Buyer's Guide to Portable Closets

A portable closet is perfect for any tiny living space, such as a studio apartment without storage space, or for keeping a stash of seasonal garments which otherwise would take up space in a day to day closet. Many industries, such as photography and theatre, use portable closet storage as a part of their business.

Construction Material: Usually made from a plastic or metal frame with a linen cover, adjustable closets can expand or contract according to the space constraints of the room. Some portable closets have additional units or ‘racks’ that can be purchased separately and added as needed.

Look: Not necessarily the sleekest looking items, adjustable closets are usually basic in their presentation, with a square or rectangular frame, and plain, simple mounts.

Durability: A plastic portable closet will last longer if it is assembled according to the manufacturer’s standards, and also if it is not weighed down with more material or objects than it has been designed to hold. For plastic and metal closets, proximity to heaters can warp the support structure, resulting in a quicker decay rate.

Price range: Much more affordable than pre-assembled portable closets.

Where to buy: Major online retailers, such as Amazon, have a ready stock of self-assembled portable closets.

Construction Material: Pre-assembled portable closets are usually made from finer materials, such as wood, with rolling wheels that allow them to be quickly and effortlessly relocated. Some pre-assembled portable closets are entirely metal.

Look: Because they are designed to arrive in one piece, these portable closet racks have a more sophisticated look to them, and often enhance an interior space, rather than looking like a temporary storage option. Many pre-assembled portable closets have a simple but elegant design of an open rack mounted in either wood or metal. Other closets are extremely compact but have dozens of different sized compartments and drawers.

Durability: Depending on how the components age, pre-assembled portable closets can last for years without any difficulty. However, certain precautions should be taken. Excessive movement can take a toll on the structural integrity of the closet, especially if it is being rolled over uneven surfaces on a daily basis. If the closet is left standing in one place for much of the time, and then occasionally re-arranged, it will hold up much better.

Price range: Generally more expensive than self-assembled closets. The price increases for handsome wood closets, or those with a variety of different pockets or shelves.

Where to buy: As with self-assembled closets, most major online retailers stock them, as well as major brick-and-mortar furniture stores.