Wow! Now that's hard core closet storage. Every now and then we wonder if we should invest in an Elfa closet storage system.
We have an Elfa storage system in our basement and it's been very useful, and we're intrigued by the layout this toy storage solution we found over at the Container Store's Web site has to offer.
Of course, part of us wonders how practical this would actually be in day-to-day living. If our child was looking for a particular toy that was all the way in the last bin of the very top shelf would it be a bigger pain to have to grab the step stool to retrieve that toy or to have a slightly less organized solution?
Do any of you have a set up similar to this in one of your closets? What are the pros and the cons?
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Looks awesome but to me it seems very "cold" (for lack of a better word) and impractical.
It is undeniably pretty . . . but I think it is too overdone to be practical.
I have Elfa (or Storables' "Freedom Rail") in 3 closets in my home and I LOVE IT. It's incredibly practical for my uses - pantry, craft supply storage, and toy storage - and it lets me cram an incredible amount of stuff into my closets while keeping everything organized and tidy. We're about to move and I'm really sad about leaving it behind.
It's a bit pricey, but I think it's worth every dime. It's also really easy to install and to customize to your specifications. Seriously - I can't speak highly enough of it.
I think that part of why this looks so well organized is that there is actually relatively little being stored in this closet, and a lot of empty space. Yes, the bins and shelves are great, but the reality in our small home is that our closets are CRAMMED full of bins..which no matter how well organized, never looks this nice.
For practicality, I would suggest trying to put the upper toys (that the child can't reach) out of sight by use of a curtain, non-see-through bins, etc, and then rotate the toys down to the lower shelves when your child needs a change -- this would at least partially eliminate the constant step-stool use.
Great attempt at organizing crafts, toys, and other closet items... however, the upper shelves would serve a better purpose for storing completed artwork/crafts (portfolio), seasonal supplies/decor, and/or toys for rotation. The lower shelves would allow little ones to access their supplies on a daily basis. I would also rotate everything to keep it fresh; i.e., trash or give away unused items, replenish craft supplies, categorize drawings/paintings in a portfolio, etc. Staying on top of this would hopefully keep the closet in order and from being overstuffed with unnecessary things.
As far as the shelves themselves... we always resort to Home Depot or Lowes for an economical alternative.
This is definitely lovely to look at but I think little ones would have a hard time with it. For one thing, lidded boxes seem to be hard for kid to use. And if they can get them off, they certainly aren't too inclined to put the lids back on! I think baskets that slide into an open slot are much for practical for kid supplies.
I only have one closet in my entire house, and although it's extremely, EXTREMELY organized, it doesn't look it because it's full to the brim. It holds all of my clothes, both of my kids' clothes, all my paperwork and photos, all our movies, my craft supplies, the entire family's shoes, board games, winter mittens and scarves, and misc stuff. And it's a small-ish closet! I only WISH it looked this amazing! Sometimes I wish I had a system like this, but I don't think I'd be able to fit everything I need with a pre-set system.
I have Elfa in all of our closets and in our playroom. There are many reasons to love them. The first reason is that you only have to mount the top track with screws which eliminates tons of holes in the wall. Second, they are very easy to re-arrange with DH help which is a plus for me. I had them used in my daughter's room as set it up as a desk but since she didn't use it much I took it down and used it in the playroom. They are very versatile and easy to use. If you think you have an organized closet without Elfa, think again... I will post pictures soon. As far as your little children being able to reach items, you can put the shelves as low or as high as you want. I usually keep things that are rarely used at the top. Another thing I've done is mounted them above the 4 cubby expedit shelf from Ikea. This works well for kids because they can reach everything in the expedit. Hope this helps. seriously, Elfa rocks. But wait until they have their 30% sale which is usually around September. If you call the store they will be able to give you a date on when the Elfa sale starts. I also purchase some components on Craigslist and I was able to save tons of money.
This is beautiful. I love the clear storage. Everything perfectly sorted. Doesn't have to be Elfa or a closet but nice idea. I keep our toys in rubbermaid bins and wish they were clear....