Want to tame closet chaos without drilling into your walls or installing a full closet system? The ClosetMaid Cube Storage unit is a freestanding DIY closet organizer that gives you built-in cubbies, flexible layout and the option to rearrange any time you like. It’s an easy upgrade whether you’re refreshing a reach-in, doing a small entryway closet makeover, or organizing a kid’s room.
Each cube gives you a defined “home” for clothes, accessories, shoes and small items that usually end up in piles. Because the units are freestanding, you can slide them under hanging rods, stack them, or line them along a wall to create a custom setup that works with your existing closet layout or small walk-in closet design.
Cubeicals are also fast to put together. Most people can assemble a unit in well under an hour using just a hammer and a screwdriver. If you like simple weekend projects and want a clutter-free closet without a lot of tools, this is a very approachable option.
How to Use Cube Storage Organizers:
ClosetMaid doesn’t lock you into one size. In addition to the 12-cube organizer, Cubeicals come in multiple configurations—2-cube, 3-cube, 4-cube, 6-cube, 8-cube and 9-cube units—so you can mix and match depending on your space and storage goals.
You can line several units across the floor of a reach-in closet, stack them vertically in a corner, or combine sizes to create a makeshift “built-in” look. Go wider for lots of shoe storage, or build up vertically when you’re working with tight floor space and higher ceilings.
Because the footprint is compact, these cubes don’t have to stay in the bedroom. Many people use them in mudrooms for hats and gloves, in home offices for files and supplies, or in playrooms for toys and books. You can even repurpose a smaller cube as a nightstand, end table or printer stand.
Used horizontally, a 12-cube unit doubles as a low console for baskets, shoes or decor; stacked vertically, it becomes a tall cubby tower that makes the most of vertical space. That flexibility makes cube storage a useful companion to more permanent modular closet systems.
Another plus: they’re relatively lightweight, usually between about 15 and 50 lbs depending on size. That means you can slide them out to clean, rearrange them when you edit your wardrobe, or repurpose them in another room without a big project.
Pros & Cons of Cubeicals:
Unlike fixed closet systems, cube shelving isn’t attached to your studs. If you rent, or you’re not ready to commit to a permanent build, this is a huge advantage—you can avoid drilling into walls and simply take the units with you if you move.
Many people love cubby-style storage because each cube acts like a mini “parking spot” for your things—one cube for jeans, one for sweatshirts, one for handbags, and so on. That built-in structure makes it easier to maintain order, especially in high-traffic spaces or shared closets.
There is one key limitation: each opening is sized for items roughly 11″ x 11″. Taller boots, bulky blankets, or oversize storage boxes won’t fit inside the cubbies and will need to live on a shelf, rod or separate organizer. For most clothing, accessories and shoes, though, the smaller cube size is actually helpful because it discourages overstuffing and keeps stacks from toppling.
Paired with a hanging rod above and maybe a wall-mounted system like ClosetMaid ShelfTrack, cube storage units can round out your closet and give you a nice balance of hanging, shelving and hidden storage.
Specs for the 12-Cube ClosetMaid Cube Storage:
- Dimensions: 36″ Wide x 47.5″ Tall x 12″ Deep
- Individual Cube Size: 11.25″ Square x 11.75″ Deep
- Unit Weight: 55 lbs
- Weight Capacity per Cube: 15 lbs
- Material: Laminated manufactured wood
- Available Finishes: Birch, Black, White, Dark Cherry, Chocolate, Natural Grey, Espresso
- Stackable: Yes, can be combined with other units
- Assembly Required (Assembly Guide)
- Model #: 1290
- Manufacturer: ClosetMaid
- Customer Service: 800-874-0008
- For Sale: Where to Buy the Cubeicals
How to Add Collapsible Fabric Storage Cubes (for Cheap):
If you’d rather hide visual clutter instead of seeing everything on display, just slide in a few fabric storage bins. These collapsible cubes are sized to fit right into the openings and have built-in handles, so they function like lightweight drawers.
They’re ideal for underwear, socks, workout clothes, belts, small bags or beauty supplies. When you need something, you can pull the whole bin out like a drawer and carry it to the bed or bathroom, then slide it right back into the cube when you’re done.
Because the bins are soft-sided, they’re not meant for heavy, bulky items—but that’s usually not what you’re storing in a small cube anyway. Each unit measures about 10.5″ square x 11″ tall, which fits neatly inside the ClosetMaid openings while still leaving a bit of room to grab the handle.
One of the nicest surprises is the price. When purchased as a multi-pack, each bin typically comes out to under $3.50, so you can fill an entire 12-cube organizer without spending much more than a dinner out.
Mix open and closed storage—some cubes with baskets, some left open for display—or fill every compartment with bins for a clean, uniform look. With multiple color options, you can match your bins to your decor or use different colors to zone categories—handy for kids, shared closets or any space where you want grab-and-go organization. For even more simple storage upgrades, take a look at my other DIY closet organizer ideas.
