You don’t have to call on experts to regain control over a wayward wardrobe. While we agree that it’s often easier to close the door on clutter—whether that be crammed clothes or an overflowing assortment of accessories (shoes, hats, tote bags)—having to dig through an entire closet to get to one item that’s been pushed to a back shelf gets old. Fast. That’s where the best closet kits come in.
Adjustable shelves, a plethora of drawers, and strategically placed rods in a closet kit can make quick work of a blank space. All of our favorites are listed below and can suit a variety of designs and storage needs. While they're not going to give you the same devoted expertise and custom feel as a closet design company would, they will be far less pricey and much faster to acquire. If you’re ready to remedy that pile of clothes on the floor once and for all, and to make the most of a walk-in or reach-in closet, or even a plain wall, scroll on.
First Things First
Before drilling any holes, experts stress it’s essential to take stock of your current belongings and diligently discard what you don’t use or need (aka the clutter-causing culprits) first. This way, you can ensure you’re setting up your space for the right amount of items, and not buying a second shelf only for it to end up holding those holiday sweaters that you actually meant to donate last year.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Closet Kit:
The Container Store Elfa System at The Container Store$1,560
Best Freestanding:
Best Modular Combination:
Best Corner System:
Dotted Line Grid Closet System Corner System at Wayfair$1,360
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 and DIY options that suit a range of budgets, styles, and preferences, including slim rods and racks in walnut or a wall of light and airy vented shelves. 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'll be able to find something from Elfa. Even a super-small entryway closet can be handled (check out this three-foot starter kit, for example). The Container Store has thought of everything.
The smart custom components show thorough attention to detail—from features like 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), both of which are available in select, pre-fab combos based on your desired dimensions (choices range from 2 to 3 feet, 4 to 5 feet, 6 to 7 feet, and 8 to 11 feet).
If you live near a Container Store location, you can also pop in to check out options in person, but even if you're not near an IRL location, you can still work with the brand online. Consultations are free but do note that a tailored approach will run you upwards of $1,000. In our experience, a two-person primary closet system is priced in the $1,400 range, and for a moderately-sized walk-in, it's closer to $1,600.
Whether you’re curious about custom closets, or certain you want a predesigned kit, Elfa is worth a (very!) close look.
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
What We Like
Extremely versatile configuration options
Materials are durable and adjustable
Installation is straightforward
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 bang for your buck due to its versatility, adjustability, andreliability, all for an excellent price. It comes in pre-sorted sets of metal materials (choose between a titanium or powder-coated white finish) 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 of testing this closet kit, the stainless steel material is sturdy. 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 (a trick that we’d recommend for most other options on this list, too).
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 it’s an excellent choice for an all-around kit that will elevate a variety of closets throughout your home, without having to drop more than $200.
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
What We Like
Surprisingly sturdy, constructed with steel
Extra-wide leveling feet (up to 4 inches)
What We Don't Like
Limited spaces it can comfortably fit in, between 57 and 80 inches
Not as many adjustable features compared to other kits we’ve tried
If you’d prefer to avoid drilling altogether, then this bare-bones offering easily inserts into a closet without ever needing to be wall-mounted (though you may want to consider it for safety measures if you plan to load it up). All assembly requires is screwing the individual pieces together. Even better, it costs less than $100.
A total of 10 tiered shelves on the right and left sides flank two sets of rods in the center of the piece. The shelves are a bit on the small side, roomy enough just for a single pair of shoes. Still, we appreciate that the wired construction can be combated with complimentary plastic slip sleeves to provide a flat, even surface. We think the best way to take advantage of the extra space is stacking folded sweaters or jeans, which also keep everything clearly within eyesight (saving bags and bulkier items for the tippy-top shelves).
As far as appearances go, this unit is only available in a black or bronze coating, but for a simple reach-in closet situation we don’t mind the bare style. The whole thing is relatively lightweight, too, at just 36 pounds, making it plenty possible for a single person to set up on their own.
Dimensions: 14x57-80x72 inches | Material: Alloy steel and plastic | Mount Type: Floor mount | Number of Shelves: 10 | Number of Rods: 2 | Number of Drawers: 0
What We Like
Designed with hidden track
40 predesigned combinations
Elegant finish choices
What We Don't Like
A major investment
Have your sights set on a high-end kit? We’d like to direct you to California Closets. There may be no other company in the game with as much brand recognition when it comes to custom closets. This adaptable and movable collaboration with Martha Stewart is everything you’d expect of the DIY stalwart herself.
The key to its adjustability lies in the hidden track system. Unlike most other closet kits, shelf holes are visible and on constant display—that isn’t the case with the Everyday System. Other features worth the higher price tag include soft-close drawers that fully extend and interchangeable mesh bins for extra breathability.
As for installation, it mounts onto the wall at four different points, and the bottom pieces include built-in levelers if you have sloped floors (owners of older homes and apartments know this all too well).
There are 40 (not a typo!) pre-designed configurations (a handful even extend beyond the closet to include home office, media, and pantry storage) that range in size from 4-5-foot systems to 13-foot spaces and larger, even L-shape styles. It’s worth browsing the entire assortment, as some styles favor shoes, others prioritize hanging racks, and a couple includes a middle, enclosed cabinet. Needless to say, the possibilities are pretty vast.
The finish choices also feel decidedly luxurious, offering a variety of woodgrains with white, brass, and graphite powder-coated metal details. For our purposes, the standard offering provides 64 inches of hanging space with four rods, nine shelves (including a top shelf), and three drawers to play with.
Dimensions: Varies | Material: Engineered wood and metal | Mount Type: Wall mount | Number of Shelves: 10 | Number of Rods: 4 | Number of Drawers: 3
What We Like
Sleek, modern aesthetic
Durable, steel tube frame and shelves
Additional shelving or garment racks from the same line offer seamless expansion capabilities
What We Don’t Like
No adjustability
Shelf weight capacity up to 20 pounds
If your closet space is limited (or completely nonexistent) and you don’t want to tap just any old hanging rack for the task—it’s bound to be on display 24/7, after all—simple elegance is best, and for that, you can’t go wrong with Blu Dot. The Garden Party line, in particular, is sure to appeal to minimalists. This standalone wardrobe will especially help when paring back your belongings is the goal. We wouldn’t want to put anything but the best on its rod and shelves.
In fact, we see it being more of a solution to general closet overflow than wrangling one or two people’s collection of clothing. It’s more like a pedestal for thepieces most frequently in your rotation (or that you want to photograph). We also adore the subtle addition of two solid white oak knobs on each end, allowing for impromptu hanging moments, so you can more easily grab your favorite of-the-moment handbag or jacket. (To further help limit visual clutter, consider adding the matching storage box in the same warm, white oak.)
While the price tag is certainly hefty for a lack of customization, we think the durable steel construction, curvy details, and general aesthetic more than makes up for it. Originally from the Midwest, the brand boasts an in-house team of designers, and you can pretty much count on this being carefully packaged.
Dimensions: 68x64x16 inches | Material: Steel and solid wood | Mount Type: Floor mount | Number of Shelves: 7 | Number of Rods: 1 | Number of Drawers: 0
What We Like
Easy to customize—expandable and adaptable over time
Available in white, dark gray, and oak
Mountable inside and outside of a closet
What We Don’t Like
Extensive setup (IKEA warns two pairs of hands are better than one!)
You don’t have to sacrifice form over function—or your wallet, for that matter—when shopping IKEA’s closet kits. The classic Boaxel combination is an editor-favorite, and has been praised for its modularity. It’s moved from apartment to apartment, and we appreciate its ability to look just as good outside of a closet as it does behind closed doors (if you kept yours open for this reason, we wouldn’t blame you).
It earns the modular spot for the fact that it’s a breeze to add onto a single, slim unit, especially since the classic designs have proven staying power. With Boaxel in particular, you can place shelves, baskets, and rods pretty much anywhere thanks to the bracket system.
Just pop them in and out of the metal frame. If we had to pick just one combination to start with, it’d be the standard option linked above, plus a rod for ankle-length skirts, dresses, and jackets. The bottom rack is the perfect place for footwear, too. (But if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for or need, the Swedish retailer also has a handy digital planner where you can essentially ‘build-your-own’ closet kit).
If the Boaxel doesn’t suit your fancy, don’t fret. There are tons of sleek, modern shelving styles to choose from at IKEA. We also love the Pax for a bookcase-like fit and the Aurdal combination for its slightly elevated style (and those wire baskets!).
Dimensions: 49x15x79 inches | Material: Steel, plastic, particle board | Mount Type: Wall mount | Number of Shelves: 5 | Number of Rods: 1 | Number of Drawers: 2
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
Lengthy assembly process
Ships in two individual boxes for a single tower
Forget rods and drawers, if all you need is shelves, shelves, and more shelves, we recommend scooping up a few of these individual towers by Closet Evolution. The 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.
We appreciate that these are durable, 5.8-inch laminate pieces in a scratch-resistant surface that should hold up for a long time. These are designed to be mounted right on the wall, so you don’t have to worry about removing or messing with your baseboards.
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 installed closet system, it’s ideal.
Psst: Have an awkward, unused corner? The brand also makes a $315 30-inch six-shelf unit, too.
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
What We Like
Ideal for larger, walk-in closets
Can be cut to fit a variety of spaces
Ultra-spacious, adjustable storage features (six rods and 14 shelves, to be precise)
What We Don't Like
Can’t rearrange where drawers and rods go
Creating a dreamy walk-in closet doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Dotted Line’s Grid closet system can be cut to fit any room and offers a multitude of L-shaped corner styles to make the most of an open space. This particular pre-fab pick provides six clothing rails, including a higher set rod perfect for keeping long dresses and jackets free of wrinkles. It also offers a whopping 14 shelves, plus three drawers to house socks and underwear out of sight. There are even three bottom rows for shoes—a rare yet much-appreciated closet kit feature—that are equally adjustable, so you can wrangle flat sandals and tall boots.
This set is particularly designed for 7 and 10-foot-tall walls, but there are plenty of other sizes available (including a sprawling 113-inch upgrade and U-shaped three-kit combo), so we definitely see this brand working best if you have a lot of square footage to optimize. Constructed with engineered wood, it’s available in four finishes to suit a range of tastes, including white, honey blonde, weathered gray, and truffle (a dark brown).
As you can imagine, with all of these separate and quasi-customizable features, the installation process can be a bit intense. Still, it’s a labor worth the love.
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
A Couple Other Closet Kits Under $200
If you don’t necessarily need a bunch of adjustable, added features, we rounded up a few simple styles that get the job done, all without breaking the bank.
Closetmaid Wire Closet Organizer Kit with Shoe Shelf: If wrapping your head around customizable and adjustable options is more annoying than helpful, consider this straightforward fixed-mount organizer kit from Closetmaid. It’s just under $100 and delivers a streamlined design that prioritizes shelf and hanging space—plus an added shoe rack that will keep your favorite footwear off the floor. There’s also lots of open and flexible space that’s perfect for bin and basket storage.
Closetmaid Closet Maximizer: 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. It’s not always easy to find a closet kit this cheap sans wired shelving, so you don’t have to worry about garments catching or snagging. Its four shelves are positioned 12.5 inches apart, so they comfortably hold containers for storing 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.
How to Shop for a Closet Kit
Measure, Measure, Measure
While many of the systems named here boast adjustable features, we’ve yet to find a true one-size-fits-all option. Even if you’re familiar with standard closet sizes, you’ll need to know the depth of your closet and 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.
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:
- Floor-to-ceiling measurements of the walls.
- The width of your walls in three places: high, middle, and low heights where you want to place your closet kit. Jennifer Truesdale, CPO, and founder of STR8N UP Professional Organizing Services 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.
- The width of your closet. Don’t forget to measure the wing walls, which are the walls on either side of the door!
- The side of the wall to the door frame.
- 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.
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, The Container Store, which was our best overall pick.
Smart Organization Options
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 your categories and ask yourself specific questions, like whether you need a way to organize hats, long garments, or workout gear. Once you do this, you’ll have a clear sense of whether you need to use shelving, drawers, hanging rods, bins, baskets, or a combination of two or more.
If footwear is your love language, consider a closet system that prioritizes shoe storage, or tap our favorite shelf unit, the Close Evolution Tower, purely to display your collection. so you don't have to devote floor space or keep them in boxes. “Display shoes on open shelving, shoe racks, or cubbies so you can see what you've got," says Shira Gill, home organizing expert and author of Minimalista.
Baskets and bins are starting to appear as an included feature in some closet kits too, and we’re glad to see it. We love that they give you more security around the edge than shelves, and, depending on the design, can give you a peek at what's inside. Our best combination closet kit pick, the IKEA Boaxel system, offers sleek mesh drawers that serve these exact purposes.
Customization vs. Adjustability
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 in the future.
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.
Be Mindful of Materials
The most common materials we see in closet kits are metal and wood, and it’s not unusual 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.
Staying Within Budget
At the time of publish, the pre-designed kits we feature range in price from $82 to upwards of $2,000. Keep in mind that these prices are typically for the materials (the bigger the kit, the more materials needed), 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 clothes 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 $5,000+, according to Home Depot.
The Checkout Counter
Here are a few select items that might also be helpful if you're looking to update your closet and better organize the space.
- 6-pack of transparent storage bins: Perfect for shoes, scarves, accessories and more, these lidded bins are durable and stackable—the ideal combo for a closet refresh project.
- 3-pack of nested baskets: If you want a more aesthetic vibe for your storage, woven baskets are a great option. Just make sure you're not storing anything delicate in them that could snag on the weave.
- Stackable shoe rack: We loved this shoe rack when we tested it. Its compact, stackable design is great for a closet, tight hallway, or college dorm.
One More Thing
We do have a few inspirational and helpful pieces to help you get started, including one on how to organize your closet in six easy steps, along with clever shoe storage ideas and how to keep a linen closet in check. Or if you fancy yourself as being something of a DIY expert, we even have a step-by-step guide on how to make your own closet system.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Morgan Bulman, our senior writer, has personal experience with California Closets and with the IKEA Boaxel unit (she has it installed on a bedroom wall to make up for a severe lack of closet space and a hard-to-break shopping habit). As someone who has lived in small apartments for most of her adult life, making the most of what space she has is paramount, and closet kits have certainly helped with that. 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.
Our Experts:
- Dena Ogden, associate editor for The Spruce
- Jennifer Truesdale, CPO, and founder of STR8N UP Professional Organizing Services
- Shira Gill, home organizing expert and author of Minimalista