WHAT ARE CLOSET ORGANIZERS?

Getting organized can be a difficult and daunting task, especially when it comes to the spaces that often act as catch-alls for household items: the closets. Closet organizers aim to rid you of the trappings of such clutter. They typically consist of special drawers, shelves, and storage compartments designed to fit in your closet space so that items can be arranged and stored neatly in their designated areas. The organizers can be as simple as collapsible boxes, or as elaborate as custom-built, professionally installed closet organization systems. Whether or not you have experience with closet organization, you probably know that developing and implementing organization systems for closets can be a time consuming challenge to undertake. However, the payback of getting your closets organized is that you ultimately save time and experience less stress when everything can be easily seen and more readily accessible. With that in mind, this buying guide has been created to help you determine the best type of closet organization system for you, your home, and your budgetary needs.

TYPES OF CLOSET ORGANIZERS
There are four common, inexpensive storage and organization tools for closets that can help you get your space organized.

Canvas Boxes
These boxes are roomy, collapsible, canvas covered, and can be used to organize practically everything.

Hanging Shelves
Generally about 12 inches deep, these shelves and drawers will fit in most closets. They can be used to organize different clothing items, accessories, or other household items.

Shoe Bags
The back of the closet door is often a closet’s most underutilized space. Some shoe bags are designed as overdoor hangers to help you organize your shoes while creating more space within your closet. For closets that are not equipped with doors for overdoor shoe bags, there are also shoe bags that can be hung on within closets on closet rods.

Collapsible Storage Bins
Plastic lined canvas bins can usually fit into tight spots, thus allowing you to maximize the amount of closet space utilized for storage. They can hold anything from dirty clothes to toys.

Closet Organization Systems
There are also more elaborate closet organization systems that are more costly and time consuming than the items mentioned above. The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) closet organization systems are usually sold through home centers and box stores and come in styles for both walk-in and reach-in closets. The components of theses systems are usually sold in pre-made sections that have been sized using standard closet measurements. They also require home assembly and installation. Closet organization systems include a variety of products that can be hung, connected, and/or stacked in your closets as you design and build your own organization system. Basic systems include rods for hanging items, shelves (some stationary and some pull-out), drawers, and shoe organizers. The closet organization systems can be freestanding (meaning they are simply placed within your closet), or they can require that you mount them to the wall or another fixture. They also come in a variety of materials including plastic, wire, and/or various types of wood.

Some closet organization systems can be custom built and sent to you for you to install on your own, or they can be installed by a professional. If you do decide to have a professional install your closet organizer, you will have to pay more (double or triple the typical $400 to $500), but you may also receive helpful design advice in the process.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Cost and Purpose
Consider how much you want to spend on your closet organizers and how much organizing you need to do. Are you looking for just a few “quick fixes” to help you de-clutter? If so, the simple organization tools (shoe bags, hanging shelves, etc.) that generally range from $5 to $50 may be what you need. However, if you are interested in a more extensive closet overhaul, the larger storage and shelving units may be the better organizers for you. These types of organizers usually range from $200 to over $1000 for the DIY systems, whereas the professionally installed systems tend to cost at least two to three times that amount.

Look Online First
Browse different manufacturers’ websites to see the systems and accessories that are available, keeping in mind that the add-ons offered may change over time. Depending on your needs, the different accessories offered, such as additional shoe storage or extra drawers, may influence what you buy.

Determine Your Level of Handiness
Are you comfortable using a drill, screwdriver, and level? If you are, you can probably handle the work of installing your own closet organization system. When looking for a closet organization system to install on your own, look for top rated closet organizers that tend to fit together well, have clear assembly instructions, and require little or no cutting.

If the thought of picking up a set of tools sends you into a sudden panic, you may be better off selecting a professional to install your closet organization system. However, remember that you will most likely receive a sales pitch of some kind when contacting professionals, so it is best to have an idea of what it is you want for your closet space in order to avoid ending spending more on unnecessary or unwanted organizational items.

Select the Right Material for Your Purposes
Make sure you select a material that matches the use. For example, wire shelves let air circulate, but can leave lines in sweaters and other delicate fabrics. For such items, look for closet systems with solid shelves or thin boards that can be placed over the wire. Also consider the look and feel you want for your closet when selecting your material.

BRANDS OF CLOSET ORGANIZERS
Below you will find a list of some of the major brands of closet organizers and organization systems as of 2008. The list will also provide you with an idea of the types of organizers each brand supplies.

California Closets - Offers individual pieces and full closet organization systems.

Closets to Go - Offers customized closet organization systems that can be shipped for DIY installation or professionally installed by the company.

ClosetMaid - Offers wire closet organization accessories and full closet organization systems that can be designed and installed by the customer or a design professional.

Easy Closets - Offers custom made closet organization systems designed by the customer or a design professional. The systems are usually sent to the customers for DIY installation.

Elfa - Offers single drawer units, stackers, dressers, freestanding units, and full closet systems.

Ikea - Offers everything from basic organizers to full closet organization systems.

Rubbermaid - Offers closet configurations; configuration accessories; and 3-6 ft., 4-8 ft., and 6-10 ft closet kits.

Sauder - Offers two closet organization systems that can be customized for your personal needs.

Stanley - Offers basic closet organizers, shelves, drawers, and cubby units.

RESOURCES AND INFORMATION FOR CLOSET ORGANIZERS
While finding a place for everything and keeping everything in its place is easier said than done, getting your closets organized can save you time and help you keep your stress level in check. That is, of course, once you get past the sturm and drang of organizing your closets in the first place. The following are some third party websites that are meant to offer you additional tips and information when it comes to selecting your closet organization system and keeping it organized thereafter. Please note that we have no relationship with any of the sites listed below.

Consumer Reports information on closet organization systems can be found at
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/home-improvement/organizers/organizers-closet-and-garage-7-06/overview/0607_organizers_ov.htm

Organize Magazine also offers tips for closet organization, as well as other general organization tips at www.organizemag.com

Real Simple offers additional closet organization articles and tips in the Home & Organizing section of their website. That information can be found at http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/browse/organize/0,21771,6501020000-Issue_Date-desc-61-1-25,00.html

Organizational checklists for closet areas can be found and downloaded at
http://www.orgsolutions.net/orgsolutions/tips-and-tools/organizational-checklists/