Top-Performing Wardrobe Organizers, Evaluated by Better Homes and Gardens
Transforming messy closets into organized paradises is a breeze with the perfect storage system! Whether you need to organize clothes or juggle cleaning supplies, we've got you covered with our top picks. After spending 21 passionate hours installing six diverse closet systems, we ranked the best ones according to installation ease, design, worth, and functionality. We even collaborated with organizing and time management guru, Julie Morgenstern, and Cara Palmer of Organize Every Room, for valuable insights.
So, let's dive into our top-notch closet systems!
What We Tested
Meticulously evaluating six closet systems, we scrutinized their installation process, design, value, and more to present you with the best options. For a deeper insight into our methodology, check out our testing process.
Our Top Picks
The Container Store Elfa Classic 4 Foot Closet Kit ($500)
Ranking as our best overall, this Elfa Classic 4 Foot system caught our eye with its sturdiness, ease of installation, and numerous configurable options, making it the ultimate storage solution. Despite one chipped clear bin and a somewhat high price tag for a metal system, its speedy setup and efficient storage maximization set it apart. This 4-foot kit is an excellent beginning, and you can expand it further with custom kit pieces or customizing it yourself using the Elfa classic line.
Amazon Basics Expandable Storage Organizer Rack ($91)
On a tighter budget? This Amazon Basics Expandable Storage Organizer Rack is here to save the day! Offering a solid construction and a hassle-free assembly process, it's highly customizable with height-adjustable shelves and hanging rods. Although it sports a simple, utilitarian style and lacks additional customization features, its affordability and sturdy construction make it an appealing choice.
allen+roth Hartford Solid Shelving Wood Closet System ($359)
Looking for a visually pleasing closet system? This allen+roth Hartford Wood Closet System fits the bill! Combining practical storage space with an attractive appearance, it boasts wood and MDF construction. A somewhat lengthy installation process and the need for tools might discourage some DIY enthusiasts. Nonetheless, its high-quality feel, accommodating storage compartments, pristine aesthetic, and customizable options warrant its place on our list.
The Bottom Line
Based on our extensive research and testing, we favor the durability, ease of installation, and multitude of configurable options in the Elfa Classic 4 Foot Closet Starter Kit.
Our Testing Process
Throughout our thorough 21-hour testing process, we removed any existing shelving, installed the new closet system, evaluated each system's design, and carefully observed factors like organization, durability, and overall value. Keep an eye out for updates within the next six months as we observe our top picks!
What to Know About Closet Systems Before Shopping
This section provides some crucial information you should consider before shopping for your perfect closet system.
Material
- Wood and MDF: Aesthetically pleasing and durable, but generally pricier.
- MDF (engineered wood): More affordable but less robust; susceptible to moisture damage.
- Metal: Ideal for heavy items, long-lasting, but lacks visual appeal.
- Wire units: Budget-friendly and promote air circulation but allow smaller items to fall through, appearing less refined.
Customization & Configuration
- Create an inventory of your belongings and measure your space to determine the optimal configuration. Clothing, small items, and hanging space play essential roles in determining your closet system needs.
- Group items to store in a drawer, on shelves, and on hanging rods, and plan accordingly to ensure achievement of an efficient and organized closet.
Weight Capacity
- Ensure your wardrobe and utility closets have sufficient weight capacity to handle heavy objects. For clothing, aim for 30-40 pounds per linear foot, while a minimum of 50 pounds per shelf is suitable for utility closets.
Other Closet Systems We Tested
We evaluated several additional closet systems, but only the aforementioned trio made it to the top. For a more in-depth look at the systems we tested, visit our review section.
Who We Are
Brittany VanDerBill is a Better Homes & Gardens contributor, dedicated to exploring various appliances and storage solutions. She collaborated with Julie Morgenstern, renowned time management and organizing expert, and Cara Palmer, founder of Organize Every Room, for insights that enriched this article.
- To achieve an organized paradise, consider the Elfa Classic 4 Foot Closet Kit from The Container Store, our best overall pick due to its sturdiness, ease of installation, and numerous configurable options.
- On a budget? Look no further than the Amazon Basics Expandable Storage Organizer Rack, offering a solid construction, hassle-free assembly, height-adjustable shelves, and hanging rods.
- For a visually pleasing wood closet system, allen+roth Hartford Solid Shelving Wood Closet System is a worthy choice, boasting an attractive appearance and accommodating storage compartments.
- Based on our extensive research and testing, we favor the Elfa Classic 4 Foot Closet Starter Kit for its durability, ease of installation, and multitude of configurable options.
- Before shopping for your perfect closet system, consider the material, customization and configuration options, and weight capacity to ensure an efficient and organized closet that suits your preferences.
- To learn more about our testing process, additional closet systems we evaluated, or affiliate relationships, check out Brittany VanDerBill's Better Homes & Gardens review articles in collaboration with Julie Morgenstern and Cara Palmer of Organize Every Room.
