What to Know About the Best Closet Storage Systems
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The closet can easily become the most stressful place in the house without the right organization. It’s where you drop your shoes, store your purses and totes, cram your out-of-season jackets, stash away your extra toiletries, and so much more. But for all a closet can do, it won’t pull its weight without the best closet storage systems. With the help of a few hanging rods, shelves, and strategically placed drawers or cubbies, you can turn a zone of chaos into a neat space where you’ll actually be able to find that one pair of pants you swore you left in there somewhere.
Closet organization options can do more than corral the clutter—they can turn your clothing space into a place that no longer feels overwhelming. Even the smallest closets (read: especially the smallest closets!) can greatly benefit from a closet organization system that keeps things tidy and at the ready. It’s not always easy to know what you need, though, and there are a lot of organizers out there, from storage cabinets to hanging organizers to shoe racks and more. Below, we answer a few frequently asked questions and provide you with real solutions so you can finally create the closet you’re dreaming of.
So, where do I start with organizing my closet?
Before you start buying a bunch of random organizers, take a step back and determine what you need:
- Measure your available closet space.
- Assess the things you have to organize.
- Make a plan.
Do you have a trench coat in every color? You may want to opt for a dual-sided closet organizer with a high rod on one side and a dual rod system on the other. Or maybe you have a vast handbag collection. In that case, open shelving is a must.
After you’ve taken inventory of your items, it’s time to research products. Lucky for you, we handled the hard part there! Below, you can shop the top-rated closet storage system kits you can purchase online right now and custom-fit to your closet. After you’ve made your selection, take a peek at our tips for organizing your closet, and how to make the most of a small space.
Are closet storage systems worth it?
In short, absolutely! A closet organizing system can make a huge difference in how your items are stored, how you care for them, and even how much you can fit inside the space.
Start by thinking about the size of closet you’re working with. Bigger spaces or walk-in closets may benefit from a larger system that has drawers, multiple levels of rods, various shelves, and shoe storage. But if you have less available space, a couple well-placed shelves atop the clothing rod or a standalone cabinet on the floor might be all you need to make a difference.
How do I add storage to an existing closet?
When it comes to adjusting an existing closet, you have more options that you might think. First, consider your biggest pain points and what could fix them. Do you desperately need more drawers? Are your shoes piling up to form a small mountain? Finally ready for a clothes hamper that can actually fit your space?
Helpful tools and solutions are everywhere. For example, pants hangers or a rod extender can really help maximize missing clothing rod space. (This clothing rod extender holds up to 50 pounds and is less than $15!). Or maybe you don’t have a great place for everyday items like athletic wear or sweatshirts. Collapsable fabric baskets like these may be the perfect answer for that. Feel free to think outside the closet, too—underbed bins would add plenty of extra storage without sacrificing closet space at all.
What can I do if I have a small closet with no space?
Believe it or not, there are a variety of closet organizer kits out there that’ll fit even the most awkward of spaces (we included a couple below that are customizable!). Alternatively, you might also choose to position a chic clothing rack to display your favorite pieces or most-reached for items. And don’t forget to put your walls to good use, too. Wall hooks, over-the-door organizers, shelves, and shoe storage furniture can really make a difference.
01
Best Overall
Elfa Classic 4-Foot White Kit
The Container Store
$299.99
The Elfa line at The Container Store is one of the most popular closet storage systems out there, and there’s a reason for that! They’re sturdy, customizable, easy to rearrange, and simple to install. Plus, there are plenty of options to make these systems look just as chic as the rest of your bedroom, like wooden shelves and drawers, accessory trays, and more.
02
Best Organization
ClosetMaid SuiteSymphony Closet Organizer Kit
Amazon
$473.43
ClosetMaid is a well-known name in closet organization game, and the SuiteSymphony tops the brands’ list. In fact, the adjustable kit offers a great variety of organizers that you can customize to fit any closet 7 feet to 10 feet wide. Perfect for larger reach-in closets or walk-in closet spaces, the kit comes with three hanging rods, three shelves, and three drawers to store everything you need.
03
Best Custom + Editor-Tested
BOAXEL Wardrobe Combination
IKEA
$212.00
If a totally custom look is what you need, IKEA’s BOAXEL system is here to help. The storage system is completely configurable for any sized closet, so you can be sure you have everything you need—and nothing you don’t. You can use their customization tool here to build yours in minutes, or go with a pre-fabricated model like this bestseller.
04
Best Budget
Rubbermaid Configurations Custom Closet Kit
Amazon
$147.89
For those who want a more organized space but don’t want to shell out multiple hundreds of dollars to get their closet into better shape, go for the Rubbermaid Configurations kit. This expandable system comes in four different sizes: 2-4 feet; 3-6 feet; 4-8 feet; and 6-10 feet. The affordable organizer doesn’t skimp on quality, and provides a surprising amount of storage savers. Included are three 26-inch shelves, two 36-inch shelves, two top rails, 10 brackets, four uprights, and two hanging rods.
05
Best for Small Closets
ClosetMaid ShelfTrack Wire Closet Kit
Lowe’s
$124.98
It’s not just the large closets that need quality organization. ClosetMaid gets that, and that’s why they have so many models that can fit into those tiny closets you don’t know what to do with. The ShelfTrack is a perfect fit for any closet 2 feet to 10 feet wide, and at under $150 for the 4-foot version, it’s easy to reason the purchase if it means a more organized space and a less frustrating morning routine.
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Bree Pulver O'Hagan
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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