Look, I love a good splurge as much as the next person, but dropping $200 on fancy closet organizers when you could make something equally functional for $20? That’s not happening in this economy.
For years, I’ve been managing my collection of purses on a tight budget, and to be honest? Some of my top storage options are less expensive than a takeout meal. We’re talking about basic hardware store items, thrift store finds, and items that are probably already gathering dust in your home.
So let me walk you through 7 DIY purse storage ideas that’ll keep your collection organized without draining your bank account. No fancy tools required, no carpentry degree needed. Just practical solutions that actually work and look good doing it.
Tension Rod Wall Display
Tension rods from the dollar store are basically magic when it comes to DIY purse storage. I’m talking about those spring-loaded rods you use for shower curtains—they create instant hanging space anywhere you need it.
You can quickly create a horizontal rod for hanging bags by mounting one (or several) between two walls in your closet. My bags now hang in tiers thanks to the installation of three tension rods at various heights in my small closet. Total price? All three rods cost about $15. Everything remains visible and reachable, and the bags with handles or straps hang flawlessly.’
The best part? Zero damage to walls, which means this works for renters too. When you move, just pop them out and take them with you. FYI, make sure you get the heavy-duty versions rated for at least 10-15 pounds if you’ve got heavier bags 🙂
What you’ll need:
- Heavy-duty tension rods ($5 each)
- Measuring tape
- About 10 minutes of your time
Installation Tips
Measure your space carefully before buying rods—they need to extend to fit properly. Position rods about 12 inches apart vertically for good spacing. Test the tension by hanging a few bags before loading everything up. Readjust as needed to prevent sagging.
Repurposed Wooden Ladder
That old wooden ladder in your garage or at the thrift store? It’s your new purse display. I found one for $8 at a yard sale, gave it a quick coat of paint, and now it’s my bedroom’s statement piece.
Use the handles or straps of the bags to hang them from each rung while leaning the ladder against your wall. The vertical design makes use of very little floor space while producing an artistic, relaxed atmosphere that appears to be completely deliberate. You can paint it to match your decor, stain it for a farmhouse look, or sand it for a rustic appearance.
This project took me maybe an hour total, including drying time for the paint. The ladder holds 8-10 bags depending on size, and I can move it around whenever I want to rearrange my room. IMO, this is one of those DIY wins that looks way more expensive than it actually was.
PVC Pipe Purse Organizer
Okay, hear me out on this one. PVC pipes from the hardware store can become surprisingly chic purse storage with a little creativity. Cut them into cylinders, stack and glue them together, and you’ve got individual compartments for each bag.
I used 6-inch-diameter PVC pipes that were cut into 10-inch lengths to create a honeycomb-style organizer. I spray-painted the entire thing gold, adhered them in a pattern, and hung it on the wall of my closet. The entire setup costs less than $25, and each cylinder can accommodate one bag upright.
This project requires a saw (or ask the hardware store to cut the pipes for you), PVC glue, and spray paint. It looks modern and architectural, and people always ask where I bought it. The answer makes me way too proud every single time.
| DIY Project | Cost | Time Needed | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tension Rods | $15 | 10 minutes | Beginner |
| Wooden Ladder | $10-20 | 1 hour | Beginner |
| PVC Organizer | $25 | 2 hours | Intermediate |
| Pegboard Wall | $20-30 | 1-2 hours | Beginner |
DIY Pegboard System
Pegboard is the ultimate customizable storage solution, and you can grab a 2×4 foot panel for about $15 at any hardware store. Paint it whatever color makes your heart happy, add some hooks (also dirt cheap), and mount it wherever you need storage.
I installed pegboard on my closet’s back wall and arranged hooks to fit my exact collection. The genius part? I can move hooks around whenever my bags change or I get new pieces. It’s like having storage that evolves with you, which is basically impossible with fixed shelving.
The pegboard accepts different hook types—single hooks for crossbodies, double hooks for totes, small pegs for wristlets. Mix and match based on what you own. This whole project ran me about $30 including paint, hooks, and mounting hardware.
Creating Your Pegboard Wall
Sand the pegboard if it’s rough. Prime and paint with your chosen color (two coats usually does it). Mount using furring strips behind it to create space for hooks to fit through. Arrange hooks before you start hanging bags to get the spacing right.
Shower Curtain Ring Solution
This hack lives rent-free in my head because it’s so simple it feels like cheating. Shower curtain rings clipped onto a closet rod create individual hanging spots for bags with handles or straps.
I looped bag handles through a pack of metal shower rings that I purchased for $6 and clipped onto my current closet rod. I can rearrange the bags by sliding them along the rod, and each one hangs independently without tangling. My “bags falling off hangers” issue was permanently resolved in about five minutes.
Choose metal rings over plastic—they’re sturdier and look better. The rings also work on tension rods if you don’t have a permanent closet rod. This is one of those solutions that’s almost too easy but works flawlessly :/
Why this works so well:
- Rings slide smoothly for easy rearranging
- Each bag stays separate and accessible
- Works with any existing rod
- Costs less than a fancy coffee
Cardboard Box Divider System
Before you click away thinking “cardboard? really?”—wait. Sturdy cardboard boxes with DIY dividers create surprisingly functional purse storage, especially for clutches and small bags.
I cut cardboard strips to make dividers inside shipping boxes I was going to recycle, and I covered everything with contact paper to give it a deliberate appearance. I stack the boxes on my closet shelf, and each compartment can accommodate one upright bag. Total amount invested? If you save boxes, it’s essentially free; if you purchase contact paper, it might cost $10.
This works brilliantly for bags that don’t need hanging space. Cut dividers to fit your box dimensions, arrange them in a grid pattern, and secure with hot glue or tape. The contact paper transforms basic cardboard into something that looks store-bought.
Making It Look Good
Choose contact paper in colors or patterns that match your closet. Cut dividers precisely for a clean fit. Reinforce corners with packing tape before covering. Label the box ends so you know what’s inside when stacked.
Fabric Hanging Organizer (Sew or No-Sew)
The satisfaction of creating something yourself is combined with the appearance of store-bought organizers in these do-it-yourself fabric organizers that hang from your closet rod. If you’re skilled, you can sew one, or you can make a no-sew version with fabric glue and iron-on hem tape.
I made mine using canvas fabric ($12 for 2 yards), some dowel rods, and iron-on hem tape. Created pockets by folding and gluing fabric, attached everything to a dowel that hangs from the closet rod, and boom—custom purse storage that fits my exact needs.
The no-sew version took about 90 minutes and requires fabric, scissors, iron-on hem tape, a wooden dowel, and ribbon for hanging. You can customize pocket sizes for your specific bags, choose whatever fabric matches your style, and create as many pockets as you want.
Mixing DIY Projects for Maximum Impact
The key is that combining several do-it-yourself solutions results in a comprehensive storage system that outperforms any one technique. You get exactly what you need, and your budget goes farther.
Maybe you use tension rods for everyday bags, the ladder display for your favorites, and cardboard dividers for clutches. Perhaps pegboard holds your most-used pieces while shower rings organize the rest. Layer these budget-friendly solutions based on your collection and space.
The beauty of DIY is customization without the custom price tag. You’re not stuck with whatever Target has in stock—you’re creating storage that fits your exact situation. And when your collection grows (let’s be real, it will), you can easily add more solutions.
Making It All Cohesive
Use matching contact paper or paint all of your projects in the same shade to maintain a consistent color scheme. If at all possible, use uniform materials (all wood, all white, all gold accents). To give DIY pieces a sense of purpose, style the surrounding areas. To improve the appearance, add labels or ornamental elements.
Tips for DIY Success
Every DIY project teaches you something, usually through mild mistakes that you’ll laugh about later. I’ve learned a few things that’ll save you some trouble.
Measure everything twice before cutting or buying materials. Nothing’s worse than getting home and realizing something doesn’t fit. Test your setup before making it permanent—hang a few bags, see how it works, adjust as needed. Choose quality materials for weight-bearing elements (rods, hooks, mounting hardware) and save money on decorative stuff.
Don’t skip prep work like sanding or priming—it makes the difference between “DIY” and “I did this myself and it shows in a bad way.” Take your time with finishing touches. The devil’s in the details, and those small choices (matching screws, neat edges, clean paint lines) elevate everything.
So there you have it—7 ways to organize your purse collection without taking out a second mortgage. Start with whichever project matches your skill level and available materials, then build from there as you get more confident.
Your bags deserve organization, but organization doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Sometimes the best solutions come from a little creativity, a trip to the hardware store, and the willingness to try something new. Now grab those tension rods and show your purse collection who’s boss!