationship with them. Their customer service stinks. Love their products but don’t love the process, especially the checking out process. The guys who work outside where you load your stuff…they were great!

  35. You made it work when the odds were against you! Good job!! Thanks for hosting.

  36. You can see the unit behind me in the last picture in this post. http://neabear.blogspot.com/2010_06_01_archive.html I think we have a bigger one though that the one you got. Five sections across I think. ~Linnea

  37. Welcome to my list of the most determined gals I know. My how IKEA has changed our lives….lol. Ok Susan, I have to ask. How did you get the basket on the right into the cubby? The photo doesn’t look as if there is enough depth. Great job!

  38. Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says

    Oh my goodness, I can’t wait to see how you got it in there! Thanks for hosting!

  39. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    This is fabulous, you are one determined girl! This might be the perfect solution for our closet, thank you ! XO Kristin

  40. Farmer's Wyfe says

    How I envy your nice big closet and how wonderful that shelving is!!! Living in an 1850 stone house means VERY small closets for the few that there actually are!!! Have a great week!!

  41. Aimee-ItsOverflowing.com says

    Your closet is AWESOME! Thanks LOTS for hosting! XO, Aimee

  42. Ali @ JamHands.net says

    What a gorgeous office. I just love all the white 🙂 Thank you so much for hosting for us. Have a great week!

  43. Something Nice and Pretty says

    Love Ikea but have only been there three times, just to far away to hop in the car and go! Just love your closet! Thanks for hosting too!

  44. Cottage and Broome says

    So glad you posted about this! I was just at Ikea over the weekend and looked at the same unit for my closet. It was an inspiration and it just confirmed that is what I need for mine! Thanks for hosting again this week. Laura

  45. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says

    I want an Expedit sooo bad, but I’m not sure where I’d but it in our new place.

  46. Susan, Your closet looks amazing.We did this in our last home.I really miss the organization.It is on our to do list.Very inspirational.Thanks for hosting.

  47. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    Yay! Through all of your previous posts I kept thinking, “Do NOT give up, Susan. You can do this.” I’m so glad you figured it out! Looks great.

  48. Chari at Happy to Design says

    Hi Susan… Wow!!! You did it!!! Love your new storage shelving…it’s beautiful and functional too! Love the pretty baskets! Ohhh boy…I have a couple of closets that adding this type of shelving would be such a help. Thanks for the inspiration, my friend! And…thank you for hosting another Met Monday for us! Love ya, Chari

  49. I love Mr. Expedit. What a huge difference. I love that you never gave up either. Thanks for hosting. I am all linked up.

  50. Donna Patrice says

    Wow – that looks awesome!! Glad you got it to work for you. Funny how determined we can be when we REALLY want something, huh? =) My house could use some morphing, that is for sure!

  51. Pattie @ Olla-Podrida says

    I love what you’ve done here, and I had to laugh when you used the words “noodling it” because I say that all of the time. If I’m not noodling, then I’m letting things marinate. I’m still working on my office, but I just may see one of these in my future.

  52. Sewconsult says

    Wow, I am impressed! You have determination, to say the least! I am envious of your closet. I have a large sewing room (10’x23′), but the closet is dinky…very dinky, so much is in other storage units. Beckie in Brentwood, TN

  53. Connie ❀ says

    Great Job, Susan. I can relate to your determination to make it fit and it looks perfect. You also can send an Ikea up our way …….. Good job!

  54. Robin @ Happily Home, After says

    I love IKEA for making great foundation pieces that can be used so many ways … I hate that while assembling them we usually figure out so many “different” ways until we finally turn the directions upside {um, right side up} and get it correct! That Expedit is so versatile but one heavy dang thing to lug around … great job! I’m posting a tutorial today for hacking / upgrading a ceiling fan light. As always, thanks for hosting. Oh, and I’ve been reading your photography posts a lot lately and have really found that information helpful. I have a Nikon d5100 that I’m still within the “trade in” time for a d7000 and am trying to decide what to do. Robin

  55. The Hell on Heels Housewife says

    Thank you so much for hosting! Looks like another great party!! I love the shelves…I am driving 4 hours tomorrow to get to IKEA…totally worth it! Maggie http://www.thehellonheelshousewife.blogspot.com

  56. Thanks so much for hosting. Hope you have a lovely week!

  57. Scribbler says

    Thanks for hosting! I will definitely be back to see how you pulled this off. I think we will be passing through later this week, and we do plan to stop. We are too loaded down to get anything that large this time, but I really like the baskets. on IKEA Expedit Closet Makeover: Welcome to the 163rd Metamorphosis Monday!
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  58. Sue (Someones Mom) says

    Wow…I want one! This made such a difference and I can’t imagine how you got it in there. I love this! Sorry you need the Advil, but it was worth it!

  59. lauren @ West Furniture Revival says

    love your closet redo. nothing beats having everything organized!

  60. I am LOVD says

    I {heart} IKEA like nobody’s business – nobody does organization better, not even Container Store!

  61. SheilaG @ Plum Doodles says

    Wow, you must be a miracle worker, can’t wait to see how you did it! Got any tips for squeezing into too-tight jeans? 😉

  62. That set up looks so user friendly and the baskets rock!

  63. Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest says

    Hi, Susan. Once again you amaze…I can hardly believe the things you take on! What a project that must’ve been, but well worth it now, I’m sure. I’m glad to see you have a Silhouette…is that a future post?? 🙂 I keep thinking I need one, but I’m not sure. Pat on the back to you! ~Zuni

  64. Nann from At Nann's Table says

    Susan I am so impressed. It looks so organized and efficient. Three cheers for IKEA! You did an amazing job. I need those!! Thanks for hosting another wonderful party. I so appreciate you Susan! Hugs, Nann

  65. Another Sandy says

    So cool!

  66. I need a solution for one of my closets. This just might be the answer. Need to check the measurements. You did a fantastic job, Susan. I’d love to be that organized! ~ sarah

  67. I wish I had an Ikea near me:-( I miss it! Thank you for hosting this fun linky party.

  68. What a fantastic job and count me among those who are waiting to see how you did this…actually, I’m trying to figure how you got the box out of the car. Those things are HEAVY! I’m in the middle of a sewing room re-do based on Ikea Malm 3 drawer dressers and my own homemade gihugeous ironing board. Each of the chests weighed 80 lbs! They were so heavy that we had to open the box in the car and bring it in in pieces…was that how you handled the transport to the office? Looking forward to the next couple posts. Good job!!!

  69. Donata @ DK's Craft Cafe says

    That’s the piece I’m saving for now 🙂 Thanks for hosting, Susan!

  70. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    What a great organized space..My son and daughter in law swear by that shelving…they are great…Now, I “spy” a cute box that I also have from days ago from Hallmark!..great organizer box!…When I go to Ikea, I have to plan ahead for the day trip..as the closest one to me is 2 1/2 hours away in Charlotte, but worth the drive.

  71. JackieInMI67 says

    LOVE how the closet turned out. My closets are like tiny, cluttered, horribly dark abysses..ha! Thank you for hosting! 🙂

  72. ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ says

    Susan, you brilliant woman you! You make me proud. Never giving up. Love the closet. I really got a chuckle that you were so embarased about your before closet. Girl you have nothing on me. . .your stuff is not piled to the ceiling. Keep stuffing higher and higher. Looking forward to your next post. ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

  73. What a perfect home office. I would love to have one like that. Am desperate for my own space. Always inspired when I visit you.

  74. Erin@TheSavvySeeker says

    You totally rocked that closet!! Can you come over and organize our closet? Looks great! Thanks for the inspiration!!

  75. The closet looks great! I really need to do something like that to a few of my closets! Thank you for hosting.

  76. Thanks for hosting another fantastic party! Can’t wait to go through the great links!!

  77. ❁Velma ~Down Our Country Road❁ says

    When a woman is on a mission, Katy bar the door!! Lookin’ good, girlfriend 😉 Now how you got that baby in there really has our attention and I’m sure that others will be following in your footsteps.

  78. I just found your site and OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS, I love it!!! Wonderful idea for organizing a closet! It’s wonderful!!!

  79. That’s such a great unit, Susan, although I can’t imagine how you managed to build it inside the closet with so little wiggle room! It really looks lovely.

  80. Anonymous says

    Love it! Love everything about your house. I have to really study a picture that has any kind of renovation involved. I noticed the slant in the ceiling. Is that stairs? You have actual stairs going to the attic?

    • Thanks! I wish that was stairs to the attic instead of the dinky pull down stairs I have to that area. That slanted area is just the slanted roof line that you also see in the upstairs family room/bonus room. The ceiling is that way in the guest room closet, too…except it’s the mirror image since the guest room is across the hall from the office.

  81. Vickie H. says

    Good LORD! You, ABSOLUTELY, are a woman POSSESSED!!! You are not one to allow a huge challenge to stand in the way of what you hope to achieve!!! Even though you cannot see me, I am on my knees before you, bowing in complete AWE!!! That closet is magnificent! Can’t WAIT to see how you pulled this off!!! Hooray for YOU!!

  82. Katie Sue says

    Thank you so much Susan for hosting. The closet is amazing! Katie

  83. I would love to make my loft like your office study, and would like to know where you got the file cabinets and other storage units, also was the counter top premade from a box homestore like Lowes or Home Depot? I just love it and it would be absolutely perfect for my room. You are my new inspiration.

  84. Okay, I have to know how you did this because I want to do the same thing… did you ever post a tutorial?
    Please help!

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