The Container Store Elfa	ClosetMaid ShelfTrack	ClosetMaid Selectives	Rubbermaid Homefree Closet System	Ikea Pax
The Container Store Elfa (about $1,500 for our test configuration)	ClosetMaid ShelfTrack (about $300 for our test configuration)	ClosetMaid Selectives (about $400 for our test configuration)	Rubbermaid Homefree Closet System (about $450 for our test configuration)	Ikea Pax (about $600 for our test configuration)
Installing this modular, epoxy-bonded steel system can be tricky, although our testers found the online video demos helpful. But once set up, it can grow with you, thanks to a wide assortment of shelving and drawer units. If expense isn't an issue, The Container Store will install it for an extra 30 percent of your total purchase, or a minimum of $180. In white and platinum. (containerstore.com/elfa)	ShelfTrack, a wire system, is easy on the wallet, and the design services offered by ClosetMaid make it an even greater value. ClosetMaid's Website offers image galleries and a DIY tool, or you can pay $5 for custom design plans. Its pieces are compatible with a number of systems across the company's lines, and the material — coated wire — is very durable. In white. (homedepot.com; closetmaid.com)	This laminated-wood system includes very explicit instructions, which makes setup easier. ClosetMaid also has helpful online services, such as image galleries, a DIY design tool, and custom design plans for $5. However, like all laminate systems, the Selectives' surfaces are easily scuffed and marked. In white or cherry. (homedepot.com; closetmaid.com)	The durable wire track system was both stain- and scratch-resistant in GHRI tests. Spacers included with system let you estimate how much room you'll need for each shelf. Our tester found installation somewhat easy, although she had difficulty attaching the shoe cubby. In white or titanium; wood accessories are extra. (lowes.com)	This large, melamine finished system is sturdy and fairly easy to put together, but some laminate broke off when our tester assembled it. Because of its size, you should recruit a friend to help out. We also found it was easier to put the whole organizer together first and then stand it up; otherwise, it may be difficult to align. Wall mounting isn't required, although you may choose to do so for added stability. In birch, black-brown, white oak, white, and gray. Available in the spring of 2010. (ikea.com)
Pros:	Pros:	Pros:	Pros:	Pros:
• Can be designed and later reconfigured easily.	• Can be designed and later reconfigured fairly easily.	• Fairly easy to install.	• The system was impervious to stains and was nearly scratch-free after the drop test.	• The shelves and bars should be fairly easy to set up.
• The finished system looked polished.	• In GHRI tests, it was impervious to stains and was nearly scratch-free after the drop test.	• Helpful customer service and instruction manual.	• Can be customized fairly easily.	• Sliding mechanisms were clearly labeled and easy to install.
• Online video demos help solve issues during assembly.	• Helpful customer service.	• Online services help with design.	• Customer service was automated but helpful.	• The shoe rack was simple to set up, though time consuming.
• In GHRI tests, it resisted stains and scratches quite well.			• Thorough instruction manual.	• Parts of the sliding mechanism were labeled, which helped our tester figure out how to install it.
• Helpful customer service.
Cons:	Cons:	Cons:	Cons:	Cons:
• Installation may be challenging, because the written instructions can be confusing.	• Although the manual is somewhat helpful, it may take some trial and error (and patience) when you install the pieces.	• The laminate surfaces peeled and were easily scuffed and marked during installation.	• Accessories may be difficult to attach.	• Although the manual is somewhat helpful, you may need trial and error (and patience) when you build and install the pieces.
	• The bracketing that holds the shelves in place may not be sturdy. (For extra stability, you can buy and install additional wall brackets.)	• The system chipped during the drop test.	• The shoe cubby accessory was unstable in GHRI tests.	• During assembly, the laminate chipped off easily.
	• Assortment of products is limited.		• Once assembled, the system's bars didn't line up properly.	• The system was also nicked during the drop test.
			• The company's Website was somewhat difficult to navigate.	• Pieces weren't aligned after installation.
			• Limited number of design services available	• The system's very large frame is tough for one person to manage.
				• The sliding mechanism may require two people to install.
				• The tester noticed the laminate color on the drawers and frame didn't match.
				• Assortment of products is limited.
				• No phone number listed for customer service.
All information above is directly from Good Housekeeping Product Testing (goodhousekeeping.com) http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-testing/reviews-tests/cleaning-products/diy-closet-organizers?click=main_sr
Comments from First Hand Experience:			Comments from First Hand Experience:
Note: I installed the white ventilated wire Elfa system			Note:  I installed a 3-6' kit in a linen closet and 2 4-8' kits in a bedroom closet.  I discovered this system after I had installed the Elfa system.
Selection of system/Closet Design: - A big advantage to this system is the ability to walk into the store for assistance with closet design and install.  (You can also submit your information online and they will email you a rendering of the proposed design including a list of all materials and estimated cost.) - Associates were helpful, design of the closet is done on the spot. - All product was cut as needed to custom fit my closet.  All product was loaded into my car and I was out the door in about two hours.			Selection of system/Closet Design: - Since I had previous DIY experience with the Elfa system, I was willing to give these a try.  This system received 4.5 star ratings on Amazon and it was substantially cheaper than the Elfa system. - These are a great solution for those spaces were there is little room for closet design (you are only installing on one wall such as a linen closet, coat closet, etc).
Installation: - All product was neatly bagged and loaded into my car.  Total time elapsed from initial design to checking out was approximately 2 hours. - All products were clearly labeled and instructions were very clear. - The only drilling required was the initial install of the top rack.  - Installation was a breeze.			Installation: - The kits were nicely packaged and the instructions were very easy to understand.  There were example of possible closet designs included in the instructions. - Similar to the Elfa system, the only drilling required was the install of the top rack. - Very quick and efficient system for my coat closet. - The systems were a little more challenging when I attempted to install in a larger U-shaped close.  It was difficult to find additional components to fit my design.
Overall Opinion: - The Elfa experience for me was very positive.  The instore assistance and ideas were incredibly helpful and I walked out feeling very confident about the do-it-yourself install.  This system is more expensive than other ventilated wire shelving systems, however you can find discounts up to 30% off in January/February.			Overall Opinion: - The Rubbermaid Homefree systems are very quick and efficient for straight-forward closets (bath, linen and coat closets) - Very clear instructions and very nice materials - Challenging to find additional components to customize, especially if you have room for extra shelving - Recommended for those who are good with do-it-yourself projects and want a good value
Comments from First Hand Experience are a Ready Aim Organize source April 2010.