You go on homedepot.com, you type in “Closet Storage,” then you’re barraged with a list of options ranging from wired systems, to wooden premade systems, then there are the custom options you have to hire someone to do, or use the design building software. What color, dimensions, sizes.
So much to think about and choose from.
It can get well, overwhelming.
So where do you start?
What’s good, what isn’t?
How do you know if it will fit your stuff properly?
Not to worry my lovely little bunny, I have some thoughts that can help you through the process.
Step 1: Get Organized
Before you can know what you need you need to know what you have! That means you have to start out by going through all your stuff to get organized. It’s vital that you know what exactly is going to occupy the space. If you don’t know that, then you’re going to get the closet done and it’s only going to be slightly better than what you have now.
There’s still stuff that won’t work properly, but at least if you prep right, 94% will work correctly and only 6% will still need some adjusting and reworking. What a lot of people overlook and don’t want to take the time to do is iterate. It just takes time and experimentation to get things working properly. (which is why modular systems can be very beneficial)
All your clothes should fit just right, with each item easy to find and access.
Remember to also leave some extra space for 3-5 extra pairs of shoes, 10-15 extra shirts/pants/shorts. You want to be able to grow into the system if necessary. If you don’t, great! More space is always amazing and looks better!
Oh, and by the way we can always help you get organized and also help you plan the closet out in the Home Depot design software if this part of the process feels too overwhelming.
If you live in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert area Book here
(We will travel, however travel expenses will be added to the final bill)
Step 2: Decide your budget
If you’re shopping at home depot to get your closet organized, or getting it done by a contractor you need to know what your budget range is. I wouldn’t set a hard number because it always goes above that. I set your number then shoot for $200 below but expect $500+ over. Then, when you only go 200 over you’re comfortable with it.
So are you in the 200-600 range?
$600-$1200?
$1200-$5000?
$5000+??
The more you spend, the better the system and the longer it will likely last. However, what you can spend is what you can spend, so do your best to work within that budget. Below, we have selected a few options for lower and higher budgets.
Step 5: What we’re here for, picking which system to go with
Our two options are the prefabricated buy in the store option, and the custom cut to fit options. Both have their positives and negatives, it just depends on A) budget, always comes down to budget, yet also B) how soon you want it and C) how particular you are about it being just right.
We’ll start with the prefabricated options.
These options are great if you need it done now and/or are on a tighter budget. They are much less expensive than the custom ones, roughly a few thousand less. However, they might not fit just right into your space. The other issue is not everything is handled for you, you’ll have to install them yourself, or hire someone to do it for you.
A great aspect is the standardization. So if you lose or need extra shelves, you’ll be able to get them in a quick run down to Home Depot. However, you’re going to have just another closet system like everyone else.
You can also start small and expand one month at a time.
Here’s a list of some of the best, least expensive closet options available at home depot.
*Keep in mind there are different sizes, so make sure you get the right size for your closet
(PHOTOS NEED)
Everbilt is great because they are a great brand that I’ve used before and have a wide versatility. If you want a good amount of customization without paying insane amounts, this is the best option for that.
Now for the custom fit option
If you’re like me, you want everything custom. I mean, that’s a big part of why I started reliefkey, I love the feeling of things fitting and working perfectly for me and my stuff. However, I don’t have time to build everything, so this is where an option like this from Home Depot is nice because I don’t have to make it, but it still will fit my needs…. For the most part, I’m pretty particular and always need fancy features, what can I say, I’m a diva
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Anyhow, custom fit has a down side, if you ever need more shelves, or a new drawer, you have to get it custom made again, and have to wait for the fabrication to happen. Not ideal.
However, you get to have your things organized perfectly and can have a whole wall dedicated just to shoe storage if you so please!
Aside from that, the other upside to custom is that they do it all for you, they can size it, build it, and install it for you. You just have to wait and sit in your excitement like a 5 year old waiting for his 6th birthday to come.
With custom fit shelving in a closet your things fit just right, everything can have just the right stop, however it takes a lot of thought to achieve it properly, just because it was custom fit to the space, doesn’t mean all your stuff will fit perfectly. To prevent this, check and recheck your measurements, not only of the closet, but also all of your items, and leave some extra space for new stuff to fill in, especially if you’re a big shopper. If you’re a big, big shopper, on second thought, leave even more extra space.
In conclusion
So which do you want? Decide now, hurry, right now, you have to know!
…Kidding, of course you don’t have to know now, take your time to decide, do some research, and if you live in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert area feel free to set up a call with us if you need help. There’s also more stuff we recommend adding after you get the closet installed, but you’ll have to talk to one of our organizers about that.
All in all, Home Depot has some great closet organization options, like all things, it just comes down to what’s best for you and your budget and needs.