Closet Organizer

We did the Rubbermaid because of cost as well. My biggest suggestion is to really think about what is in your closet. Think about what hangs and what is folded. Not only do you need to measure your closet but you really need to map out what it is you really can use. Think about everything from suits to dress, to everyday shirts and heavy sweaters and sweatshirts. Don't forget to leave space for a hamper or two. Also, don't forget if you have several sweaters or sweatshirts, only so many will stack on top of each other before they topple over every time you touch them. Shelving is a must and you will probably need more than you think. Think about switching out the seasons as well.....you will take long sleeves off your hanging bars and probably put them on top and bring down the short sleeve tops. Just go in and see what they offer and then go home and figure out what you really need....hanging bars and shelves. A good game plan is the key to a nice closet.

Target has hanging cloth shelves that you can attach to the closet rod. Love them and they aren't expensive.

We have closetmaid's selectives line in all our closets. It is wood laminate and has held up very nicely for 3+ years now. It is more expensive than wire, but looks much nicer and has almost as many options. We bought it at Home Depot. One thing we have learned about Home Depot is if you wait for their 10% off, no interest for 12 month promotions you can get a really great deal and not have to pay it all up front. They also have the no interest for 12 months by itself pretty often. The main thing you need to do before you buy is measure your closet as accurately as possible so you can utilize your organizing options to the fullest.

The Container Store will make up a plan for you, and you can get the parts at the Home Depot. I'm not sure the quality is the same, but it works.

I know the Elfa system at Container Store is on sale (20% off, I think) until the end of January if that makes it more do-able for you. Also, even if you don't use them, take in all your measurements and they'll whip up and print out a design for you, free of charge, no obligation to purchase. The CS people will help you think through how to best use the space based on what you want to accomplish there. You can take this to Home Depot or Target and know what you need and price compare. You can also buy the Elfa brackets and get the shelving to add in somewhere else if it's less money. Not to push Elfa -- I know there are other options (my dad just builds his own) - but we've been really happy with the service and product and how easy it is to adjust the layout as needed once the initial support brackets are up. Good luck finding what works for you!

We have used the Ikea ones twice, once in a hall closet and in a walk in closet, my husband put them both in and actually cut them down to fit in the hall closet. We love them because they have so many options, let us know if you have any questions.

I forget the brand, but Sams has one for under $300 out of wood. It sounds like a man's name.
Don't get closetmaid because some have individual spaces per hanger which limits the amount of clothing and the regular wire is hard for the hangers to slide. Plus, it cost us way more than it was worth when we done.
Wood with shelves is what we put into our new home and we had the $ to do anything. I do wish I had hung the top bar even further above the bottom bar because my tall shoes hit my shirts when they sit on the shlef between clothing rods. Good luck.