The Best Portable Closets of 2023

If you’re running tight on closet space, a portable closet offers a smart storage solution for clothing and accessories.

By Jasmine Harding | Updated Mar 2, 2023 4:50 PM

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Best Portable Closet Options

Photo: amazon.com

A portable closet is an affordable solution in homes that lack adequate closet space. Portable closets maximize storage space and can make an excellent organizer for a bedroom or storage room. They often offer more flexibility than many built-in closets. Some portable closets have adjustable rods or shelving to customize the storage.

Since they’re easy to assemble and disassemble, portable closets are ideal for renters, students, and others who move somewhat frequently. For easy transport, some options are packable and travel-friendly. The best portable closet options are sturdy, stylish, and keep items well organized.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Songmics 59-Inch Portable Clothes Closet Wardrobe
  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Songmics 34-Inch Portable Clothes Closet Wardrobe
  3. UPGRADE PICK: Seville Classics Expandable Closet Organizer System
  4. BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: Whitmor Freestanding Clothes Closet
  5. BEST LARGE: Youud 65-Inch Portable Closet
  6. BEST FOR TRAVEL: Grand Fusion Stow-N-Go Travel Luggage Organizer
  7. BEST EASY-ASSEMBLY: Whitmor Portable Wardrobe With Hanging Rack
Best Portable Closet Options

Photo: amazon.com

How We Chose the Best Portable Closets

The best portable closets are easy to assemble and disassemble, ideal for short-term and seasonal storage, as well as convenient to use, with designs that maximize storage space. With these two main criteria in mind, we narrowed down the best portable closets for a wide range of uses, from protective long-term storage to transporting a wardrobe on the go.

In each respective category, we considered the closet’s design, materials, capacity, and assembly process. We looked for closets with smart designs: Ample shelving and hanging space, flexible layouts, and adjustable sizing were the major perks we sought. We prioritized closets made of durable materials and with a decent weight capacity. Lastly, we included several closets that are very easy to assemble and disassemble (many without the need for tools).

Our Top Picks

Portable closets are versatile and often useful for more than just bedroom storage. They can store linens in a laundry room, miscellaneous gear in a garage, and out-of-season clothes in a basement. The best portable closets keep spaces organized. Our top picks are sturdy, stylish, and functional.

Best Overall

The Best Portable Closet Option: Songmics 59-Inch Portable Clothes Closet Wardrobe
Photo: amazon.com

With a movable hanging rod and 12 shelves, this portable closet from Songmics offers an array of storage options. The hanging rod holds up to 50 pounds, and each shelf can support 11 pounds or less. The shelves are made of waterproof fabric.

At 59 inches, this unit is a suitable size for a small room or walk-in closet. It includes a black, nonwoven zippered fabric cover to keep the contents dust-free. The closet also can be assembled without the cover. The frame is made of durable steel tubing, and plastic connectors make this closet simple to assemble.

Product Specs

  • Dimensions: 68.88 inches tall by 59 inches wide by 17.5 inches deep
  • Materials: Steel frame, plastic connectors, and fabric cover
  • Adjustable size: No

Pros

  • Ample size
  • Lightweight and easy to move
  • Water-resistant materials

Cons

  • Fabric shelves have low weight capacity

Get the Songmics 59-inch portable closet at Amazon or Songmics.

Best Bang for the Buck

The Best Portable Closet Option: Songmics 34-Inch Portable Clothes Closet Wardrobe
Photo: amazon.com

This portable closet is another sleek and minimal design from Songmics. At a bit over 34 inches wide, it’s a better choice for small rooms, hallways, and walk-in closets. Its flexible layout options allow for four different possible rod and shelf configurations. Use one or two hanging rods, and adjust the removable tiers to the desired shelf height.

Setup is easy: No tools are required, and all the tubes are the same length. The iron tubes are bend- and dent-resistant. The hanging rod holds up to 50 pounds, and each shelf bears up to 8 pounds. A nonwoven gray fabric cover keeps dust out and complements the minimal look.

Product Specs

  • Dimensions: 66.2 inches tall by 34.6 inches wide by 17.7 inches deep
  • Materials: Iron frame, plastic connectors, and fabric cover
  • Adjustable size: No

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Flexible rod and shelf configuration options
  • Nicely designed and easy-access dust cover

Cons

  • Fabric shelves have very low weight capacity

Get the Songmics 34-inch portable closet at Amazon or Songmics.

Upgrade Pick

The Best Portable Closet Option: Seville Classics Expandable Closet Organizer System
Photo: homedepot.com

The Seville Classics Expandable Closet Organizer System offers a more stylish and durable take on a portable closet. This open closet system is made of chrome-plated industrial-strength steel wire, which means no bent or broken pieces like in flimsier portable closets. This material makes the closet more substantial (and a bit more permanent), but it’s still easy to set up and take down.

The closet measures 72 inches tall by 58 to 83 inches wide by 14 inches deep. Five shelves on each side (and an extended top shelf) flank two hanging rods. When the rods are not extended, they have a hefty weight limit of 125 pounds, suitable for even the heaviest winter coats. When extended, each rod holds 50 pounds, perfect for hanging light jackets and shirts. Each shelf also has a 100-pound weight capacity, which is much higher than most portable closets.

Product Specs

  • Dimensions: 72 inches tall by 58 to 83 inches wide by 14 inches deep
  • Materials: Industrial-strength steel
  • Adjustable size: Yes (adjustable width)

Pros

  • Ample rod and shelving space
  • High weight capacity
  • Expandable hanging rod

Cons

  • Substantial dip in weight capacity when hanging rod is expanded

Get the Seville Classics portable closet at The Home Depot or Overstock.

Best For Small Spaces

The Best Portable Closet Option: Whitmor Freestanding Clothes Closet
Photo: amazon.com

This compact portable closet from Whitmor is an ideal size for small rooms and dorm rooms or for seasonal clothing storage. The sturdy frame is made of heavy-duty coated steel and includes a cover, which has an easy-access zipper and a breathable, see-through window. This design provides airflow and keeps garments safe from dust, moths, and moisture.

Assembly is simple, and no tools are required. This unit has one hanging rack with a supporting bar for extra sturdiness. Although compact and on the shorter size, this portable closet is tall enough to hang most dresses and coats.

Product Specs

  • Dimensions: 64 inches tall by 36 inches wide by 19.75 inches deep
  • Materials: Steel frame, plastic connectors, and fabric cover
  • Adjustable size: No

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Small footprint
  • Breathable, see-through front window

Cons

  • Shorter than average

Get the Whitmor freestanding portable closet at Amazon.

Best Large

The Best Portable Closet Option: Youud 65-Inch Portable Closet
Photo: amazon.com

An extra-wide portable closet is the right choice for those who need substantial extra storage space. Measuring 66 inches tall by 65 inches wide by 17 inches deep, this portable closet from Youud is a roomy pick.

A mix of both hanging and shelving space provide the flexibility to store clothing, linens, and storage boxes. While Youud does not share the weight capacity of this unit, it is made with reinforced iron tube framing to create a durable and stable structure.

Plastic shelves offer sturdier shelving than some other portable closets that have fabric shelves. A large zippered fabric cover wraps around the entirety of the portable closet, keeping everything inside safe from dirt and dust. Plus, to maximize storage space, this portable closet has room below and on top of the closet for extra storage.

Product Specs

  • Dimensions: 66 inches tall by 65 inches wide by 17 inches deep
  • Materials: Iron frame, plastic connectors, and fabric cover
  • Adjustable size: No

Pros

  • Large size
  • Sturdy frame and shelving
  • Storage space above and below unit

Cons

  • Youud does not share weight capacity

Get the Youud portable closet at Amazon.

Best For Travel

The Best Portable Closet Option: Grand Fusion Stow-N-Go Travel Luggage Organizer
Photo: amazon.com

It can be hard to keep clothes organized when traveling, but the Grand Fusion Stow-N-Go Travel Luggage Organizer can help. This clothes organizer features three open shelves and a zippered bottom section and is made to make packing and organizing clothes simple.

Users can fill the organizer with clothes and pop it right in the suitcase. When at the destination, just pull the organizer out and hang it up with the two built-in steel hanging hooks.

This organizer measures 25.2 inches tall by 17.7 inches wide by 11.8 inches deep when hanging. Due to its compression straps and buckle system, it’s suitable for luggage big and small. When compressed, it’s designed to fit in most standard-size carry-on suitcases.

Product Specs

  • Dimensions: 25.2 inches tall by 17.7 inches wide by 11.8 inches deep
  • Materials: Polyester
  • Adjustable size: No

Pros

  • Helps compress items for packing
  • Sturdy hanging hooks
  • Zippered bottom section

Cons

  • A bit bulky; some users had trouble packing items around the organizer in small suitcases

Get the Grand Fusion portable closet at Amazon or Target.

Best Easy-Assembly

The Best Portable Closet Option: Whitmor Portable Wardrobe With Hanging Rack
Photo: amazon.com

No tools are needed to put together this portable closet from Whitmor, and durable plastic connectors allow for easy assembly and disassembly. The sturdy steel frame, steel hanging rod, and bungee-cord system prevent this closet from bending or warping under weight. The hanging rod holds up to 50 pounds of weight.

This portable closet doesn’t include shelving, but the extra-wide size is ideal for hanging bulky clothing. The breathable gray cover keeps out dust, bugs, and moisture. Its clear front panel allows users to see inside the closet. The durable zipper opens down and across to allow easy access to the clothing inside.

Product Specs

  • Dimensions: 64 inches tall by 60 inches wide by 19.5 inches deep
  • Materials: Steel frame, plastic connectors, and fabric cover
  • Adjustable size: No

Pros

  • Straightforward, tool-free assembly
  • Bungee-cord system prevents frame bending
  • Extra-wide size

Cons

  • Lacks shelves

Get the Whitmor portable closet with hanging rack at Amazon.

Jump to Our Top Picks

 

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Portable Closet

Portable closets come in a variety of materials and designs to suit any space. Important features to consider include dimensions, capacity, and design. Style is another factor; a range of designs are available to suit a variety of home decor styles. Lastly, adjustable shelves or dividers add functionality.

Dimensions

Portable closets range from compact units to large, wall-size storage systems. When choosing a portable closet, consider the number and type of items it will store. Also, consider the size of the room that will accommodate the closet.

For large rooms or those without closets, a large portable closet may be a good pick. Larger portable closets often have a hanging rack and shelving to store folded clothes, accessories, and more. For small rooms or for use in a walk-in closet, a small portable closet may be the ideal choice.

Storage Capacity

When choosing a portable closet, storage capacity is a primary consideration. If the portable closet will serve as the main storage system, a large-capacity closet may be required. A large portable closet with hanging racks and shelving can store bulky coats, folded clothes, shoes, and more. A small closet is usually suitable for tight spaces or for seasonal clothing.

Storage capacity isn’t only about size; also consider the weight capacity of the rods and shelving. Also consider the interior design, including the hanging rods and shelving layout. Some portable closets have features that maximize storage space without affecting the unit’s dimensions. Rods, hooks, and top shelving add storage capacity.

Material

Metal, plastic, and wood are the most common frame materials. Metal is sturdy and durable, but it can be heavy and susceptible to rust in damp locations. Plastic may be less durable, but it won’t rust and is usually lightweight. Wooden parts are durable and can add a homey look.

Also consider the closet’s fasteners and connectors. Metal screws are a sturdy option, while plastic connectors may be less sturdy but can make the unit easier to assemble. A durable set of hangers also helps with hassle-free storage.

Many portable closets have a cover to protect clothing from dust, mold, odors, and moths. Soft fabric covers are lightweight and ideal for temporary storage. For a more permanent solution, portable closet systems with hard plastic enclosures are durable and may look more stylish.

Adjustability

Portable closets offer flexibility. Some closets have features like adjustable hanging racks, shelving, and hooks.

Adjustable features allow users to customize the inner storage space, which can create extra storage space for coats or convert more space to shelves for shoes or handbags. Some portable closets include adjustable dividers to divvy up space.

When looking for an adjustable portable wardrobe, also check for sturdiness. One possible drawback of adjustable parts is that they sometimes are less sturdy than fixed options. To maintain structural integrity, consider adjustable pieces that lock into place.

Assembly

A quality portable closet should be straightforward to assemble. Some assemblies require no tools, while others may need some simple tools. Either way, a portable closet is typically a more affordable storage solution than the installation of a built-in closet.

Since most portable closets are stand-alone units, assembly shouldn’t cause any damage to the room. For renters, students, and travelers, this makes portable closets an ideal storage solution. Some travel-specific closets can be assembled and disassembled with ease.

FAQs

Portable closets are an affordable and flexible storage option. They can provide an extra closet in any space, from the bedroom to the laundry room, in order to cut back clutter and keep the closet organized. Most portable closets are easy to assemble for hassle-free storage. They can store any variety of items, from clothes to sporting gear. When choosing a portable clothes closet, consider these questions and answers.

Q. What’s the best portable closet?

Because of its ample storage space, durable frame, and stylish design, the Songmics 59-inch portable closet is one of the best portable closets.

Q. Are portable closets durable?

Some materials, like metal frames and hard plastic covers, are more durable than others. If users don’t exceed the weight limit and use them correctly, portable closets can last a long time.

Q. How long do portable closets last?

As with any piece of furniture, portable closets go through wear and tear with use. While they may not last as long as a built-in closet, high-quality portable closets can last many years.

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