marshian's Profile

Display Name: marshian
Member Since: 2/13/11

Latest Comments...

Another thing to point out: ClosetMaid and Rubbermaid also have adjustable shelving lines in addition to the "standard" shelving. We are planning to take our components with us when we move. We'll just leave the hang tracks and standards.

We priced out Elfa during their 30% sale (which is going on now) and removed silly things like bracket covers. It was still $500 over the price of ClosetMaid. Maybe in our next place, if we're going to be there longer than where we are now.


Battle for the Best:
Closet System Shopping Experience
1/17/13 5:51 PM

I just went through this as my husband and I shopped for a system for the closets in our condo (master bedroom, office, and entry). I have to put a good word in for Home Depot. Yes, their display isn't as pretty. Yes, their employees don't tend to proactively ask if you need help. However, they will cut all the pieces you need to size for you in the store. (We had them cut shelves and a closet rod.) So you don't have to go buy a hacksaw or bolt cutters. We found that extremely helpful. When we spoke with the Container Store employees about Elfa, they really pushed not trimming the pieces and just using them in the "modular" fashion they were designed. As our closet isn't a standard size, we would have had unused space.

Like ElleBee said, pricing has a huge influence. I understand this particular article is about the shopping experience itself, but it has to be said: Elfa is expensive. The most expensive of those four options. Which I believe is part of the reason they really show it off in the store. Rubbermaid was a similar price to ClosetMaid, it just didn't have some options we wanted (particularly we wanted all our pieces in silver/nickel). I can't speak to Ikea.

We went with ClosetMaid. (As much as I drooled over Elfa, I couldn't swallow the extra cost.) So far we've installed the parts in the entry closet. It was easier than we expected and it's been holding up our heavy winter coat collection (we're in Chicago too) for a week with no problems.


Battle for the Best:
Closet System Shopping Experience
1/17/13 5:35 PM

People make me crazy nowadays with the phones (talking/texting/internet)! Is your Farmville really more important than a face-to-face conversation with a friend or family member?

My personal guidelines (that I wish others would follow!):

1. No phones at dinner. Whether eating in or out. It's rude. Dinner time is great conversation/social time.
2. No texting/internet/games on your phone when you're doing something with someone. Playing a board game with family, exploring a museum with friends, doesn't matter what it is - being present mentally as well as physically is important.
3. No talking on the phone in the bathroom. Is your conversation really so important that it can't wait 5 minutes? Seriously?
4. No texting/internet during meetings at work. This should be obvious, but so many people do it. It's rude and looks bad.

I sound a bit like a stick-in-the-mud, but I'm a firm believer that what's going on in the present time and place is more important than whatever's happening on your phone.


What Are Your Personal Tech Etiquette Rules?
3/3/11 12:34 PM