If you look back about twenty years ago, organizing your closets meant either an old wood shelf with a rod or some fancy new wire shelves you could buy in a box and install yourself.

Well, things have come quite a long way.

Today you can walk into almost any national brand store and you'll find every possible option when it comes to storage and organization products for your closet.

So here I am to clarify some issues for you, and help you make decisions when it comes to organizing your closets to make sure you're making the best decision for your situation.

Metal Closet Shelving Units

Typically the first product looked at by the do-it-yourselfer, metal closet units were one of the first out on the market and became an affordable solution to getting a little more organized.

But there are some issues you should be aware of, such as limited strength and durability.

You'll also have limitations when it comes to customization, although as I mentioned, a wire shelf system still gives you the most affordable choice.

It's a solution that offers more than a rod and wood shelf, like those found in most older homes.

Two of the main complaints I hear from homeowners are the metal shelves leave lines in the clothes and they often pull out of the wall, especially if not installed correctly (and most of them are not.)

Laminate Closet "Kits" and Modular Closet Organizer Systems

Closet organizer "kits" can be found in all home improvement stores and on the internet. Geared towards the do-it-yourselfer as an alternative to a professionally designed custom closet, an inexpensive closet organizer system is a good way to get your closets organized without spending a lot of money.

However, there are a few things you should know before going ahead with this type of closet organizer.

First, there are varying degrees of quality. From polymer to plastic to particleboard and even wood, the cost is usually associated with the quality.

As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.

The better closet organizer systems are typically made of " laminate shelving and give you additional strength and support.

This gives you a strong, durable system that will never twist or warp, like wood shelves do over time.

But often the closet kits you find in the stores are cheaper because they're not cut to a thickness that is very supportive. Try to stick with the 3/4 inch laminate because this will allow greater support for more weight on your shelves.

If you find a laminate that's 1/2" you'll notice the cost to be a little lower, which is usually something to think about. If strength isn't an issue and your budget is, then you can certainly get by with the 1/2 inch laminate.

Sometimes it might be better to invest a little more money now than have to replace your closet organizer later down the road.

Do it yourself or hire a pro?

The way closet systems are designed today, it's very easy to do it yourself if you have the time and want to save a little.

From wire to high-end laminate systems, they're now created with the do-it-yourselfer in mind.

You can even buy steel vertical braces and brackets at the local hardware store and buy the wood or laminate separately without spending the extra money on a "kit," but get the same storage space for much less money.

A professional closet organizer often has the expertise to help you create solutions for your specific lifestyle. From designing to installation, it's often worth the extra money and will save you the time and aggravation of having to do it yourself.

And if it's a quality system, you're getting something that not only improves the way you live in your home, but increases your home's sales value.

But beware, because not all professional closet companies are the same.

A good designer will ask you questions about your wardrobe and what's most important to you. A professional closet designer understands the best way to utilize every inch of space in your closet and can recommend different aspects of closet storage.

Some of the bigger franchises are much more expensive than a local, smaller company offering the same services and products, but this varies with location.

Of course, anytime you're having work done in your house I recommend getting at least three bids from the contractor (or closet professional in this case).

And when making comparisons, make sure the materials are actually the same. As with the do-it-yourself closet organizer systems, the highest quality option is made of the 3/4" laminate and should have some kind of guarantee.