Proof that Rubbermaid + Elfa Closet Organizers are nearly identical

IN FACT - when you compare the installation instructions for the Elfa system as compared to the Rubbermaid system - THEY ARE NEARLY IDENTICAL! You can practically purchase the Rubbermaid unit and practically install it using the directions frmo the Elfa unit! They are that similar in setup!!!

Don't believe me: Here are links to the installation of the Rubbermaid setup:

1) Go to http://www.rubbermaidcloset.com/ and click on "Installation Video"

2) Alternatively, you can find the PDF instructions here: http://www.rubbermaidcloset.com/hpd/rubbermaidcloset/images/3G59_assembly_195KB.pdf

And the Installation instructions for the Elfa unit are here:

http://images.containerstore.com/browse/pdf/elfa_installation.pdf

The only difference between the two is that:

1) the Elfa unit comes with 2 sliding pants racks and 6 wire baskets to put clothes into.

2) The Elfa unit has "wood trim" around the shelves and baskets...

I will address these differences one at a time.

1) Rubbermaid offers wire baskets and pants racks also at the cost of $50 per unit. You can nearly immitate the Elfa setup for half the cost! This is the breakdown of how to immitate the Elfa unit:a. Purchase the Rubbermaid Configurations Deluxe Closet kit ($119)b. Purchase two sliding pants racks (http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Configurations-Seven-Pair-Pants-Rack/dp/B0009WG350/ref=pd_sim_hi_3_img/102-9568983-0515349 ) and six wire baskets (http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Configurations-Sliding-Wire-Basket/dp/B0009WG34G/ref=combo_pack_i_8/102-9568983-0515349) - $50 x 8 = $400So for the total of $519, you can immitate the Elfa unit which goes for $1200!!! That's less than half the cost!!!

2) Sure, the Elfa units have nice wood trim, but the markup on that (according to someone I spoke with at the Container Store) is due to the wood trim!!! You tell me - Do you think that it is worth $600+ to have shelves that have wood trim on it or would you rather save the $$600+ for something else?!?! Sure, I am fair and I feel that the Elfa unit looks nice with the wood trim but the Rubbermaid setup still looks absolutely gorgeous!!! PLUS you save $600+ for other things! Hell, with that much money saved, you can do another closet!

If this doesn't make you think twice about purchasing the Rubbermaid unit as opposed to the Elfa unit, you must read this post again! =P

Just for your eyes:

Here is a picture of the Elfa unit, fully optioned ($1,200):

http://www.containerstore.com/MEDIA/ProductCatalog/16946/16946.jpg

Here is the Rubbermaid Deluxe Kit ($119.99):

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RKVWR7HNL._SS400_.jpg

Here is the Rubbermaid Sliding Pants rack ($49.99):

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/311Q2S4M5SL._SS400_.jpg

Here is the Rubbermaid Wire Basket ($49.99):

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/410PC8H6TJL._SS400_.jpg

You can basically immitate the Elfa setup with ALL RUBBERMAID COMPONENTS for half the cost!