Zoom Your Way To The Perfect Closet With The Container Store’s Virtual Closet Design Service

The stay at home orders of the past months have made us all more aware of many things, especially lack of closet space. With the time to go far beyond spring cleaning, editing clothing, accessories, and other items isn’t always quite enough to organize a closet or maximize the space. That starts with the design of the closet itself. A basic closet with a rod for hanging and maybe a few shelves just doesn’t cut it for most people. However, hiring a professional closet designer to come to your home simply isn’t an option in many cases right now. But The Container Store’s virtual closet design program, which launched in April as a response to the pandemic, provides an ideal solution to this problem.

Bringing Custom Closets Home With Virtual Design Consultations

In 2019, the Container Store opened two Custom Closets locations— the first in Los Angeles and the second in Dallas. With more than half the store’s display dedicated to the brand’s various closet systems, customers and members of the trade alike were able to book complimentary consultations with in-store closet designers. 

The Container Store’s Virtual Closet design consultations give customers a comparable, if not in some ways, a better experience. “We launched our free Virtual In-Home Design service to provide an alternative option to our in-store and in-home services while our stores have been closed and our customers have been spending more time at home,” Eva Gordon, EVP of Stores and Services tells me. “With this launch, our goal was to provide the same level service one would receive when working with a designer in-person on a custom closet or space in their home, and the feedback thus far has been extremely positive.”

The Container Store plans to continue to offer this service even as stores re-open.

How Virtual Closet Design Consultations Work

The process is practically foolproof. The Container Store recommends beginning by taking the measurements outlined on their worksheet, which lists all the dimensions the designer needs to know. This includes everything from the obvious dimensions of the space such as length and width as well as less apparent measurements like the height of crown mounding.

Customers then book an appointment and connect with a designer through Zoom using a phone, tablet, or computer. In some ways, this process is more efficient than an in-store consultation because the designer can physically see the space. It’s also a better choice for closets that are irregularly shaped or have sloped ceilings. 

Virtual consultations are also a great way to facilitate the collaborative process between the designer and the customer. While many people have their own vision, professionals have a greater knowledge of the product lines and how to make the best use of the space. For example, if a closet is narrow, shelves may be a more suitable choice than drawers. 

Staying On Budget

While the service itself is free, it’s also a great way to keep the project on budget because the designers know ways to cut costs by using basic finishes and simpler designs. 

While The Container Store’s Elfa system might be their least expensive, it also offers the most value for the money because it can be installed once and then adapted as needs change. This is particularly smart for children’s rooms because parents can adjust the height of the hanging bar as kids grow without additional costs or exerting much effort. Shelves, drawers, hooks, and other accessories can be swapped out. 

Elfa is also one of the few closet systems that’s renter-friendly. Once installed, everything can be removed and adapted to another location. Pieces can be added and taken away instead of purchasing something entirely new. This also lessens the impact of furniture waste on the environment. 

Virtual consultations are also available for the higher-end Avera and Laren systems as well. These are more aesthetically oriented lines with lots of extra features such as lighting, angled shoe shelves, and even customized islands.

Semi-DIY Closet Design

The Container Store also offers an online closet design tool for their Elfa and Elfa Décor systems to cater to anyone suffering from Zoom fatigue or simply prefers to go about it on their own. This tool is for basic walk-in or reach-in closets that are open or have four walls. Just answer a few questions about the space, enter the measurements, and get started. From different styles, and finishes to hardware and accessories, it’s easy to create and visualize the closet with a 3-D model and floor plan.

Installation 

Installation can be the most challenging part of the process, but The Container Store makes it fairly simple. The Elfa system can easily be self-installed with the custom instructions and videos provided. This can be a game-changer for anyone in a location that has not lifted stay-at-home mandates or are choosing to self-quarantine. The Container Store can ship directly to customers or they can choose in-store or curbside pickup where available. 

The Laren and Avera systems require professional installation, which can be booked directly through The Container Store (where permitted) or completed by an independent contractor.

For anyone still hesitant to allow a contractor into their home, they can always design their closet now, while they have the free time and have it installed at a later date.

This post first appeared on Forbes.com. To see the original, click here.