When we moved into our home, our mudroom had so much potential — and absolutely no function. This small hallway off the garage should have been the perfect drop zone for shoes, coats, and bags. Instead, it was wasted space.
The main issue? A tiny, dark closet with no light and an awkward door that opened directly into the powder room. Because of the layout, the closet was nearly unusable and quickly became a dumping ground.
I knew the only way to fix the problem was to remove the closet completely. I decided it was time to complete a DIY closet removal.
Before: Why the Closet Had to Go
The original mudroom layout included:
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A small bump-out closet
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A freestanding coat rack and bench
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No usable storage for daily life
While the coat rack itself worked fine (we moved it to the garage), the closet did not. Since we enter through the garage daily, this area was the first thing we saw — and it wasn’t functional or welcoming.
Important Disclaimer Before You Start
I am not a contractor or structural expert. Before removing any walls or studs:
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Check if the wall is load-bearing
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Look for electrical wiring or plumbing
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Consult a professional if you’re unsure
Safety always comes first. Fortunately, my wall was not load bearing so I was able to remove it fairly simply.
Step 1: Removing the Drywall
I started by cutting into the drywall using a multitool. While this worked, switching to a reciprocating saw (Sawzall) made the process much faster.
Tips:
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Cut the drywall into manageable sections
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Pull off large pieces slowly
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Save clean pieces for patching later
Saving drywall helped avoid buying extra materials later.
Step 2: Removing the Studs
This was the hardest part of the project.
I used a Sawzall with nail-embedded wood blades so I could cut through both wood and nails at the same time. I cut the studs into smaller sections to make removal easier.
Safety Tips:
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Wear safety glasses and a mask
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Use hearing protection
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Take breaks — this part is physically demanding
Step 3: Patching the Walls and Ceiling
Once the closet was gone, the difference was immediate. The space felt larger and more open.
I patched:
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The ceiling
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The wall next to the powder room door
I did not patch the wall that would be fully covered by cabinets later.
Why Removing the Closet Was Worth It
Removing the closet gave us:
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More usable floor space
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Better flow into the mudroom
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Room for built-in storage
This step completely changed the layout and made the rest of the project possible.
Materials:
FAQs
Q: Do I need a permit to remove a closet wall?
A: Permit requirements vary by location. If the wall is not load-bearing and does not contain electrical or plumbing, a permit may not be required. Always check with your local building department before starting demolition.
Q: How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
A: Load-bearing walls usually run perpendicular to ceiling joists and may support beams or floors above. If you’re unsure, consult a contractor or structural engineer before removing any studs.
Q: What tools do I need to remove a closet safely?
A: You’ll need a multitool or Sawzall, safety glasses, gloves, a mask, and hearing protection. Nail-embedded wood blades make cutting through studs much easier.
Q: Can I reuse drywall after demolition?
A: Yes. If drywall pieces come off cleanly, they can be reused for patching walls or ceilings. This saves money and reduces waste.
Q: Is removing a closet worth it for a mudroom makeover?
A: In many cases, yes. Removing an underused closet can open up valuable space and make room for functional storage like benches, cabinets, or lockers.
What’s Next in the Mudroom Makeover
Now that the space was open, it was time to build the storage.
👉 Next Post: How I Prepped, Painted, and Assembled IKEA Pax Cabinets for Our Mudroom
