Get eight ideas for using an adjustable wire closet system like Rubbermaid or ClosetMaid with these real-life organization projects. Updated February 2021.
In the last seven years we have lived in three different houses, and in every closet of each one of them I have installed the exact same closet system. I love these adjustable closet systems because the only permanent part of it all is the wall brackets.
You can rearrange the shelves and hanging rods as often as you want without even having to break out the tool bag. That’s good for someone like me who loves to change things up every few months.
Since I’ve used this system SO many times, I thought it would be fun to round up some of the ways I’ve used it. Note the TERRIBLE photography from my early days of blogging…good thing I’ve gotten better since then! But one thing is consistent, this closet system can maximize a closet like no other.
Master Closet
Here’s our current closet. It’s my favorite closet from any house I’ve ever lived in because it’s not too big, not too small, and has just enough room based on the way it’s shaped for my husband and I to both be in there at the same time. The layout gives me a lot of flexibility to move things around based on the seasons. I can add extra shelves in the winter when we have lots of folded bulky sweaters. And I can add more hanging rods in the warm seasons for maxi dresses.
Long, Narrow Closet
At our last house, the master closet was long and narrow. It was the most challenging closet to use as a couple because we couldn’t both be in there at the same time. The ceilings were also very high compared to what we were used to in our first house, so we hung the closet systems higher than usual. This was really great for additional storage, but wasn’t really the best idea for two people under the height of 5’6. If you’re a tall person, an adjustable closet systems will be your favorite way to organize.
Square Shaped Closet
Two houses ago, the closet was an exact square. It was pretty easy to organize, but the corners weren’t very accessible. The square shape made it difficult for my husband and I to share as a couple, but the closet system helped soften that a bit. I rearranged this closet quite often, because that house was very small and I didn’t have anywhere to store off-season clothes. I had to keep my warm and cool weather clothes in there all the time, so the layout was pretty tricky.
Laundry Room
In our last house, I added some of the small add-on kits over the litter box to hold our cleaning supplies. It was the perfect filler for a random open space. Using add-on kits for adjustable closet shelving systems as standalone storage is a great way to maximize awkward wall space. Don’t feel like you have to use a whole big system. The add-on kits can actually be used on their own. Just make sure you use heavy duty wall anchors since they won’t be hanging from the safety track.
Multi Purpose Utility Closet
In our old, old, house, our laundry space was a tiny closet in the kitchen. This closet system really gave me a ton of extra storage in an otherwise small area. I can’t tell you how many times I rearranged this laundry closet, because I was constantly needing to store different things in there. That house was a little over a thousand square feet, and I treated that laundry closet as a linen closet, a pantry spill-over, a laundry room, and additional kitchen supply storage. The closet system made all that possible.
Other Spaces
Craft Closet
The craft closet in our old house was my happy place. I loved how I could rearrange the shelves every time my craft stash changed. Storing all your supplies in a spare closet is really helpful when you’re short on space. A regular builder-grade closet shelf and bar wouldn’t allow for storing each craft category in an organized way, but this adjustable system turns the closet into a mini craft store.
Kid/Teen Closet
Noah’s closet gained a ton of space when we added the closet system. He was able to store his clothes and shoes on one side and extra toys and games on the other. Using these adjustable closet systems in kids and teens closets is a game changer, because their closet needs change frequently. Kids are growing, so their clothing continuously gets bigger. The things they keep in their closets change, too.
Handicap Accessibility
This isn’t in one of our houses, but it is a closet I designed for my brother and the Organized-ish Community Manager, Brad. I LOVED the basket drawers we used. They were perfect for him since he uses a wheelchair. Having drawers attached to the wall instead of a traditional dresser made his clothing much more accessible. This is my favorite closet I’ve done with this system, and I really want to add those drawers to my own closet now, too.
How To Get This Look For Your Closets
In the closets above, I used the Rubbermaid HomeFree system from Lowes. Since then, it has been discontinued. I have found that Rubbermaid Configurations and Closetmaid ShelfTrack are comparable.
All of these adjustable wire closet systems are great and easy to install, plus they’re much more affordable than the built-in wood ones. I suggest going to Lowes (Home Depot doesn’t carry them) and looking at the options available. The store has a display of the system so you can see it in person out of the box.
Want More Closet Ideas?
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