Some people have immaculate closets that look like they’re fresh from a movie or a magazine. Their clothes are properly folded and in their own little nooks. They may even organize their clothes using a color-coded organizing system.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have closets that look like they’re straight out of a murder scene. The clothes are strewn all over the closet or left in a grotesque pile to the point where it’s difficult to fish out a new outfit.
If you’re looking to move from the latter to the former, there’s one key thing you need — closet organizers! A good organizer can help you categorize your clothes and also free up space. Add that with some organizing tips borrowed from gurus, like Marie Kondo, and you’ll have a picture-perfect closet in no time!
- What to Consider in Good Closet Organizers
- Top 10 Best Closet Organizers 2023
- 1. Best Overall Closet Organizer Zober 5-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer
- 2. Best Premium Closet Organizer Rubbermaid Deluxe Custom Closet Organizer Kit
- 3. Best Budget Closet Organizer Rubbermaid Add-On Shelving and Hanging Clothes Kit
- 4. Best Free-Standing Closet Little Tree Closet Organizer
- 5. Best Closet Organizer for Shoes TXT & BAZ Shoe Rack
- 6. Best Portable Closet Organizer YOUUD Portable Wardrobe
- 7. Whitmor Double Closet Rod
- 8. Songmics Cube Storage Organizer
- 9. Univivi Over-the-Door Closet Organizer
- 10. Best Closet Organizer for Kids Little Seeds Grow with Me Closet
- Guide to Buying the Best Closet Organizer
- Some Quick Closet Organizing Tips
- Final Words
What to Consider in Good Closet Organizers
Are you shopping for closet organizers? There is an overwhelming amount of selection everywhere. Finding one that suits your closet and the overall design of your room can be quite tricky. There are many different brands and designs to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best closet organizers out there based on the following criteria in mind.
Amount of Storage Space Added
No closet organizers are the same. Some are better for storing sweaters while others may be better for pants as they have more height. When purchasing a closet organizer, take a good look at the piles of clothes you have lying around.
Do you have more pants? You probably want to look for an organizer that would add more rods, so you can hang your pants to prevent creasing.
Have you amassed a war chest of sweaters that help you stay cozy and warm during fall and winter months and have no space to keep them? You’re going to benefit more from organizers with lots of shelf space. This way, you can see your sweaters once you’ve folded them.
Overall Aesthetics and Appeal
This category will look at not only the overall aesthetics of the closet, but also the type of material that it’s made of as well as the storage type that you’ll get.
Ease of Installation
Let’s face it. Most of us aren’t handymen and are not going to have professional equipment at home.
The ease of installation is going to make a huge difference. Here we’ll discuss whether you’re going to need hammers or any additional tools to help you get everything installed. We’ve filtered away all of the organizers that will require a lot of work. We’ll also discuss the sturdiness of each closet as well.
Summary of Features to Look for and Additional Considerations
The perfect closet organizer will quite literally change your life. Imagine waking up each morning and be able to easily see everything you own laid out in a systematic fashion. You’d start your day off right and find the perfect outfit to tackle whatever lies ahead of you for that day. Let’s quickly summarize some of the features that you should consider:
- Overall Aesthetics and Appeal
- Amount of Storage Space Added
- Ease of Installation
- Sturdiness and Material
- Type of Mounting Method
- Overall cost
Top 10 Best Closet Organizers 2023
1. Best Overall Closet Organizer Zober 5-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer
Editor’s Rating:
Get an extra five shelves in your closet with the Zober 5-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer to store your bags, clothes and accessories. This organizer is compatible with just about any type of closet. It’s affordable and a great add-on that you can add to some of the top organizers we’ve recommended earlier.
Amount of Storage Space Added
This closet organizer takes advantage of horizontal space and creates five 8.5 by 12 by 11.5-inch shelves that will easily fit either several sweaters or pants and bags. There are mesh compartments on the sides of the closet organizer that are great for storing belts, small accessories, socks and more. These compartments are easy to access and see.
Overall Aesthetics and Appeal
Made from fabric, this closet organizer is lightweight and easy to clean. The metal frame gives this organizer its rigid structure. The shelf of the organizer is stabilized with thick-grade cardboard and wrapped in a breathable polypropylene. While this material is able to handle most clothing, it is a tad fragile, so be careful of what you put on top. Make sure to keep sharp items away, as they can puncture the fabric.
Ease of Installation
Much like the garment rod above, all you need to do is hang this onto any rod, and you’ll have five extra shelves to work with. This organizer comes already assembled. Because it’s made from mostly fabric, it’s easy to store. If you don’t want it anymore, you can just collapse the entire structure and store it elsewhere.
Pros
- Easy to install and assemble
- Affordable
- Easy to store
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Minimal structure
Editor’s Rating:
If you’re looking for something similar but with a little more storage space, you can’t go wrong with the Rubbermaid Deluxe Custom Closet Organizer Kit. This closet organizer will maximize the amount of space in any walk-in or reach-in closet with at least one wall that’s 4 feet wide. The best part is that everything you need — even the upright tracks — are included in this kit. It’s a tad bit more expensive and usually over $100.
Amount of Storage Space Added and Weight Capacity
The multiple configurations and expandable shelves and telescoping rods mean that you can get up to 22 feet of available shelving space and up to 12 feet of hanging space. This closet organizer can accommodate anyone — even Shaq! Everything is adjustable, and you can tailor the structure of this kit to your needs.
With this closet organizer, you’ll get two large shelves, four smaller shelves that make use of horizontal space and three garment rods to hang your clothing off of. As for weight capacity, the shelves can hold up to 52 pounds per linear feet if they were installed into the metal rebar, so don’t worry about heavy jackets or chunky boots.
Overall Aesthetics, Appeal and Weight Capacity
The minimalistic style of this organizer means that it’ll perfectly blend in with any closet. The shelves and rods have a beautiful epoxy finish that is practically maintenance-free.
You can expect a beautiful shine that won’t rust or yellow with the ages.
Ease of Installation
You don’t need to be a handyman to install the Rubbermaid Deluxe Custom Closet Organizer Kit. You will have all of the mounting hardware you need from the kit, and you can adjust the tracks, so no cutting is needed. The tracks and shelves are mounted into the walls for optimal security. Once installed, nothing will budge!
You’re going to need a drill to install this. If you’re not a particularly strong or tall individual, you may even want to consider asking for help. After all, this closet organizer comes with many parts!
Pros
- Rust-free
- Sturdy design and system
- Beautiful, sleek look
- Multiple configurations compatible with closet space
Cons
- One of the pricier closet organizers recommended
- Stud finder and drill may be needed
3. Best Budget Closet Organizer Rubbermaid Add-On Shelving and Hanging Clothes Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Rubbermaid’s Add-On Shelving and Clothes Kit is a superb organizer thanks to its versatility, overall sleek design and cost. For under $50, you can completely transform your closet. This organizer is great for closets that didn’t initially come with any organizing unit inside. It’s also great for those who are looking to add an extra shelf or two for extra storage space.
This closet organizer is perfect for your typical closet space and for those with smaller closets. If you need more organizers, you can always purchase two of these and stack them together sideways.
Amount of Storage Space Added
The design of this closet organizer is versatile. You can either install it as two 26” shelves with two garment rods, or as one 48” shelf with one hang rod; it all depends on the size of your closet and the amount of space that you have! Bags, hats and accessories can go on the shelves while pants and other apparel can hang from the rods. Multiple configurations are possible, but most people would prefer a double-tiered system, which means that they’ll get two shelves and two garment rods for hanging their clothes.
The space between the shelves is completely adjustable — whether you purchase the uprights separately or not. You can tailor the height and width of this closet organizer to your needs.
Overall Aesthetics, Appeal
The design of this unit is sleek and clean. All metal surfaces have a nickel and chrome finish for a luxurious look that’s also not likely to rust. Its sleek design means that it will complement the look of almost all closets. You’ll have plenty of space to store all of your clothes, shoes and accessories.
Ease of Installation
But — most importantly — Rubbermaid’s Add-On Shelvings and Clothes Kit is easy to install. Although it looks like a closet that requires professional installation, you’ll find that you can easily install the organizer by yourself without any external help. All the mounting hardware that you need is in the kit, and the installation only requires common household tools.
With that said, you’re going to need to have a drill and maybe even a stud finder to look for metal rebar if you want to further secure this closet.
Pros
- Versatile setup with multiple configurations
- Sleek overall style and design
- Relatively easy to install by yourself
Cons
- Upright tracks not included
- Installation requires a drill and maybe a stud finder
4. Best Free-Standing Closet Little Tree Closet Organizer
Editor’s Rating:
Free-standing systems, which are detached from the wall, usually are a bit more complicated to set up; however, this is a great option for renters and for those who don’t want to drill any holes into their walls! These organizers are just as sturdy. Best of all, they can turn any free space that you have into a closet! The Little Tree Closet Organizer looks great whether you place it in the bedroom or use it to store cleaning supplies in the laundry room.
Amount of Storage Space Added and Weight Capacity
You’ll find a place for everything with the two large shelves and four small ones that come with this organizer. You can hang your dresses, suits and pants on the garment rod under the topmost shelf, which can hold up to 50 pounds!
This storage organizer has it all — a place for your shoes, sweaters, pants, accessories and more. It’s truly an all-inclusive organizing unit. The open storage design makes it easy to find, access and retrieve any item.
Overall Aesthetics and Appeal
The Little Tree Closet Organizer offers a very homey, warm design. It has a heavy-duty metal frame that is covered with a thick particleboard for optimal stability and protection. This heavy-duty frame has a weight capacity of about 350 pounds, so it’s rather sturdy.
This stand-alone unit is usually best for those who have wooden furniture in their home, as the wooden exterior can clash with metal or even plastic surfaces. With that said, the mahogany-colored boards add a sense of elegance and sophistication to any room.
Ease of Installation
Overall assembly could not be easier. While the wooden boards and frames are a bit heavy, and may require two people to hold, all of the tools and instructions that you’ll need are already included in the kit. You won’t need any additional tools, like a drill or a stud finder.
Pros
- Easy to install; everything you need is included in the kit!
- Large weight capacity
- Plenty of space to store all your clothes, tools and household items
Cons
- Parts are not adjustable; you get what you see!
5. Best Closet Organizer for Shoes TXT & BAZ Shoe Rack
Editor’s Rating:
Not everyone needs a complex storage organizer with rods and shelves. If all you’re looking for is something that will help you organize your shoes, you can’t go wrong with the TXT & BAZ Shoe Rack. It’s simple. It’s affordable, and best of all, it’s reliable.
Amount of Storage Space Added
You can store up to 27 pairs of shoes with this amazing cubby tower. The best part about this shoe closet is that it has different-sized cubbies to fit everything from sandals to long boots. Place some stuffing inside of long boots, and they’ll never lose their shape again. This cubby is only 46 x 11 x 43 inches, so it’s easy to store it anywhere — whether it’s near the front door or inside a closet. Another interesting thing about this cubby is that it comes with a zippered cover that can protect some of your more expensive shoes from dust and other pollutants.
Overall Aesthetics and Appeal
This shoe organizer is made from durable, high-quality polymer plastic, which means that it’s resistant to UV, mildew and other environmental pollutants. This material is as low-maintenance as it gets. All you have to do is dust it every now and then. In terms of aesthetics and appeal, you can’t really go wrong with a black exterior. It matches just about anything.
Ease of Installation
As this shoe organizer is fairly small, assembly is quick and easy. You should be able to assemble it under 15 minutes without using any extra tools!
Pros
- Stores up to 27 shoes
- Sturdy and durable
- Easy to install and setup
- Has a zippered cover for added protection
Cons
- Requires floor space
6. Best Portable Closet Organizer YOUUD Portable Wardrobe
Editor’s Rating:
Don’t want to be bogged down? Are you always on the move and constantly move from one home to another? If that’s the case, there’s no point in purchasing a permanent fixture, as you likely won’t be able to take it with you when you leave. Portable wardrobes and organizers are excellent choices for renters, as they don’t make any holes on the wall and can be easily packed up and brought with them to their next residence.
Amount of Storage Space Added
With dimensions of 52 x 18 x 67 inches, this portable closet organizer is suitable for just about any type of walk-in closet. The shelves and rods are adjustable to accommodate different sizes. At the end of the day, however, you’ll have four adjustable garment rods and eight storage shelves to work with. That’s plenty enough space for your outfits and your partner’s as well!
Overall Aesthetics and Appeal
This closet organizer is made from high-quality steel tubes and plastic connectors covered with a non-woven fabric cover, so it’s easy to transport and move. It’s not as aesthetically pleasing as many other large organizers mentioned on this list, but it’ll still do the job. The zippered covers protect your clothing from dust and other pollutants. The fabric is also water-resistant and fairly easy to clean. As the shelves are made of fabric as well, you do need to be cautious when placing heavy items on top.
Ease of Installation
Absolutely no tools are required. This closet is super easy to assemble. All you have to do is insert the rods into the connectors and to cover the frame up with the cover. Because the rods are lightweight, you won’t need any extra help when putting everything together.
Pros
- Portable and a great choice for renters
- Lots of storage space
- Easy to assemble with absolutely no tools required
- Easy to clean and wash
- Has a zippered cover that transforms an open storage space into a closed one
Cons
- Flimsy in comparison to other closet organizers
7. Whitmor Double Closet Rod
Editor’s Rating:
If all you’re looking for is an organizer to give you a little extra space, we highly recommend the Whitmor Double Closet Rod. This is perfect for those who just need some extra space to hang some clothes. It’s also a great option for those who already have some type of organizer in their closet. It easily turns a single-tiered rod system into a double-tiered one. You can grab one of these for under $25.
Amount of Storage Space Added
In comparison to the other options on our list, you’re not going to get a lot of extra storage space from this organizer. You will, however, get an extra garment rod that’s about 30 inches across. This is enough for hanging some extra sweaters, dresses and pants.
Overall Aesthetics and Appeal
This closet organizer will easily blend in with just about any closet. You can use it to hang clothes, or you can even install it in a storage room. This organizer has a chrome finish, so it looks sleek.
Ease of Installation
All of the parts come inside the kit. There are really only three components: two hangers and a rod. Hang this rod onto any existing one, and — voila — you’ve turned a single-tiered rod system into a double-tiered one!
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to assemble
- Compatible with almost all closet systems
Cons
- Limited Space
8. Songmics Cube Storage Organizer
Editor’s Rating:
This cube storage organizer is great for closets; however, the shape is quite rigid, so make sure that you have enough space. This organizer is ideal for those who have a lot of floor space in their closet that they want to make use of. If you’ve decided to do something else with your closet, you can always move this organizer into a living area or another room.
Amount of Storage Space Added and Weight Capacity
The three-tier, six-cube cubby needs floor space and will divide your space into different compartments for storing different types of apparel and items. Unfortunately, the cubby space is not adjustable. Each cubby has a weight capacity of only 10 pounds, which also means that you need to be mindful of what you store. This organizer relies on a fairly open storage concept, so you can easily see where everything is.
Overall Aesthetics and Appeal
This is one of the only organizers on our list that is made from eco-friendly materials. It’s constructed from ABS connectors, PP plastic panels and has a rust-proof iron frame. These materials are also fairly easy to maintain and will maintain their overall shape and color with ease.
Ease of Installation
This is one of those organizers that doesn’t require any additional tools to assemble. You have everything you need in the kit.
Pros
- Affordable
- Made from eco-friendly material
- Interesting, unique design
- Easy to assemble; no extra tools needed
Cons
- Set structure with no adjustability
- Only a 10-pound load-bearing capacity per cube
9. Univivi Over-the-Door Closet Organizer
Editor’s Rating:
This closet organizer is — in our opinion — ideal for nurseries. Simply, hook it onto one side of a closet door, and you’ll have some extra storage space and an organizer that can be easily removed. With that said, this organizer isn’t the sturdiest on our list, so you’ll want to avoid storing any heavy items in the pocket. Otherwise, it can warp in shape.
Amount of Storage Space Added
This organizer lets you make use of your door to create some extra shelves. You get four pockets or shelves and three PVC pockets at the top. The PVC pockets are great for storing items that may leak, like perfume, cologne, hand sanitizer or makeup. The 4pockets at the bottom can store a wide variety of items, like towels, scarves and more. They have mesh windows on the side, so you can easily see what’s inside each pocket.
Overall Aesthetics and Appeal
This closet organizer is made from breathable non-woven fabric. It’s waterproof and non-toxic. Furthermore, the color scheme, which consists of neutral soft greys and white edges, is perfect for any nursery.
Ease of Installation
This doesn’t require any assembly at all. The product comes pre-assembled. All you have to do is hook the 2 L-shaped hooks onto a door. Additionally, the hooks will fit any standard door.
Pros
- Plenty of storage space
- Compatible with many closets
- Easy to install
- Artistic design
Cons
- Ideal for lightweight items only
10. Best Closet Organizer for Kids Little Seeds Grow with Me Closet
Editor’s Rating:
Finding a closet organizer that is ideal for a children’s room isn’t easy. On top of aesthetics, you also need to consider safety and durability. The Little Seeds Grow with Me Closet has everything that your child needs and more. Many of the components are adjustable, so this one simple kit will easily fit into almost all closet spaces.
Amount of Storage Space Added and Weight Capacity
The adjustable rods and poles mean that the rods and shelves can span anywhere from 68 to 96 inches in width. The amount of organizers, shelves and rods that you get from this kit is insane. Essentially, you’ll have three shelves on top of one cabinet, which lies on top of a cubby with four compartments. The shelves are the perfect place for heavier sweaters, and the cabinet is a great place for storing underwear. Many parents will place shoes in the cubbies underneath. Three garment rods extend from the right side of this main structure, and two garment rods plus an additional shelf can be found on the left.
The weight capacity of this unit is also quite impressive. Each clothing rod can support up to 50 pounds, so you won’t have to worry even if your child decides to hang onto them as if they were on the monkey bars at a playground. The drawer inside the cabinet can hold up to 10 pounds, and the upper shelves and the cubby can hold up to 40 pounds each.
Overall Aesthetics and Appeal
The main structure of this unit is made from laminated particleboard with a non-toxic, white woodgrain finish. Every parent knows just how often children tend to chomp down on things, so it’s incredibly important for the finish to be non-toxic. It’s also rather easy to paint over the laminated particleboard if white doesn’t suit the overall aesthetics of the room. The rods are made from metal, so they’re durable and extremely resilient to day-to-day wear.
Ease of Installation
In terms of installation, the Grow with Me Closet is perhaps the hardest to install out of all of our recommendations. You’re going to need two adults to assemble this one. It might seem troublesome, but this is only due to the sturdiness of the entire structure. You’re going to need to mount this organizer in place with help from a stud finder and a drill. This ensures that the organizer won’t accidentally fall over during playtime and cause any accidents.
Pros
- Plenty of storage space
- Has a non-toxic finish
- Wall-mounted for extra security
Cons
- Difficult to install
Guide to Buying the Best Closet Organizer
Your closet is one of the first things that you look at in the morning. If you wake up to messy clothes buried on top of another and have difficulties seeing what you own, it could add another layer of frustration onto your day. You might even end up leaving the house late if you’re looking for that lucky shirt that you always wear to your meetings.
Organizing and decluttering your closet is good for your health. A clutter-free environment allows you to get a good look at what you own, so you can easily find what you’re looking for. You’ll be able to come up with crazy outfit ideas that match your personality and assist you in tackling the day. Recent studies have shown that people with clean, organized homes tend to have better cardiac health and mental health.
The only thing standing in your way is a lack of tools. You’d be surprised at how much a closet organizer can transform your life and help you start your day right!
No two closet organizers are the same. Finding a system that is a good fit for your space, budget and things can take some time. We’ve taken a look at some of the more minute features that closet systems come in and the pros and cons of each one below.
Mounting System
Not many people take the time to consider whether their closet organizers will need to be mounted onto the walls. The type of mounting system that is best for your home may depend on whether you are a renter or a homeowner, and whether you or your closet space has any physical limitations. The two types of mounting systems you can expect to find include:
- Wall-mounted models. Get out your drill and maybe even a stud finder for these closet organizers! These systems usually require you to install both horizontal or vertical rails into the walls. They do offer some benefits. For one, they tend to be sturdier. You won’t have to worry about them falling over in the event of an earthquake. Wall-mounted models tend to be highly recommended for homes with children, as there is less of a chance for the organizer to topple on top of a child. Organizers also tend to need minimal floor space.
- Free-standing models. These closets organizers are not attached to the wall at all. This usually means that they’re a bit easier to assemble, especially for those who are not handy with a drill or a stud finder. These models are usually preferred by renters and those who would like to keep their walls as pristine as possible.
Each mounting system has its unique pros and cons. With that said, many people don’t consider any of these things before purchasing a closet organizer for their home.
Open vs. Closed Storage
Another important thing to consider is whether you want an open or closed storage system. This will usually largely depend on what you’re storing.
Open storage organizers make the room feel a lot more spacious. Usually, what you get is just the frames with no side panels or cabinets. This makes it easier to find, access and retrieve the items that you need. Closed storage organizers have drawers or baskets. These systems are great for those who are storing more private items, like lingerie.
Type of Material
The type of material that the closet organizers are made from will have a big impact on its price and its overall durability. When looking to find the perfect closet organizer for your home, you also need to consider whether the material complements the existing layout and furniture found within the room. Some common materials that you’ll get to choose from include:
- Metal. Aluminum, chrome or even nickel are some of the most popular and common metals used. These materials tend to be more durable than all of the other options out there, as they can last a lifetime and are resilient to day-to-day wear. Metal organizers are usually also capable of withstanding heavier weights without warping in shape. They can, however, be rather expensive.
- Laminate board. Usually, these closet organizers have a wooden or metal frame underneath. Depending on the type of support underneath, these systems can be less durable at times; however, one of their benefits lies in the fact that they are able to offer a wood-like appearance at a portion of the price.
- Wood. Wooden closet organizers are beloved for their strength and durability. They’re relatively easy to maintain and carry an air of sophistication with them. These materials also tend to be sturdier. Depending on the type of wood you’ve chosen, the cost can vary substantially.
- This type of material tends to be much more fragile. With that said, they’re usually priced within the cheaper end of the market, so they’re also great for children’s rooms.
- Fabric. Fabric organizers tend to be easy to break. These organizers tend to be extremely affordable, but they tend to lack any structure at all.
Choose a material that is compatible with not only the other furniture in your home, but also your overall needs. For example, if you’re looking for an organizer for a kid’s room, metal surfaces may be able to better withstand the daily wear and tear.
Some Quick Closet Organizing Tips
Having an organized closet is a huge trend nowadays. Now that you have the tools to start your day right and to have an organized closet, the next step is to learn how to organize your clothes. What better way to learn than from the professionals? Take a look at the video below to see how Marie Kondo, an organization expert from Japan, organizes closets.
There isn’t only one right way to organize your closet. What works for you works for you. If you haven’t developed your own system yet, there’s no harm in trying out various suggestions. In addition to the tips provided above, consider implementing the following tips as well:
- Hang fancy and delicate apparel to prevent creasing
- Stack the thicker items, like denim jeans and sweaters
- Organize your clothes based on category and then by color
- Save space by using storage boxes to keep items like socks and underwear
- Store your most worn items at eye level (similarly, if you want to wear something more often, store it at eye level where you can easily see it!)
- Maximize the amount of vertical storage space that you have
- Further divide items in drawers with dividers
Do whatever feels right. If you need some inspiration, take a look at the magazine Closet and Organized Storage for more ideas!
Final Words
It’s time to live your best life. Imagine waking up to an organized closet and seeing every piece of clothing you own. Gone are the days where you forget about a t-shirt that ends up getting lost in the abyss, never to be found again. Having the right organizer in your closet can ensure that you never lose a piece of apparel again.
Most of the organizers mentioned on our list are easy to install and can be assembled or installed into any existing space. By having the right tools to organize your closet, you might find that you’ll also free up some space, so you’ll have an excuse to expand your wardrobe.