To prevent sagging, consider both the material and the span of the shelf. Using sturdy materials such as plywood or solid wood can provide better support than particleboard. Additionally, limiting the shelf span to 36 inches or less can reduce the risk of sagging. For longer shelves, incorporating center supports or brackets can offer additional reinforcement.

If you’re on a tight budget, the least expensive material you can buy for DIY closet shelves is chipboard, a.k.a. particle board. This inexpensive material is made from a pulp of sawdust, resin, and glue that’s pressed together under high temperature and pressure. As you can imagine, it’s not very sturdy and might buckle under your blue jean collection, so you should only use it if you’re storing very light items. 

There are a few reasons custom closets are expensive: materials used, the luxury factor, and time to build. The people who can afford custom closets are those who can afford increased rates, and construction workers and contractors know this and charge accordingly. The time to build custom closets is substantial, especially if expensive material is being used or intricate details (like carved wood) are added to the project. 

Hanging and folding clothes are efficient ways to pack your clothes during a move. When choosing a packing method, consider the type of clothing you’re packing. For example, clothing such as dresses, suits, blouses, and items made of silk and similar fabrics are ideal for hangers. On the other hand, it’s easier to fold pants, shorts, t-shirts, thick sweaters, and more.