These Top-Tested Closet Systems Will Upgrade Your Morning Routine

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Navigating a disorganized closet can be frustrating — imagine your hanging garments are overcrowded or there aren't shelves for your folded clothes. If your space is in need of an upgrade, the right closet organization system will help maximize your storage space. To help you tackle the clutter, our home design editors teamed up with the product testing experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute to research and test the best closet systems for every space and style.

Whether you're organizing a small closet or spacious walk-in closet, we've rounded up freestanding and wall-mounted closet systems that can be adjusted and customized to fit your setup. Find a number of custom closet kits that allow you to add shelves or drawers, alongside pre-designed closets that can be adjusted to suit your closet width. And if you're shopping on a budget, we've included great organizers that cost less than $200.

Based on consumer testing and extensive online research, we compiled this list by considering important factors like material, style and ease of installation (most of these you can DIY). Below, read more about our expert picks for the best closet systems to get your home organized once and for all, including the pros and cons of each system to help you make the right choice.

Our top picks:

Keep scrolling to find more information on how we evaluate closet systems and kits, plus everything you need to know when shopping for one (hint: it's important to consider your budget, assembly and durability).

Closet Starter Kit

Whether it's for your closet, pantry or home office, the Elfa system is available in an array of pre-designed styles, or can be completely customized to maximize your space. The starter kit features durable epoxy-bonded steel that is attached to the wall with a track system and brackets.

Plus, the Elfa system makes it possible to change your design over time — for example, you can purchase additional components, like wood drawers, separately. "The system seems versatile enough that if I wanted to upgrade or change things around, it wouldn't be very challenging now that we know how to install the basics," said one tester.

Design plans are custom and priced according to the size of your space as well as the features you choose, from different finishes (white, gray and dark gray) to the number of drawers and ventilated shelves. While you can install this modular closet system on your own, you can also call on an Elfa expert for design assistance. If you're going the DIY route, note that our testers found the Container Store's online video tutorials to be helpful and simple to follow (as opposed to the written instructions, which were harder to understand).

ShelfTrack

Popular for its versatility and durability, ClosetMaid's ShelfTrack is a great option for budget shoppers. The coated wire system, which can accommodate spaces between five and eight feet wide, attaches to the wall using a track system and brackets. One of our testers raved about the versatility: "I liked that the system required minimal tools and is adjustable for easy reconfiguration to suit needs."

During tests, the vinyl-coated steel shelving successfully resisted rust, stains and scratches, although some users found the shelves weren't as sturdy as expected. Our experts suggest installing additional wall brackets for extra support.

Keep in mind, assembly might call for some trial and error, as the shelves needed to be placed in a specific order. Luckily, you can contact ClosetMaid's customer service to assist with any issues. We recommend visiting ClosetMaidPro.com to take advantage of its DIY design tool. For an extra $5, you can obtain custom design plans from a ClosetMaid specialist.

Walk-In Closet System

Exuding a modern style, this multi-functional closet system is a go-to choice for walk-in closets (especially if aesthetics matters to you). While this Amazon pick isn't as customizable as others (only the left shelving tower is adjustable), it comes ready with a mix of storage solutions, including shelf towers, expandable rods, storage drawers and interior shelves.

Overall, online reviewers are impressed by the quality and appearance, especially considering the low price point. In its entirety, the sturdy system can support up to 1,000 pounds. The only downsides are some online reviewers had trouble with assembly and a few wish it were more adjustable.

Style+ Teak Wood Closet System

If your closet is out in the open (think mounted to a bedroom wall or displayed in the laundry room), consider trading a metal system for more stylish wood. This adjustable system is available in six neutral melamine finishes, including white, bleached walnut, coastal teak and noir – all of which are designed to resist stains and scratches.

Rods and shelves can be hung at any height along the tower sides, and two of the tower shelves are adjustable (three are fixed), allowing you to slightly customize the system to fit your space. Home Depot also offers additional Style+ items (like bars, drawers or shelves) that are compatible with the system. Just keep in mind, you'll need to assemble this one yourself and instructions are lengthy.

Configurations Deluxe Closet Kit

Rubbermaid's low-cost closet kits, which are available on Amazon, are known for being easy to assemble and reconfigure as your storage needs evolve. Ideal for either walk-in or reach-in closets, this kit features nine wire shelves and two hanging rods. Plus, it boasts an epoxy finish to ensure you won't have to deal with rust. Reviewers recommend reading the instructions carefully and visiting Rubbermaid.com for additional guidance on installation, which is best to handle with two people.

Value Compact Closet Kit

This compact closet kit from Modular Closets, which was recognized in Good Housekeeping's 2023 Best Cleaning & Organizing Awards, provides impressive quality. Our Lab also found that the modules are sturdy and easy to assemble with just a screwdriver.

Modular Closets offers an array of ready-made options but if you're in search of a custom design, the Good Housekeeping Institute's Deputy Editor, Jessica Teich, recommends its free design tool. "You can mix and match modules and create the very best fit for your space in whatever finish you prefer, right down to the pulls," she says, noting that the custom features are especially brilliant for compact layouts.

The wide range of components, including long- and short-hanging sections, shelves, drawers and useful extras like a valet rod for additional hanging space, help to maximize your design scheme.

Closet System Starter Kit

While we haven't tested this free-standing wire closet kit in our Labs, Wayfair reviewers rave about its reasonable price point, durability, small-space appeal and simple installation process that one person can tackle. It comes in two versatile finishes — silver and bronze — to match a variety of aesthetics and offers two hanging rods for clothing plus eight adjustable shelves to organize shoes. If you're on the taller side, you might find that the hanging bars aren't high enough, according to one online reviewer.

Selectives Wood Closet System

If you're not typically the DIY type, this white laminated-wood system that's equipped with three closet rods and six shelves is for you. It comes with clear installation instructions (you'll know exactly which pegs fit the different pieces), and you can also access a wide range of online resources at ClosetMaidPro.com to ensure that you're happy with the end results.

Just note that, similar to all laminate systems, the Selectives surfaces are easily scuffed and marked. It even chipped during our in-Lab drop test. Another downside we discovered during testing is that the instructions don't clearly mention the need to use different pegs if you are setting up drawers rather than shelving.

How much does a closet system cost?

If you don't mind the extra effort, installing a closet system yourself can be worth it, since DIY closet kits are a more budget-friendly option than hiring a professional service. They can also be easily customized to fit your specific needs. The good news is that there are a slew of closet systems across different price points. You can find systems ranging from as low as $150 up to $1,500 or more.

How we test closet systems

There's no shortage of closet systems available to consumers right now, we narrowed down the options by focusing on basic set-ups featuring hanging space and several shelves, as well as space for storing shoes. For options that we weren't able to test in our Lab, we relied heavily on our knowledge of the brands and scoured online reviews. Our final selections were based on the following criteria:

✔️ Durability: Because durability matters, we dropped each closet system's shelving from three feet in the air to see if it could withstand scratches. We also evaluated how well each system held up to stains by applying lipstick, oil, ink and soda to the surfaces (an hour was allotted to complete this portion of the test).

✔️ Ease of installation: A panel of consumers were invited to assemble each closet system onto a wall in our Labs. As the consumers completed the installation process, they freely shared feedback on their experience, construction skills and helpfulness of the manuals. Our experts also considered the number of products each system included and the ability to easily change the configuration over time.

✔️ Style and quality: Finally, our consumer testers were asked to provide their take on the each system's visual appeal and construction quality, along with how well the pieces fit together.

What to consider when buying a closet system

There's no shortage of closet systems to choose from right now, so here's what to keep in mind when you're shopping for the best option:

✔️ Budget: A disorganized closet can contribute to increased stress, which may be worth the extra money to you. But if designing a custom closet isn't in your budget, closet organizers can be an effective, inexpensive way to free up closet space, and make it easier to find the things you need.

✔️ Type: Wall-mounted closet systems are screwed to the studs in the wall, and tend to be more inexpensive than floor-mounted designs that can be finished with decorative base and crown moldings for a more high-end look. Freestanding systems, as its name suggests, are not designed to be fixed to walls. They're portable and ideal for narrow or small spaces.

✔️ Installation: Every closet system is different when it comes to the installation process. Generally, track/bracketed systems tend to be easier to install than floor-mounted systems. It's also worth noting that some systems require at least two people to complete the assembly.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. For this story, Monique reviewed the Good Housekeeping Institute's most recent closet system testing data, and also relied on her own experience covering closet design and organization tips (she's written our guide to small closet organization ideas and rounded up her favorite household organizers, for example).

Good Housekeeping's Associate Lifestyle Editor, Alyssa Gautieri covers all things home, interior design and organization (including our guide to walk-in closet ideas). She covers home and furniture brands on a daily basis and is constantly hunting for fresh, unique and highly-rated products.

In 2022, our Good Housekeeping Institute testers evaluated closet systems under the direction of former chief technologist and executive technical director Rachel Rothman, who directed hands-on testing of all kinds of home products, from closet systems and furniture to smart home gadgets. Alyssa updated this list to include new data and research relevant to 2024, including results from Good Housekeeping's 2023 Best Cleaning & Organizing Awards.

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