We like our current wall-hung Elfa system, as opposed to those with individual brackets under each shelf, because of its infinite flexibility. We have some shelving where we've split the shelf along its horizontal distance, creating a space for taller items, or hanging space, on one side and shorter on the other. The new house will have that same wall-hung/track system everywhere. We're doing away with dressers and will use the pullout baskets for folded clothing. One problem for us is the cost. And that's really the only thing that will force us to deviate from that system everywhere. So, in some areas we'll use wood shelving that DH makes and installs. Sometimes these systems aren't the best solution for pantries or for books. I haven't seen really shallow shelving like you might want in a pantry that fits on the track hanging system. And wire doesn't provide a stable surface for books and a few other things. So, you can think of each item and consider if the dimensions, spacing configurations, and surface is suitable for it.

The Container Store has at least as much stuff in person as it does on its online site (they also have a very tiny return/dent/discontinued area, just a few shelves worth). It does not charge for a consultation, and they do it on a computer, so you will get a printout, with dimensions and with the list of whatever components would be used. Be sure you sketch out the closet, with exact measurements of every wall or ceiling slope, before you go. Right now, they have a 20% off everything in the store sale, a 50% off sale on select Elfa components, and they just ended their twice-yearly all-Elfa sale. If you go, ask them when the next all-Elfa sale will be. And like Lowe's will do with their Closetmaid wire closet shelving, Container Store will cut to size what you need (I imagine the wood components, too.) I did one small closet in my top-floor office in Closetmaid, and it was supersimple. Got the components for Lowe's. And I did my entry way closet in Elfa. Both work fine, the Closetmaid was less expensive, but the Elfa just looks a little nicer.

We ended up not getting Elfa in our last apt because the 3" increments would not have maximized the space in one closet that was oddly-shaped. We also preferred the more finished-looking CA Closet-type systems. We ended up getting Easy Closets, which was a great compromise. It is fully customizable and with a coupon, priced out the same as regular price Elfa. It looked like new after several years of use, although I wonder if it would have held up so well in a pantry. I have not seen CA Closets in person, but I'm guessing it looks nicer than EC, although we had no complaints about the look of EC. Back then, CA Closets quoted us double the cost of EC. We recently moved and wanting to go "higher end," we called CA Closets again. Their quote for our walk-in closet of 17' linear feet came out to an eye-watering $7K. I priced out one of the smaller closets and once again, CA Closets came out double (actually, more than double) than EC. One benefit of custom closet makers such as CA Closets is that the work is considered a "capital improvement," meaning you can add it to the cost of your home when computing taxable gain on sale. Also means no sales tax. Easy Closets charges sales tax (at least in NY), which in reverse logic tells me that it is not considered a capital improvement, but I'm not 100% sure on this.

Closet Factory is one of the stores in my area and they offer either design..........wall hung or floor support. Closet Factory did the closets in the house we now own and DS purchased ClosetMaid for their walk-in closet. I don't see much difference in qualiaty........just choices. Closet Factory tends to be more 'custom' but I believe they will sell their stock for self-install. ClosetMaid can be found at Lowes.........and I think HD is also carrying it now. If you do a search thru Yahoo Yellow pages for your area you'll probably find a few choices.