In Smallest Coolest month, focused as we are on organizing our kitchens well and making every inch of space count, we browsed again through The Container Store and their particular brand of organization porn. They have physical stores in only 16 states, but their online presence makes their vast range of organization and storage products available to everyone.
They specialize in storage solutions, containers and systems of all kinds, for every room - from the kitchen to the garage. We especially love their wide range of clear glass and plastic storage jars for the kitchen.
Voted one of the Best 100 Companies to Work For, The Container Store claims to have a different approach to retail, with great customer service and a personal approach.
We have had limited experience with them online, but our one order went smoothly and shipped fast. What about you? Anyone used their Elfa storage system? What kind of experiences have you had with The Container Store?
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I haven't used a full-on elfa closet system (though my parents are huge fans) but I did install some individual elfa drawers on the bottom shelves of my deep kitchen cabinets. It made the space so much easier to use, because not only could I reach all the way to the back of the cabinet, but the drawers' depth meant I could (ahem) stack a lot of stuff up in there. Once I installed them I couldn't believe I hadn't done it sooner.
I have elfa shelving that is going to be put up next weekend. I live near a store, so I went there to get it. The staff was extremely helpful, and works with you one on one to figure out what you need. You just bring in the dimensions and they'll basically do the rest, and ensure that you leave the store with all the little pieces you need. It was a great experience, and this was during the height of their annual elfa sale, so they were swamped.
I've also been with my sister during their college night, when she was getting stuff for her dorm. It was a madhouse, I couldn't believe how many people were there. Even with all of that, you could always find staff to help you, they were handing out free water and snacks, and someone was quick to grab me a stool since I had a foot in a cast and all the standing around was getting to me.
The good thing about the Container Store is that they usually have a cheaper alternative to the product you want, but can't afford. They have metal DVD baskets, but they were a little too spendy for me, and I was able to find a plastic basket of the same size & shape.
Crazy -- I just visited The Container Store for the first time on Saturday, bought the same containers you featured here, and blogged about it on my site: http://leslieann.wordpress.com/2007/04/23/weekend-purchases/
I'm really loving the containers. The employee who assisted me seemed to be very happy with his job, and it's great to hear they're notably good employers.
We installed the elfa drawers on the bottom shelves of all our deep bottom cabinets. As mentioned above, why didn't we do this years sooner? I love them!
Every closet in my parents home is Elfa. The pieces have been re-oriented so many times and in so many ways that it is spectacular. Everytime we grew or traded bedrooms or made an old bedroom an office, the Elfa system was adjusted and they just keep working. We have had them for 15 years at least and love them. They are also great to create a laundry drying area in the garage, and my mom uses the drawers for her gift wrapping gear!