The Container Store — Local services in Costa Mesa

The manager called me and apologized for the miscommunication around painting the closet. I told him that we liked the product as well as working with one of his designers but unfortunately it was the painting issue that caused our frustration.He said he would take an additional 15% off of my bill now and if I ever wanted to go back and purchase more closet inserts, he would give me 30% off, an offer we appreciated.

Purchased closet shelves and drawers to be installed in our guest room. We worked with John and came up with a workable set up. We were told they'd take down any existing shelves and poles, patch the wall and paint the closet. We were asked if we wanted to use their basic white paint or if we had paint we wanted them to use. We went with their paint since we didn't have any. Well, to our surprise when we looked at the final product they'd only painted a strip of wall where the shelf was! I called the store 3 times and left messages for John and finally heard back from him the following day. He in our conversations he'd clarified that they'd only paint the part of the wall that they patched. Well, my wife and I spoke to him on two different occasions and never understood that to be the case. If we'd known, we'd have painted the interior of the closet before the product was installed! And if we chose their paint why couldn't he say something like, "If you use our paint it may not match the paint that's already in your closet, do you realize that?" Seriously, why would anyone use their paint knowing it wouldn't match and look terrible? Now we're having to contact our handyman to see what he'll charge (ended up being $150 plus $25 for paint!) to paint the closet and see how much of the shelves and drawers he'll need to remove to do the job. We already paid just under $400 for the installation! We have 2 more closets to do but it won't be with The...

I always have a good time at The Container Store. My husband was actually laughing at me because as soon as we walked in, I started getting all giddy! It's just a fun store. It allows your imagination to run wild of how you can organize your kitchen, your bedroom, your bathroom, or your garage. It gives you the tools to run wild with beautifully organized closets, refrigerators, and darwers. But reality sits in, and you realize you can't afford everything you want.

As far as prices go, I would say that they are slightly to largely above average. There are definitely some things that are quite pricey, and then there are some things that are more affordable. Here's what's great about them versus shopping online or at a big box store...

When you walk in, there are options galore. Like I said earlier, this gives you the ability to have your imagination run wild and how you're going to organize your are. Then, because you are there, you are able to measure everything and really actually visualize it in your area.

I highly suggest pre-measuring your pantry, closet, refrigerator, etc. And then also bringing a measuring tape with you. That really helped us on this trip, and we were able to visualize how the organizational tools that we ended up buying we're going to work, and they worked out perfectly.

Be prepared to spend time here. This is not a quick trip. But in the end it will be worth it. We come back here time and time again because they have just about everything you would ever need or want to organize your home. Just beware the pocketbook will take a small or...

The Container Store in Costa Mesa is a true haven for anyone who craves organization with style. Located at the South Coast Plaza, this location is spacious, well-lit, and impeccably organized—a fitting first impression for a store that sells order itself. The staff here are genuinely helpful without being overbearing; they know their inventory well and are quick to offer creative solutions for everything from cramped kitchens to overflowing closets.

The selection is vast, with options that range from budget-friendly bins to sleek, high-end closet systems. What sets this location apart is the impressive Elfa and custom closet section—if you’re looking to revamp your space, their in-house designers make the process surprisingly seamless. Seasonal displays are always inspiring, and it’s easy to lose track of time exploring all the clever gadgets and beautifully arranged shelves.

Prices can run high, but the quality justifies the cost, especially for long-term storage solutions. Sales are frequent enough to make wish-list shopping more attainable. Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist trying to get your life in order, The Container Store in Costa Mesa delivers a satisfying retail experience that actually makes organizing feel exciting. Just make sure you bring a list—or risk buying one...