Jennifer Truesdale, CPO and founder of STR8N UP Professional Organizing Services, says that the creation of a closet organization system depends on how her clients will maintain it, “whether it’s a lot of folded things, things hidden in drawers or baskets, or things hanging.” You aren’t limited to the existing rods or racks that came with your closet, nor do you have to follow along with current, cute trends either. “Instagram-worthy photos are great . . . but if in one day [a closet] doesn’t look like that anymore, then that’s not really helping.” You want your system to be practical and long-lasting, and bringing in the proper organizing tools can certainly help. To determine the best closet organizers, we conducted hours of research and testing at home and in The Lab, evaluating each model on durability, versatility, ease of assembly, and style. Our top pick is Rubbermaid’s Configurations Closet Kit. It’s highly customizable and durably constructed, and it features a simple, adjustable design. Ahead, the best closet organizers to keep your belongings nice and neat. We tested this pick at home, and our tester said it was extremely versatile, noting that customization is where the kit “really shines.” While they wished a few ideas were laid out in an instructional booklet to help them get started, they loved the flexibility. “The customization options are nearly endless,” they said, “especially if you’re willing to buy an extra kit with additional upright extensions and shelves.” This kit is sold in a white or silver finish. The silver is slightly more expensive. At the time of publication, add-ons weren’t readily available for it. However, the add-ons might be worth considering if you want your organization system to grow with you or another member of your home. The installation requires you to drill holes for both the track and the upright supports. If your closet has drywall, you’ll need special anchors. (It may not come with enough, but extras can be purchased at any hardware store.) Once the track and supports are installed, you’ll be able to adjust the closet rods and shelves to fit your preferences. Our tester said the entire process, including a trip to the hardware store, took about two and a half hours. If you want to customize the closet system even more, Rubbermaid sells additional shelves, pants hangers, tie and belt racks, wire drawers, and shoe holders, which slope gently and have a raised edge in the front. All in all, this closet kit is a great choice if you’re looking for a full set that’s reliable, versatile, and thorough to organize your closet. Price at time of publish: $77 While you do need to assemble this piece, we found the process to be pretty straightforward and manageable. It should take you roughly 30 minutes; just be ready to look closely at the included screws, since not all of them are labeled. The end result is well worth it, though, and we think you’ll agree that this clothing rack is an excellent choice for a budget-friendly piece that can serve your space in multiple ways. Just keep in mind that the bulkier design may not make this piece a great fit for smaller spaces. However, if you have the space for it, the rack could easily replace a small closet and free up valuable storage space in your home. Price at time of publish: $49 As far as the design goes, the handles are part of the bin, so they couldn’t be easier to lift and move as needed. The corners and edges have subtly rounded edges, too, so the bin is also a good choice for a kid’s room or a very-high-traffic part of your home that will see lots of action. While we could see a lid being a useful addition to this bin, it’s a versatile and practical choice even without one. Price at time of publish: $17 Another plus is that their rectangular shape works well in cubby bookshelves, too, so you can use them to organize a playroom as well as your bedroom closet. While they do come with the aforementioned lid—a feature we don’t often see on soft bins and baskets—they don’t include any inner dividers for separating socks from underwear, so keep that in mind when planning your organization system. Price at time of publish: $40 These are designed for shirts, but a suit style (with the bottom bar) is also available. You can add clips for pants and cascading hooks for belts, so you can adapt them as your wardrobe changes, without needing to buy more hangers. This style is also sold in kids’ sizes, so you can organize your little one’s belongings. Price at time of publish: $10 The full Austin line is sleek and sophisticated, so if your needs extend beyond the closet, there are also plenty of options for you. The one potential downside is that the lower weight capacity (three pounds) means that this basket is better for lightweight storage, and not the place to cram multiple pairs of heavy jeans or boots. Still, we think that it’s an overall excellent option that makes for a pretty and practical closet addition. Price at time of publish: $69 You can choose from three different sizes ranging from three to seven hooks, so rest assured that you’ll be able to find one that suits the size of your space, too. The downside is that capacity is a bit limited, due to the wide spacing of the hooks, and the wood construction isn’t good for hanging wet items like rain-drenched coats. Just keep that in mind when adding these hooks to your space, and maybe avoid putting them in an entryway where it’s easier to collect wet items. Price at time of publish: $30 The organizers are available in white and gray, which each have a smooth exterior, and black and dark blue, which have a more textured feel. We also appreciate how there are no sharp edges, so you won’t be poked or scraped when reaching for something. Price at time of publish: $19 The inner steel frame also ensures that it’s sturdy and strong at all times, and it won’t buckle under the 21-gallon capacity. The size may be a bit much for smaller spaces, so make sure you measure your area before purchasing this product. Price at time of publish: $50 While it is currently only available in one color, the neutral canvas is versatile enough that we suspect it’ll still easily suit many decor styles. You can also transition this piece to your bathroom, nursery, or pantry, if you’re no longer finding a purpose for it in your closet one day. Price at time of publish: $23 In a perfect world, these containers would be dishwasher-safe, but we’re willing to overlook that convenience given how durable and versatile they are. This particular set features five bins in four convenient sizes, but the entire line offers a total of 11 sizes, so you can always build your collection down the road, too. Price at time of publish: $63 One thing to mention is that the handle can feel weak. You may want to slowly fill the caddy to see what feels comfortable for you. Still, we think that for storage purposes and light projects around the home, it’s a great choice. Price at time of publish: $22 If you’re not looking to store purses, it’s also a great choice for sweaters, hats, or even towels. Plus, it comes at a budget-friendly price. The only downside is that the weight limits are unclear on the product listing, so you’ll want to be aware of any sagging or distress that appears as you’re hanging your bags. Price at time of publish: $12 A subtle valet hook is at the front of the divider, so you have additional hanging storage options, too. Currently, they come in one size, though a taller version would be ideal for larger stacks of clothing or the larger bags in your closet. However, as long as the size suits your space and belongings, we think they’re some of the best available. Price at time of publish: $14 Hatcher also advises people to consider how their items will live once organized, so a brand-new organizing system is practical, which is in line with the advice of Jennifer Truesdale, CPO and founder of STR8N UP Professional Organizing Services. “Make sure you think about the weight of a particular product, so you don’t end up with heavy wooden bins on the top shelf that are hard to get down,” Hatcher adds.
Organization Options
There are several different types of closet organizers, and each offers a different array of organization options to help you best streamline your closet and belongings. Closet Kits and Custom Systems: If you’re on a tight budget or just in a rush to get organized, you can buy a boxed closet kit from a brand like Rubbermaid or Closetmaid. They generally come with a mix of clothing rods and shelves that can be reconfigured in different ways, and you can usually buy additional accessories for them, like wire drawers or pants racks. For a more customized (and more expensive) solution, you can bring in a company such as California Closets or The Container Store to help you redesign your closet. The Container Store has an online tool for shoppers to start planning if you’re curious. Our top pick for a closet organizer, Rubbermaid’s Configurations Closet Kit, is a full kit that offers plenty of flexible organization options. Bins and Baskets: In general, square or rectangular containers will save space and be easier to line up than round or oval-shaped ones. For items you grab frequently, consider an open bin that makes it easy to reach in and grab what you’re looking for. Clear bins will allow you to see items easily, and some have drop fronts so items are protected from dust, but still visible. Some bins are specifically labeled as stackable, so the bottom of one will fit nicely into the top of another. Opaque canvas bins or lidded boxes can help give an open closet a more unified look, but you may have trouble remembering what lives where. Ventilation holes or breathable fabric bins will allow air to flow around everyday clothing. Drawer Organizers: Divided trays can help make it easier to find things inside a packed drawer. In many cases, they can also keep small items from moving around or becoming a massive heap in a drawer after day-to-day use. Depending on the size of the compartments, they can hold not only socks and underwear, but also belts, sunglasses, and jewelry. When it comes to drawer organizers, we love the Bleecker Divided Organizer from California Closets.
Material
Closet organizers come in plastic, canvas, or wood. Plastics labeled “high impact” or “rigid” may work best for heavier items. Some brands also list the weight capacity of the organizer to give you a better idea of what it can handle. Fabric or canvas boxes may buckle when stacked. If you’re hoping to store delicate fabrics, skip textured baskets and organizers. Instead, look for one without any sharp edges that could snag clothing. Otherwise, the material of your closet organizer is key to keep in mind if you want it to match a style or aesthetic. Wood organizers or woven baskets are typically really versatile and match many homes’ looks. Something with metal accents may look better in a rustic-looking room.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Lexi Dwyer has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019 and has written about laundry hampers, toy storage, woven baskets, plastic bins, and other home-related topics. She considered dozens of closet organizers for this roundup, evaluating them on factors such as appearance, versatility, ease of assembly, and the number of coordinating items included. She took reviews, insights from our testers at home and in The Lab, and recommendations from third-party sites into account. If you’re really tight on space, she also suggests a “seasonal switch-out,” where you plan to store off-season items in a different space in your home. Expert insight was provided by Ashley Jones Hatcher, a professional organizer and the Chief Growth Officer of NEAT Method. Dena Ogden, commerce writer for The Spruce, also contributed to this piece. She spoke with Jennifer Truesdale, CPO and founder of STR8N UP Professional Organizing Services, about closet kits and general closet organization.
