“Anytime you can have a closet system put in place is a good thing,” says Jennifer Truesdale, CPO and founder of STR8N UP Professional Organizing Services. “You just want to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success.” Her advice? Take inventory of your belongings before drilling any holes. “Design for who’s going to use it and what kind of categories they’re going to have,” she says. Whether that means tall rods for long hanging dresses, shelves for sweaters and jeans, or plenty of baskets for small essentials, once you’ve done the initial work of decluttering and sorting, you’ll have a clearer sense of what will work for you. We tested and researched dozens of models and brands to help you narrow down your choices, evaluating each closet kit on attributes like size, features, material, customization options, and overall value. Our top pick is the Rubbermaid Classic Custom Closet Configuration Storage Kit, because of its stellar performance and overall practicality. Here are the best closet kits to organize your home and belongings. The stainless steel material is sturdy and sleek in appearance, and each vertical rod has rows of parallel holes that allow you to easily set and adjust shelves and rods to your heart’s content. It’s worth noting that many systems and kits give you options for wall placement and shelf positioning, but this Rubbermaid kit stands out for how streamlined it is. Once your vertical rods are secure, you can add, adjust, and remove shelves and horizontal rods as often as you like. Replacement pieces and shelves are sold individually, so you will need to budget for them accordingly. However, if you find yourself in need of additional parts down the road, you won’t have to purchase an entirely new set. The installation process is straightforward too, though it’s possible you’ll find yourself in need of extra hardware like our tester, but aside from that, it’ll likely be smooth sailing.  No closet kit is perfect, and in this kit’s case, the shelves do have weight limits. Our product tester noted that they bowed under the weight of their kids’ block collection. The plethora of configuration options may also leave those who prefer thorough instructions for every step of the installation process wanting more guidance for shelf placement. Despite these minor issues, our tester still dubbed it a “standout among wire closet organizers,” and gave it a stellar 4.7-star overall rating. We believe that it’s an excellent choice for an all-around kit that will elevate a variety of closets throughout your home.  Price at time of publish: $123 It’s also extremely versatile—you can clip it onto your upper closet shelf or existing rod, and easily remove it for use in another closet. However, while we like the practicality of this design, it may be a disadvantage for some who prefer a more secure setup, or who are looking specifically for solutions that can maximize upper space in their closet. Price at time of publish: $89

We also appreciate the accessibility of the design process: A web-based tool allows you to explore and experiment with offerings and designs, and gives you a sense of cost before you even request a consultation. Whether you’re curious about custom closets, or ready to start the process, you’ll want to give the Elfa line a (very!) close look. Price at time of publish: Varies While the slats may not be everyone’s preference since small items will need a separate bin or basket, and the freestanding nature of the design is less stable than wall units, it’s still a worthy piece to consider if you’re not interested in or able to install a full kit. It’s also a breeze to assemble thanks to the included shelf clips, and can be done tool-free by one person.  Price at time of publish: $148 The wall-mounted, L-shaped system is made of engineered wood coated in a laminate, and is available in four finishes: white, honey blonde, weathered gray, and truffle (dark brown). For the price, some buyers may feel let down that there’s not a natural wood option., and the installation process can be time-consuming, too. But given the vast array of storage space and practicality of the two-piece set, the pros far outweigh the cons with this walk-in closet kit. Price at time of publish: $1,250 It’s worth mentioning that this set doesn’t include standalone rods; rather the wire shelves have a lower rack that can hold hangers underneath. This design means your clothes will end up in separate sections—for some, this could be a benefit and bonus organizational feature, though others may be annoyed by not being able to push hangers more than a few inches. The other downside is that, unlike many closet kits out there, these shelves are not adjustable. Still, we think it’s more than worth the investment and will likely be the simple, elegant solution many closets need.  Price at time of publish: $97 Keep in mind that while we love this unit (and the many others available in the line), it’s not a set that’s uniquely designed for young people, so you (or your kids) may want to add a personal touch if the basic design is too dull for them. Plus, as is the case with many IKEA products, assembly can be labor-intensive, too. Price at time of publish: $148 It’s worth noting that this is a standalone piece, so it won’t feel quite as secure as fully installed units (and you’ll want to double-check measurements, too). While we’re fans of the black metal design and wood shelf accents, it’s a contemporary vibe as well that might feel out of place with certain design styles. But if it suits your space and your budget, it’s a great option.  Price at time of publish: $80 The wide shelving (each rack is 36.25 inches) means more storage space, but the large footprint may be too much for some spaces. However, slimmer racks, shorter racks, and even bottle shelves are available, too. Just be sure to assess your kitchen storage needs, and take careful measurements of your space to ensure you’re selecting the right OMAR combination.  Price at time of publish: $276 As beloved as this closet system is, keep in mind that it’s not as dense as wood versions (it’s also not as bulky, which may be considered an added benefit). When we tested a similar model, this type of shelf bowed under high weight. Despite this limitation, the Rubbermaid Configurations line has proven itself time and time again, which is why we don’t hesitate to heartily recommend it for small spaces. Price at time of publish: $75 

While many of the systems named here boast adjustable features, we’ve yet to find a true one-size-fits-all option. So, you’ll need to know the depth of your closet, as well as the width and height of the wall you’ll be mounting your kit on. Be sure to follow manufacturer guidelines for leaving space above and below pieces, too. When it comes to freestanding units, keep those same details in mind, and always consider wall fasteners for safety and security. 

Installation Requirements

Once you’ve determined the correct size and type of kit for your closet, take into account how you’ll be setting it up. Most of the kits we’ve named are suitable for home installation if you (or a helpful partner or friend) have working knowledge of the tools required for assembly. In other words, you’re comfortable hammering, drilling, and leveling. When that’s not the case, or you’re unsure about the labor involved for any reason, you’ll want to call in a professional. If you do decide to DIY your closet installation, note that most options take a few hours to complete, and can take one or two people.

Organization Options

Most closet kits feature a combination of shelving and rods, while additional features like drawers, baskets, and shoe racks can often be available, too. As tempting as it may be to transform your closet into the most aesthetically pleasing version your budget allows, you may regret it if it’s not designed to match your lifestyle. As Truesdale puts it, “Don’t just buy one that looks nice, buy one that’s going to suit your needs.” Figure out what your categories are, and ask yourself questions like whether you need tall rods for long garments or bins for your workout gear, or if you want high shelves for hats. Once you do this, you’ll have a clear sense of whether you need to lean on shelving, drawers, hanging rods, bins and baskets, or a combination of two or more.

Customization Options

Some closet systems can only be configured in one way, while others can be assembled in several different arrangements. If you’re not sure what type of configuration will work best in your home—or want your product to be suitable in different spaces in the future—consider choosing a closet kit that offers more versatility. This will let you try out various designs and find the best option for your needs now and later on. Additionally, some closet organization brands sell add-on components for their systems, allowing you to add more drawers, baskets, shelves, and accessories down the line. This is handy if you are installing the kit in a kid’s closet that will likely change and expand from one year to the next.

Material

The most common materials we see in closet kits are metal and wood, and it’s not uncommon to find them working together in the same closet. Among the benefits to each, you’ll find that wood can be sturdier and looks more decorative and luxurious. Metal is usually the base for modular and adjustable systems, and has also proven to be durable and reliable, too. As for potential downsides, wood systems can often be more expensive and more bulky, so if not carefully designed, you may end up with less storage space than desired. Metal systems typically don’t feel as high-end, and slatted shelving is common, which by design includes gaps.

Customization and Adjustability

Consider whether or not you’re settled on the features you want and need in your future closet. If that’s the case, you might be ready for a custom closet that meets those specifications. If you’re not entirely certain of what you need, if you see your needs changing down the road, or if you simply like the idea of experimenting with your setup, then an adjustable system may be right for you. Adjustability can be anything from shelves you can reposition to full modular sections that you can trade out. Parents and caretakers who are looking for kids’ closet sets may want to take a particularly close look at adjustable options.

Standout Features

Shoe Storage

If you have a sizable shoe collection, consider a closet system with some type of shoe storage, so you don’t have to devote floor space or keep them in their boxes. Shira Gill, home organizing expert and author of Minimalista suggests, “Display shoes on open shelving, shoe racks, or cubbies so you can see what you’ve got.” Lining up pairs also saves you the trouble of searching for a match, and your future self will surely thank you. 

Basket-Style Storage

Baskets and bins are starting to appear as an included feature in some closet kits, and we’re glad to see it. Some brands, like IKEA, offer pieces that clip right onto shelves, while the Honey-Can-Do Freestyle Open Wardrobe is designed with baskets built right in. We love that this option gives you more security around the edge than shelves, and saves you the trouble of opening and closing drawers. Your loved ones and housemates will appreciate the baskets too, since they can never be accidentally slammed shut first thing in the morning.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Dena Ogden is a lifestyle and commerce writer who’s been writing professionally since 2016, and with The Spruce since August 2022. For this piece, she did thorough research on closet kits currently available at major retailers, and evaluated products based on size, features, material, customization options, and overall value. She spoke with professional organizer Jennifer Truesdale, CPO, and founder of STR8N UP Professional Organizing Services about closet organization best practices and what to look for in a closet system. “Avoid purchasing new organizing products without a clear plan,” notes Gill. “It’s much more efficient to edit and organize your wardrobe first, and then fill in the gaps with items you need such as hangers, bins, and baskets.” Then, take clear measurements of the space you’ll be filling, and write them down or save them to a device you’ll be shopping with. Having these notes written down will make you a more prepared shopper. Now, measure the width of your walls three times at high, middle, and low heights where you want to place your closet kit. If you’re looking for guidance there, Truesdale recommends maximizing the space between your knees and your eyebrows. Record each measurement, but know you’ll be using the smallest of the three.   Using the same method with your tape measure, measure the depth of your closet. Put the 1-inch mark of your tape measure on one wall and extend it until you reach the wall across from it. Do this for each wall and record your measurements. Don’t forget to measure the wing walls, which are the walls on either side of the door. Measure from the side of the wall to the door frame and record your measurement. You’ll also want to measure and record the height and width of your door, along with its swing direction. If you have windows or any other items built into the wall, take their measurements and note them as well.  Accessories like bins and hangers are also separate costs. Overall, we’ve found that closet kits can be an affordable and efficient way to elevate your closet storage, and are typically far more budget-friendly than custom closets, which can average $1,200 to $20,000 according to Home Depot (source).  She also consulted detailed reviews from our product testers, who got their hands on several of the closet kits and tested the installation process, organization options, and additional features. Shira Gill, home organizing expert and author of Minimalista, also contributed insight on standout features in closet kits and planning an organization system.

What Is Spruce Approved?

Here at The Spruce we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend, and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.