How To Choose The Right Closet System For Your Home, No Matter The Budget

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No matter the size of your closet or budget, you deserve to have a clean, organized, and manageable storage space. Unfortunately, many people can feel overwhelmed when it comes to organizing their closets. Whether you are battling an excess of clothing, tiny spaces, or ADHD, closets are one of the easiest places to let fall into disarray. While you may have a closet or two that is ideal for shoving your out of season gear, single socks, and other random doodads you don't have a place for, your clothing closet is not so easily stuffed away and forgotten. If you have been struggling to find a closet system, the good news is that there are almost endless selections out there that range in price, size, design, and style — so there is truly an option for everyone if you know where to look. Whether you are looking to build out a whole new wardrobe, add some additional shelving, or make the most of your tiniest spaces with clothing dividers, there is a solution for every type of closet out there. 

While finding the right tools to organize your space is integral, keeping your belongings to a manageable amount can also help lighten your mental and laundry load. Seasonally decluttering your wardrobe can help keep you more organized and give you a better idea of the pieces you have to work with. If you aren't sure whether or not this is a project you need to take on, there are some telltale signs that it's time to reorganize your closet, but really it comes down to your needs. If you are feeling like your space is chaotic and unmanageable, that's reason enough to find a system that works better for you. 

If you are working with a small space and even smaller budget, your best course of action will be to go after individual organizing tools rather than a whole system. This means baskets, dividers, hanging shelves etc. — i.e. things that don't require permanent installation, or a significant cost. One of the biggest struggles with small closets is developing shelving space. If you are working with a single cross bar, one of the best options is a hanging shelf. There are tons of variations to choose from that range in size, length, and price, but something like this Flybox Closet Organizer gives you the option of three hanging shelves which can be used on their own or connected to each other to form a longer shelf. Shoppers loved the versatility of these shelves, though some did note concern over the durability when used with heavier and bulkier items like shoes. 

If you are working with awkwardly spaced shelves, you may find that adding some hanging baskets could be the key to utilizing your space effectively. This two-pack of Sufauy Under Cabinet Shelf Brackets slip securely onto the bottom of a shelf and can hold up to 22 pounds. Since they are sturdier than a fabric option (and easier to clean) they may be a better option for shoes — though you won't want to place clothing underneath them as the open grate allows for dirt and dust to fall through. Another option to use your widely spaced shelves to their maximum capacity is acrylic shelf dividers. These help to separate and support your clothing so that you can stack them higher without worrying that they will topple into each other, and it keeps your clothing items separated visually for easy access. 

Everyone wants a walk-in closet, but with most people working with something more limiting, there are a ton of ideas out there as to how to organize a small closet. When working with smaller spaces, the key is to find a system that can be tailored to your needs. This ClosetMaid ShelfTrack Wire Closet System is an excellent option, whether you are working with a generous or limited space. It offers up to 132 inches of hanging space, and 216 inches of shelf space depending on how you configure the system and the width of your closet. It fits closets between five and eight feet wide, and the adjustable shelves allow you to organize and space it to your own needs. Plus the shelves are only 13 inches deep so you 

"We had a tricky closet setup with two large pipes on either side of the closet and just under six inches of space in between," said one shopper, "so we couldn't get a standard wall to wall organizer. We wanted something that would maximize the use of the wall space we did have and this really did the trick! We were able to utilize the whole wall and have multiple rows of shelving and closet rods. It helped us create more than enough room for storage and feels very sturdy." At only $154 for the set, the price is pretty reasonable — plus, only the tracks screw into the wall, so it is easy enough to remove should you want to relocate it. If you are working with a particularly small closet — under five feet — you will find that this option is still too large for you. 

If you have extra space in your bedroom but don't have a closet that lives up to your standards, your best option may be to build your own. Now don't worry, this does not mean hiring a contractor or resigning yourself to a month-long renovation project. There are a ton of readymade closet systems out there that can be personalized to your needs — and that only need a hex key, screw driver, and some patience to install. One of the best places to get built-out closets is IKEA. Though there are many options to choose from, one of its most customizable options is the PAX storage solution. This collection has a planning tool on IKEA's website that allows you to build and visualize your perfect closet before purchasing. You can choose colors and configurations as well as view your system from any angle, and get measurements and prices updated as you build. 

One home decor blogger was so pleased with how the Pax system performed in their last home that they decided to use it to build their dream closet in their new home. Another home blogger noted that it was popular for good reason, and noted its affordability, customizability, and wide variation of design options, but they also noted some cons including limited stock of certain items, that they are constructed of particle board rather than solid wood, and that assembly can be time-consuming. That said, it remains as one of the most affordable customizable closet options on the market, so if you are looking for a luxury feel without draining your savings, this could be an excellent option for you.