Closet Organizer Systems

I like that Elfa system you mention - I see the appeal.

My sister installed an IKEA system in a huge walk in closet off her mudroom. It holds everything from the kids's stuff, to the pet supplies to recycling. I was shocked at how nice it looked and how it's held up. Ten years later, it still looks new - and if necessary, you can just replace a piece if you had to. She hasn't needed to.

I know it's nowhere the quality - or look - but having seen how it turned out, I would consider it for kids' closets. I find when you see it in their showroom, it's loose and not installed very well (and has been manhandled). In my sister's house, it looks sturdy and attractive (or more so). Just a thought.

You want things organized but unless you are doing it every day they aren't going to keep on top of things. I went with the ClosetMaid wire system which worked out great. Very easy to adjust to meet your needs and installation was fast. I also had a chest of drawers in the closet for socks, underwear, pjs, etc.

is the system available at home depot the same as what is available at Menards or Lowes? if i could afford closet systems i would get the one at menards, i love the options it has and looks durable enough.

A lot depends on the size and shape of the closets.
I have to say I've seldom used an official closet organizer system.
Some can be very expensive.
My sister re did a walk in closet once and spent $50,000 on it.
I can't see spending that kind of money on a closet.
Some closets end up looking like boutiques.

What I have done depending on what I have to work with:
I've put a tall chest of drawers into closets - this has worked for me at least on 3 occasions.
My current closet is a walk in and that chest that I like so much won't fit in with the rails the way they are configured.
I use milk crates stacked sideways so I have organized space to put away folded shirts (tee shirts, sweats, etc).
Milk crates are wonderful for shoes, purses, etc and can be stacked many ways.
They are cheap, last forever, are indestructible, wash off easily in the shower or with a hose and are also great in the garage and other places throughout your home and car.

I've had some hit or miss luck with Rubbermaid.
Some things last a long time while with others the plastic seems to get brittle with age and then cracks easily.