DIY closet systems

I'm looking to do a very basic organizational system in my small bedroom closet, and maybe my son's as well. Curious to know your experiences with the various DIY closet systems- Closetmaid, EasyClosets, Martha Stewart, etc. It will likely be just shelves and hanging so I'd like something straightforward and (ideally) inexpensive.

Thanks!

I have an EasyCloset and I really like it. My closet was a long reach-in closet with two bi-folding doors. I measured and designed a closet using the EasyClosets online tool. I ordered the closet when they did a 25% sale (usually twice a year). I hired someone to install the closet (took about 2 days). I believe the closet costs about $500-700 and maybe an additional $600 to get it installed. There used to be a EasyClosets showroom in Pine Brook (off Rte 46 East)...see if its still there, it may be worth a visit to see things in person. Have you also considered The Container Store?

Thanks!! That is higher than I expected for a basic system but that's why this thread is helpful

In my experience, designing and pricing closet systems—unless it's a basic closetmaid or other hardware store basic kit for about $100, getting a basic custom closet installed either by the company I worked for or other, is more cost effective than buying something like easy closets and paying someone separately to install.

In addition you save on sales tax because it's a capital improvement.

To give you a little more specific info— a typical small closet (under 5 feet) in an older home, split in half with double hanging and then full height shelving, in a basic color without bells and whistles would typically run between $4-500, installed. A single section closet with hanging and shelves would be between $3-400 installed.

When you start adding drawers, trim, and other accessories is when the pricing gets more expensive

shh said:
In my experience, designing and pricing closet systems—unless it's a basic closetmaid or other hardware store basic kit for about $100, getting a basic custom closet installed either by the company I worked for or other, is more cost effective than buying something like easy closets and paying someone separately to install.
In addition you save on sales tax because it's a capital improvement.
To give you a little more specific info— a typical small closet (under 5 feet) in an older home, split in half with double hanging and then full height shelving, in a basic color without bells and whistles would typically run between $4-500, installed. A single section closet with hanging and shelves would be between $3-400 installed.
When you start adding drawers, trim, and other accessories is when the pricing gets more expensive

Thanks @shh!! That's good to know, and perhaps I will go that route in the end. I was thinking we could install EasyClosets ourselves... is it not actually so "easy?" And it seems like the basic Closetmaid could work just fine for what I need. But it could also be too good to be true. That's why I'm curious about experiences others have had as well.

I have done all of my closets using the ClosetMaid Selectives at HomeDepot. They turned out great.

If you are at all handy, you can buy the components and install yourself pretty easily.

I do advise taking good measurements and take you time. Know exactly the pieces you want before you go to buy, or it can get a little overwhelming. I think i took 2 trips to HomeDepot before (on the third trip) i bought everything.

And i agree with shh - it's the doors and drawers that up the cost. If you are just looking for shelves - you can keep it under 200.

I forgot to mention...my closet is 5 drawers, an attached metal basket, 11 shelves, and 4 clothing rods. That's probably why it costs so much (ad took two days to install).

erins said:
I forgot to mention...my closet is 5 drawers, an attached metal basket, 11 shelves, and 4 clothing rods. That's probably why it costs so much (ad took two days to install).

But I bet it's gorgeous!!

Our closets are small, but we bought from easyclosets and my husband installed them. It was a while ago, but I don't remember an inordinate amount of cursing or anything, so it must have been relatively easy. Our prices were much lower than the amounts quoted above, but again, small closets. Only one was deep enough for drawers, so we have drawers just in that one closet. Otherwise, just hanging thingies and shelves.

Another nice and super-cheap idea for closets is to buy those clear shoe-pocket organizers and hang them on the inside of the closet door. So great for storage, be it scarves or other bedroom-closet items, random stuff that accumulates in kids' rooms, office supplies in a study, etc.

My husband re-did out closet with what they offer at IKEA. Inexpensive and really great! They have an online tool that you can use - before you head to the store to get anything. Measure the spot in your closet or room that you are thinking of, select the item you want from the IKEA online tool, and it will display results as to whether or not the item will fit. Really great tool!

randg said:
My husband re-did out closet with what they offer at IKEA. Inexpensive and really great! They have an online tool that you can use - before you head to the store to get anything. Measure the spot in your closet or room that you are thinking of, select the item you want from the IKEA online tool, and it will display results as to whether or not the item will fit. Really great tool!

Ooooh, thanks! I will try it!

One of my problems is our closets are shallow. They're only 20" deep, and some of the online tools say they require a minimum of 22". However, it seems the actual hardware is usually 14" deep.

I also installed IKEA closets myself. Easy, and a great range of drawers, baskets, etc. It's also been simple to move the components around (within the fixed structure) as the kids have grown and needs have changed.