Every so often, there comes a time in your life when you must confront an undeniable truth: your closet is a disaster. For me, that moment arrived a bit later than it should have—probably a decade and a half down the line. Over the years, I found myself scrolling through Instagram, captivated (yet somewhat shamed) by the pristine closets displayed in beautifully curated feeds. Of course, those gorgeous spaces are often found in homes with closets the size of a child’s bedroom. But for the rest of us, making the most of limited space requires thoughtful design and clever organization solutions.
Which is precisely why I decided to explore custom closet designs. When I learned that The Container Store was offering free consultations, I couldn’t resist checking it out. The Container Store has always resonated with me; their belief in creating spaces that “spark joy” while giving keepsakes an organized home aligns with my values.
Discovering the Possibilities with The Container Store
The Container Store promises to guide you through the process of designing your own reach-in closet system during a complimentary consultation with one of their expert designers. They take your designated space, listen to your requests and inspirations, and create a custom design entirely in collaboration with you. They address all sorts of organizational challenges—from overflowing pantries to jam-packed garages, and those walk-in closets that you can’t even walk into.
I was excited to see what customizations were possible for my own closet, particularly given my longstanding frustration with the state of my belongings. Here’s a step-by-step account of my experience with The Container Store, from consultation to design.
Step 1: Setting Up a Call with a Closet Expert
To kick off my journey, I visited The Container Store’s custom closets page and filled out a brief request for my free design consultation. Soon, I was chatting with my new best friend, Courtney, a closet design specialist eager to see the depths of my closet chaos.
During our conversation, we discussed my unique needs and challenges. I provided her with the dimensions of my space (10 feet by 2 feet, should you be interested), and we scheduled a follow-up video call where I would unveil my cluttered closet for her expert review. In the interim, Courtney planned to draft some potential designs based on the specs I shared.
Step 2: Showing My Design Specialist the Reality of My Closet
When our video chat arrived, Courtney peered into my cluttered closet as I sheepishly introduced her to my humble collection of chaos. I had grown used to tossing items inside and pretending they didn’t exist—embracing my closet’s dubious “black-hole aesthetic.” Unsurprisingly, I felt a twinge of dread opening that door.
However, Courtney quickly reassured me. She pointed out that my feelings stemmed from a lack of organization options rather than any inherent flaw in my process. Together, we assessed the current situation, discussing why my closet didn’t work for me and what I needed to change. As we dove into specifics, I began to view my wardrobe and accessories through a different lens.
We meticulously measured how much space my clothing took up, discovering I owned two feet worth of long items (like maxi dresses) and a similar amount for shorter items. We also considered my husband’s clothes and how we could optimize the full space for both of our uses. For me, this was an enlightening experience—like a much-needed therapy session but with stacks of clothes instead of session fees.
Step 3: Figuring Out the Base Layout for the Closet
As we transitioned into the design phase, I felt a spark of excitement. My closet currently housed a long bar on top and a bulky dresser at the bottom, barely allowing me to hang things properly. Not to mention the ever-growing “to hang” pile collecting dust on top of it.
Courtney guided me through a plan to remove the cumbersome dresser, giving us access to better organization while clearing unnecessary clutter. Using The Container Store’s design software, I watched as she built and adjusted my closet layout in real-time, using my input to personalize the design piece by piece.
After finalizing the layout, we explored finish options—choosing wood grain shelves and hardware that complemented our bedroom furniture for a cohesive look.
Step 4: Discussing Design Options and Customizations
As we reviewed my closet design, Courtney introduced me to four different closet systems available at The Container Store: the Elfa Classic, Elfa Décor, Avera collection, and the high-end Laren. Each offered varying styles, sizes, and budgets.
We ultimately chose the Elfa Décor, a middle-tier option that blended the strength of Elfa Classic with looks and finishes that offered a touch of luxury. It struck the perfect balance of aesthetics and practicality, making the prospect of adulting (especially in my closet) feel within reach.
Elfa Décor Features:
- Beautiful wood shelves and drawers in various colors
- Design flexibility without sacrificing style
Step 5: Committing to Your Closet (Or Saving for Later)
Once our design session wrapped up, Courtney sent me a link to view my completed design at any time. It felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders knowing I could mull over the design, take a weekend to think, or even save up a few months before making a purchase.
The total project price hovered around $2,300, excluding tax and delivery but including installation. However, if I opted for curbside pickup or DIY installation, I could bring the cost down to about $1,999. The choice was mine!
The Final Verdict: How Do Custom Closets from The Container Store Stack Up?
As I ventured into the world of custom closets, I realized The Container Store fits perfectly into the mid-market niche. While I’m no Carrie Bradshaw with an endless budget, their options are accessible and user-friendly, even for someone navigating a cramped apartment or city living.
Whether your dream includes creating a boutique for your high-end fashion pieces or simply finding a home for that sweater collection, The Container Store has the tools to elevate your closet from disarray to delight.
In summary, if you’ve ever thought your closet was a lost cause, let my experience be a source of inspiration. With a little guidance from The Container Store, the journey towards organization can bring not only beauty but a sense of peace to your daily routine.
Disclaimer: Prices and options were accurate at the time of this article’s publication but may fluctuate over time. The product specialists at Reviewed keep you updated with the latest reviews and deals to enhance your shopping experience.
