Okay, so, wardrobe trunk, huh? Let me tell you, this was a project and a half, but totally worth it in the end.

First thing’s first, I needed something to haul my cosplay stuff around. Those flimsy suitcases just weren’t cutting it. I was tired of showing up at cons with everything wrinkled and squished. So, I started brainstorming. I looked at some pre-made trunks online, and the prices were just insane. Plus, they weren’t exactly what I wanted. That’s when I decided, “Screw it, I’m building my own.”
I started by sketching out some designs. I wanted something sturdy, with compartments for everything: wigs, costumes, props, the whole shebang. I settled on a design that was basically a big box with a hinged lid and some custom-built shelves and drawers inside.
Next, I went to the hardware store. Lumber, plywood, hinges, latches, screws, nails, you name it, I bought it. The guy at the counter probably thought I was building a house. I even grabbed some heavy-duty casters so I could roll the thing around easily.
The building process was… interesting. Let’s just say I’m not exactly a master carpenter. There was a lot of measuring, cutting, and re-measuring. And some cursing. I definitely had a few moments where I thought I was in over my head. But I kept at it. I started with the basic box, then added the lid and reinforced the corners. This thing had to be able to withstand some serious abuse.
Then came the fun part: the interior. I built shelves for the costumes, a drawer for the wigs, and even a little compartment for the props. I lined everything with felt to protect the delicate fabrics and prevent things from sliding around. It took forever, but it looked awesome when I was done.

I also added some extra touches, like a handle on the side for easy carrying and some metal edging to protect the corners from damage. And of course, I had to paint it. I went with a sleek black finish that looked really professional.
Finally, it was done! My very own wardrobe trunk. It was bigger and sturdier than anything I could have bought in a store, and it was exactly what I needed. I loaded it up with all my cosplay gear and took it for a test run. It rolled smoothly, everything stayed in place, and I felt like a freaking rockstar.
Building this thing wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly satisfying. I learned a lot about woodworking, and I ended up with a piece of gear that I’m really proud of. Plus, I saved a ton of money. If you’re thinking about building your own wardrobe trunk, I say go for it! It’s a challenge, but it’s totally worth it.
- Materials: Lumber, plywood, hinges, latches, screws, nails, casters, felt, paint.
- Tools: Saw, drill, screwdriver, measuring tape, hammer, sander.
- Time: A few weekends.
Would I do it again? Hell yeah. Maybe next time I’ll add some built-in lighting or a mini-fridge. The possibilities are endless!