IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

This $13 space-saving organizer totally transformed my closet

It lives up to the hype.
I can now actually walk in my walk-in closet!
I can now actually walk in my walk-in closet!Amazon
/ Source: TODAY

I've always thought of the term "closet space" as an oxymoron. My closets were so packed with stuff their doors needed "Caution, open at your own risk" signs. They had ... no space.

However, I recently hopped aboard Netflix's "Tidying Up" train and it inspired me to attempt organizing my utility closet. As much as I wanted to call Marie Kondo for help, I took a more realistic first step: the Home-it Mop and Broom Organizer with more than 6,000 reviews on Amazon.

Home-it Mop and Broom Organizer

Low cost, high expectations

Although the organizer's list price is $20, with Amazon Prime I saved 30 percent. Could the cost of one Sunday brunch really give me back my utility closet? According to the thousands of reviews and 4.6-star rating, yes.

But since I've never heard of the manufacturer, Home-It, I still did my homework and looked into its other products. My research was reassuring. Home-It's adjustable bed risershave 3,600 reviews and 4.6 stars, its velvet hangers have 2,000 reviews and 4.8 stars, its nail polish organizer has 4.7 stars and 2,500 reviews and its kitchen drawer divider has 4.7 stars and 1,600 reviews.

Installation (and tools) required

Black and Decker drill bits, power drill and hammer for hanging Track Organizer
Katie Jackson

"Can you wait until Dad is in town this weekend?" my Mom asked when I said I needed to mount something. Because I've never used a power tool, she had little faith. Fortunately, Dad's old drill in my garage wasn't too hard to figure out how to use. It's disappointing that this organizer — which comes with six screws and six plastic wall anchors — doesn't come with installation instructions.

However, there is a picture of the finished product, right-side up, on the box, so it wasn't that hard. It was also easy to find a helpful article for mounting hardware online. Ten minutes later, with the help of a drill, screwdriver, pencil, level and hammer, the organizer was mounted and set in place.

How the closet organizer works

Home-It Track Organizer gripping ball system
Katie Jackson

Unlike most racks, which only have hooks, this one uses slots equipped with gripping balls. They automatically adjust to fit the handle thickness (between .68 inches and 1.12 inches) of the object you're hanging. While the rack only has five slots, there are six hooks that fold down for additional storage — meant for lighter items like dustpans or rags. Each slot can hold up to 7.5 pounds.

On my storage organizer, I hung a broom, a sponge mop, two Swiffers and a vacuum attachment. While some reviewers observed their items slipping as the balls lose grip, I've yet to notice it. In fact, the grip is so strong it often takes two hands to get a handle in and out of the slot.

The result? Closet space!

Katie Jackson's closet after hanging the Track Organizer from Home It
Katie Jackson

Thanks to this organizer, I can now walk around in my walk-in closet! Goodbye leaning everything up against each other and moving a pile of cleaning tools when I need to reach my water heater or access the storage under the stairs. The best part is being able to alternate how objects are hung. If it was just a hanger with hooks, everything would have to be hung handle-side up. (Plus, I'd have to mount the rack higher up on the wall.)

I look forward to showing my dad my handiwork when he's in town. In the meantime, I'll be binge-watching "Tidying Up." Perhaps I'll tackle organizing the kitchen next. If I can do a closet, surely I can do a cupboard.

To discover more deals, shopping tips and budget-friendly product recommendations, download the new TODAY app and subscribe to our Stuff We Love newsletter!