Phew. We are 90% out of boxes, now the task at hand is making things organized and then, finally, making it pretty. The big project this week is reconfiguring the bedroom closet. It is a good size but it only has one rod that goes all the way across, not very efficient for such a tall and deep closet. Here are the options we are considering:
Option One: Go to the Container Store and pay for a custom elfa system. {pricey!}
Option Two: DIY! Design and build our own closet system.
Option Three: Use things like an IKEA tall skinny dresser and a sweater organizer to help better manage the space.
Kate F.
October 1, 2007
We priced out Elfa to do some super-simple shelves in our shallow closets, and it was SO expensive. We ended up getting virtually identical shelving from Home Depot for a fraction of the price. And yesterday we were at Lowe’s and I saw a whole aisle with closet displays of another Elfa knock-off. Worth checking out, at least!
Julie
October 1, 2007
I like the Ikea idea.
mamacita
October 1, 2007
Three spots above you in my reader was this article about closet options. Hope it helps.
Anita
October 1, 2007
Having just installed an Elfa pantry and an Elfa garage system, I can say the Elfa is clearly worth the extra money compared to other organizers I have built over the years. It goes together like a dream, and it’s somehow both sturdy enough to support a lot of weight (our massive earthquake-kit tubs? no sweat) and light enough for a single wimpy girl like me to to lift 6-food shelves on my own.
Whatever you do, avoid the particle-board-type closet organizers from Lowes/Home Despot. They’re crap: they sag after a year, they’re so heavy you have to unbox them before carrying them up the stairs, and they’re a pain in the butt to put together.
trs
October 1, 2007
I installed Closet Maid (Home Depot / Lowes) in a large closet. It seems a lot like Elfa but not as pretty. Closet Maid was just enough cheaper to make it worthwhile but I don’t think the difference was terribly significant.
Once you install the track and rails – everything is adjustable! They also have baskets and bins for further customization.
When I move one day, I plan to take all but a few shelves with me and leave the track and rail behind for the next owner.
(one of my neighbors used Elfa… and when they moved, they took the whole system out – leaving the new owner with a closet with no rods, no nothing!! I thought sheesh, at least leave the track!)
Susan
October 5, 2007
If you can wait until January, Container Store offers 30% off all Elfa. That’s what I did and I’m so loving my master bedroom closet. It was my treat to myself after Christmas.