The hosts of “The Shopping Bags“, Kristina and Anna installed four different types of closet organizing systems to the test. During the episode, professional organizer, Linda Chu provided valuable information on selecting the best system to suit the needs of the clients.

The objective of a closet organizing system is to create a functional space for the users so they can find what they need easily. There are some important details to take into account when choosing a system.

• Make sure the hangers can continuously slide across the bar. Some systems use rod supports that block the hangers from sliding. As a result, clothing can get “trapped” on one side of the barrier. This makes it difficult to organize and access.
• Consider having a secondary bar to create two levels of hanging space.
• Closets should have shelves or cubicles to hold folded sweaters or smaller items in baskets.
• Choose a system with adjustable shelves and rods. Then, you can re-arrange your closet easily to cope with seasonal and lifestyle changes.
• Wire shelving is less expensive than wood shelving but it can leave ridges on your clothing. Using a shelf-liner or thin piece of wood on the top of the shelf will prevent this.
• If you will be storing heavy items such as books, select a laminate product that is at least 2cm thick to prevent warping.

The team installed these closet organizing systems:

• ClosetMaid: Comes in a kit.
• Rubbermaid: Comes in a kit.
• IKEA: Buy individual pieces depending on your needs.
• Stor-X: Professionally installed after meeting with a “closet consultant.”

Linda helps the family declutter and prepare the closet contents. Meanwhile, The Shopping Bags (and their team) install the closet systems. Watch the video below to see what the homeowners find in their closets and discover which closet organizing system was declared the winner.

For more great advice on decluttering and closet organizing systems, contact Linda Chu of Out of Chaos.

Image courtesy Home Depot Canada.