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The 8 Best Closet Kits of 2024

Dreamy walk-ins, reach-ins, and aspirational-yet-attainable custom closets ahead

Collage of closet kits we recommend on a green background

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

We reach into our closets on a daily basis, so why not make them easy to navigate with the help of well-placed rods, shelves, and drawers? It may sound like a tall order, but with a closet kit, you can create a spacious storage system that suits your life and your needs—and take care of the pile of clothes on your floor or chair once and for all.

Jennifer Truesdale, CPO and founder of STR8N UP Professional Organizing Services, advises you set yourself up for success ahead of closet kit shopping. Take inventory of your belongings before drilling any holes, and be diligent in discarding what you don’t use or don’t need. “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—and whether or not you need a closet kit that's adjustable and expandable, or a fixed unit that will stay the same for years to come.

What to Know Before You Get Started

  1. First, you'll need precise measurements of your closet. This will determine what kits will work for your space.
  2. Next, inventory your wardrobe (or pantry supplies, or anything you intend to store in the closet in question), to get a clear sense of what type of storage you need.
  3. Set a budget: Since closet kits can range from under-$100 to $10,000+, knowing what you can spend is a key part of your closet remodel.

Once you’ve figured out those three integral pieces, you’ll be prepared to decide if you want a Custom Closet System or a DIY Closet Kit.

  • Custom Closet System: Often professionally designed and installed, results will feel high-end and personal, and have the design elements and materials of your choosing. These can be more pricey and have a lengthier setup process when compared to DIY kits.
  • DIY Closet Kits: DIY kits offer form and function. These sets are readily available to suit a variety of closet designs, and are often more simple than custom systems. Still, it’s not uncommon for them to have adjustable options (shelf heights, rod lengths, drawers or cubbies). This option will require that you are comfortable performing installation yourself, or enlisting help.
Our Top Picks

Best Custom

The Container Store Elfa System

The Container Store Elfa Classic System

The Container Store

What We Like
  • Results tailored to your exact needs

  • Accessible design tools

  • Expansive offerings

What We Don't Like
  • Only available at one retailer

  • Slower process than ordering a pre-made kit

It’s impossible to write about closet kits without shouting out The Container Store’s Elfa Closet System. The expansive collection offers custom closet options that suit a range of budgets, styles, and preferences—from slim rods and racks in walnut to a wall of light and airy vented shelves. The system has both custom and pre-designed closet kits, so whether your needs are ultra-specific or you're looking to fill a standard closet with a practical set that can be adapted over time, you will be able to find something from Elfa.

The smart and sleek custom components show thorough attention to detail, too—from features such as decorative fascia (edges that clip to the front of your shelves for a more upscale look) to coordinating additions, like drawer units, wall racks, rolling carts, and bins. There are also two lines to choose from; Elfa Classic (the original design) and Elfa Decor (elevated with wood material and finishes).

Close-up Elfa Classic 4' White Reach-In Clothes Closet

The Spruce / Deanna McCormack

If you live near a Container Store location, you can pop in to check out options in person, but if you're not located near an IRL location, you can still work with the brand online. 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. Our experience with the tool found a fairly standard 2-person primary closet system priced in the $1,400 range, and for a moderately-sized walk-in, it was near to $1,600. 

Whether you’re curious about custom closets, or ready to start the process (which can take weeks), you’ll want to give Elfa a (very!) close look. While we haven't customized a closet yet, we’ve been repeatedly impressed with the Elfa line’s pre-designed kits, giving the Elfa Classic 4’ White Reach-In Clothes Closet high marks after at-home testing, and we have full confidence in their personalized process, too.

Dimensions: Varies | Material: Varies, including epoxy-bonded steel, wood, laminate | Mount Type: Wall-mounted or standalone | Number of Shelves: Varies | Number of Rods: Varies | Number of Drawers: Varies

Best DIY

Rubbermaid Configurations Closet Kits

Rubbermaid Configurations Closet Kits, 3-6 ft., Titanium

Amazon

What We Like
  • Extremely versatile configuration options

  • Materials are durable and adjustable

What We Don't Like
  • Can require extra hardware

  • Wire shelving can be flimsy

We’ve loved the Rubbermaid Classic Custom Metal Closet Configuration Storage Kit for years now, and it’s edged into the best overall, DIY spot due to its versatility, adjustability, and reliability. It comes in pre-sorted sets of metal materials and accommodates closets ranging from 2 to 4 feet all the way up to 6 to 10 feet, so you can organize compact linen closets or vast walk-ins.

In our experience testing this closet kit, the stainless steel material is sturdy and sleek. Each vertical rod has rows of parallel holes that make it easy to set and adjust shelves. 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. You can add, adjust, and remove shelves and horizontal rods as often as you like. Replacement pieces and shelves are sold individually but 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, though we needed extra hardware. We opted to pick up our own anchors, screws, and washers to make the unit feel more secure.

No closet kit is perfect, and in this case, the shelves do have weight limits, as we saw the wire material bow under the weight of a kids’ wooden 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, we still believe that it’s an excellent choice for an all-around kit that will elevate a variety of closets throughout your home.

Dimensions: Varies; specs are for 3-6 foot kit | Material: Metal | Mount Type: Wall-mounted | Number of Shelves: 8 | Number of Rods: 2 | Number of Drawers: 0

Best for Walk-In Closets

Dotted Line Closet System Corner System

Dotted Line White Grid Closet System Corner System

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Ultra-spacious

  • Variety of storage options

  • Adjustable shelves

What We Don't Like
  • Manufactured wood

  • Extensive installation

If you’re storing lots of clothes and garments in a walk-in closet, know that the Dotted Line White Grid Closet System has spots for it all. There are high rods for long dresses and jackets, and a whopping 14 shelves provide plenty of space for sweaters and jeans. Three drawers make the perfect home for your socks and underwear, and the closet kit even features three rows of shoe storage—an infrequent yet much-appreciated closet kit feature. The shelves are adjustable too, so look no further if you need a spot for large handbags or tall boots. While we’ve opted to feature a set designed for 7 and 10-foot walls, other sizes are available, too (so no worries if you need more or less space than the quantities above).

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. By nature, the installation process can be time-consuming, too, given the amount of components. Still, with 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.

Dimensions: 72 x 120 x 84 inches | Material: Engineered wood | Mount Type: Wall-mounted | Number of Shelves: 14 | Number of Rods: 6 | Number of Drawers: 3

Best Splurge

California Closets Reach-In Closet System

California Closets Reach-In Closet System

California Closets

What We Like
  • White glove installation

  • Complimentary consultations

What We Don't Like
  • Returns not offered

If you've considered a customizable closet at any point in your life, chances are good that California Closets has popped up on your radar. Its gorgeous work contributes to the industry standard of custom closets, and it offers everything from simple and sleek storage solutions to attention-grabbing designs that serve multiple purposes, like workspaces, media displays, Murphy beds, and more.

California Closets also has a huge retail presence, with more than 100 showrooms throughout North America, plus you can request an in-home or virtual consultation if there isn't a showroom that's convenient for you.

With such a thorough customization, ordering, and installation process, you have every opportunity to ensure you're getting exactly what you want (and this is a good thing because they won't allow for returns). One downside is that there can be weeks between your initial consultation reach-out and when your system is finally installed. Considering the high-quality product and top-notch service that the brand is known for, we think it's worth the wait.

Dimensions: Varies | Material: Laminated composite from recycled wood | Mount Type: Wall-mounted or freestanding | Number of Shelves: Varies | Number of Rods: Varies | Number of Drawers: Varies

Best for Reach-In Closets

Closetmaid Wire Closet Organizer Kit with Shoe Shelf

Closetmaid Wire Closet Organizer Kit with Shoe Shelf

Amazon

What We Like
  • Budget-friendly

  • Lots of surface space

  • Add-on shoe shelf

What We Don't Like
  • No separate rods

  • No adjustable shelving

This fixed-mount closet organizer kit from Closetmaid is just what you need if you’re overwhelmed by adjustable and customizable options. With a sleek and simple design that prioritizes shelf and hanging space, plus an added shoe rack that will keep your favorite footwear off the floor, it gives you lots of open and flexible space that’s perfect for bin and basket storage

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 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 will likely be the simple, elegant solution many closets need.

Dimensions: 70 x 60-96 x 12 inches | Material: Metal | Mount Type: Wall-Mounted | Number of Shelves: 6 | Number of Rods: 0 | Number of Drawers: 0

Best Shelf Unit

Closet Evolution Essential Shelf White Wood Closet Tower

Closet Evolution Essential Shelf White Wood Closet Tower

Home Depot

What We Like
  • Simple and versatile in design

  • Four available finishes

  • Can be used on its own or within set

What We Don't Like
  • Adding matching pieces can be pricey

If you want shelves, more shelves, and nothing but shelves, this tower from Closet Evolution has you covered. The sleek and tidy piece comes in four neutral colors and has seven shelves spaced in its 72-inch design, giving you lots of storage space. Three of the shelves are fixed, while four are adjustable, so you can space them further apart for stacks of sweaters, or close together for short bins of socks or ties. It can work in an entryway for bags and hats, a linen closet for towels and sheets, as well as a bedroom closet, so plan accordingly if you have lots of closets in need of sprucing up.

Hardware is included for installation, which is straightforward. We can see this piece working well on its own, or with other pieces from the Closet Evolution line (note that each item is sold separately, so creating a full kit would quickly add up). But for the structure and versatility of wall-mounted shelving, without the extra steps of a fully mounted closet system, it’s ideal.

Dimensions: 72 x 25.13 x 14 inches | Material: Laminate | Mount Type: Wall-mounted | Number of Shelves: 7 | Number of Rods: 0 | Number of Drawers: 0

Best Under $100

Closetmaid Closet Maximizer

Closetmaid Closet Maximizer

Amazon

What We Like
  • Pairs well with existing rod or shelving

  • Solid shelf surfaces

  • Simple design

  • Tool-free installation

What We Don't Like
  • Not as sturdy as wall-mounted styles

  • Upper shelf not included

The aesthetically pleasing, cost-effective Closet Maximizer from Closetmaid gives you more than 8 feet of shelving, and up to 24.5 extra inches of rod space, while still smartly utilizing your existing rod or upper wire shelving. We think it's a great value pick because, unlike many options in its under-$100 price range, it offers solid laminate wood shelving, so garments won’t catch or snag on wire. Its four shelves are positioned 12.5 inches apart, so they comfortably hold bins, stacks of clothes, or loose items. 

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. 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.

Dimensions: 74 x 53 x 11.6 inches | Material: Coated steel and laminated wood | Mount Type: Hanging | Number of Shelves: 4 | Number of Rods: 1 | Number of Drawers: 0

We Also Like

IKEA Aurdal Wardrobe Combination

IKEA Aurdal Wardrobe Combination, white, 71 5/8-84 5/8x15 3/4x87
What We Like
  • Easy to customize

  • Adaptable, expandable over time

  • Options include shelves, rods, drawers

  • Available in dark grey or white

What We Don't Like
  • Setup can be extensive 

The Aurdal wardrobe system gives you lots of flexibility and potential for customization. We love the classically IKEA design that's sleek and minimalist, and the overall practicality of it. Our pick has two separate rods and two shelf cubbies, which can be great for dividing a shared closet, or for separating types of garments. Drawers and baskets are also included, too. The Aurdal line comes in white or dark gray, and it's worth noting that it even offers shoe shelves if you want to add those in (though we like the space between the floor legs for footwear, if your shoe size allows for it!).

Like many closet kits, this is a pre-designed set of components, but you can also build your own set based on your needs and preferences (like with drawers instead of baskets, or bins instead of rods). IKEA offers a design tool that allows you to preview your set-up so DIYers may want to take note. With more than 20 already available combinations, we think there's likely to be one that suits most household needs. Just be ready to spend some time on installation since, as with many IKEA products, assembly can be labor-intensive.

Dimensions: 71.63-84.5 x 15.75 x 87 inches | Material: Steel, plastic, particleboard, fiberboard | Mount Type: Wall-mounted | Number of Shelves: 8 | Number of Rods: 2 | Number of Drawers: 6

Final Verdict

Our top pick for a custom closet kit is the Elfa System from The Container Store. There are so many offerings that we're confident almost anyone could find one to suit their space. If you want to go with a pre-designed DIY kit, we also like Rubbermaid Configurations Closet Kits, which offers lots of storage space and versatility.

An illustration of a closet kit and description of closet kit benefits

The Spruce / Alex Dos Diaz

What to Look For in a Closet Kit

Size and Mount Type 

Truesdale recommends that you take inventory of your belongings before selecting your closet kit because knowing roughly how much storage space you need and how much wall space you have to dedicate to it will ensure you get a correctly sized kit. 

While many of the systems named here boast adjustable features, we’ve yet to find a true one-size-fits-all option. 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.

Installation Requirements

Once you’ve determined the correct size and type of kit for your closet, take into account how you’ll set it up. Most of the kits in this list are suitable for home installation if you (or a helpful partner or friend) have working knowledge of the tools required for assembly. Are you comfortable hammering, drilling, and leveling? If that’s not the case, or you’re unsure about the labor involved, call a professional.

If you do decide to DIY your closet installation, note that most options take a few hours to complete, and need one or two people. It's also worth mentioning that some brands offer installation as part of their package, like California Closets, which we named as the best splurge, and The Container Store, which was our best overall custom pick.

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 a way to organize your hats, long garments, or workout gear. 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. A number of selections on this list allow you that, including our best overall, DIY pick, the Rubbermaid Classic Custom Closet Configuration Storage Kit, and our best for walk-in closets selection, the Dotted Line White Grid Closet System Corner System.

Additionally, some closet organization brands sell add-on components for their systems, allowing you to add more drawers, baskets, and shelves down the line. This is handy if you are installing the kit in a kid's closet, and have needs 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 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.

Elfa Classic Closet Kit with items on the shelves and in the drawers

The Spruce / Deanna McCormack

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. While most shelves can technically be shoe shelves if you're so inclined, we like that our pick for best for reach-in closets, the Closetmaid Wire Closet Organizer Kit, includes a piece for just that purpose.

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. We love that this option gives you more security around the edge than shelves, and, depending on the design, can give you a peek at what's inside. A pick that we also like, the IKEA Aurdal system, offers sleek mesh drawers that serve these exact purposes.

FAQ
  • How do you plan a closet organization system?

    The first thing you’ll want to do is go through your wardrobe, and determine what you will be putting in your closet. For example, if you have a surplus of dress shirts, you might want a closet organizer with a two-tier garment rod, like the IKEA Aurdal Wardrobe Combination that we also like. Or if you need to store several handbags, a tower unit with shelving could be the most effective, like our best shelf unit pick, the Closet Evolution Essential Shelf White Wood Closet Tower. Perhaps, most importantly, sort out the items you don’t need anymore, so you aren’t paying for space and storage that you’ll eventually stop using. 

    “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.

  • How do you measure a walk-in closet for a closet kit?

    To measure your walk-in closet for a closet kit, you’ll need a tape measure and potentially a step stool. These are the numbers you'll need to take down:

    1. Floor-to-ceiling measurements of the walls.
    2. The width of your walls three in three places: high, middle, and low heights where you want to place your closet kit. 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 for storage. 
    3. The width of your closet. Don’t forget to measure the wing walls, which are the walls on either side of the door!
    4. The side of the wall to the door frame.
    5. The height and width of your door, along with its swing direction.
    6. If you have windows or any other items built into the wall, take their measurements and note them as well. 
  • How much should you budget for a closet kit?

    At the time of publish, the pre-designed kits we feature range in price from $86 to $1,150. Keep in mind that these prices are typically for the materials only, so you’ll want to weigh in your time and labor (or factor costs of a professional), as well as shipping costs and extra tools or hardware you may not have on hand, like supports or fasteners. 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 $1,500 to $20,000, according to Home Depot. 

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 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. When it comes to closet organizing, Ogden's favorite trick is to store cozy, bulky clothes like hoodies in laundry baskets.

Our Experts:

  • Jennifer Truesdale, CPO, and founder of STR8N UP Professional Organizing Services
  • Shira Gill, home organizing expert and author of Minimalista
  • Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester who’s been writing for The Spruce since 2017.