How to Remove ClosetMaid Shelf Support

ClosetMaid shelving systems can help you organize messy closets. The pieces of the system are completely customizable to fit your needs. A ClosetMaid system can also be removed, in the event that you need to renovate or paint. Removal is almost the exact reversal of the assembly process. Steps vary slightly based on the type of the system.

For individual shelf supports:

• Pull up hanger bars, if any, to remove them. Release the hanger bar supports before pulling them down to remove.


• Remove the corner brackets by pulling up on one of the corner shelves. The tension on the bracket will be removed, which lets you pull the bracket away from the shelf.


• Locate the screws at the bottom of the metal support running from the wall to the front of the shelf. Once you remove them, the support will come away from the shelf.


• Remove the screws on the back of the support poles if you have installed them. The poles are clipped on the front of a shelf that is not resting against any wall. Remove the screws from the back and then remove the pole.


• Remove the shelves by lifting them up from the wall brackets and wall clips.


• Remove the brackets and clips from the wall by removing their screws.

For vertical rail system:

• Lift up to remove hanger bars, if any. Lift up on their supports to free them before pulling down to remove them from the closet setup.


• Remove any cornice support pieces by lifting on one of the two shelf pieces. This will remove the tension on the support piece, which can then be slid out.


• Lift up the front of the shelves to remove them. Some systems might have a lock on the back where the shelf meets the support. Find the plastic tab located on the back of the support. Push it away from the wall to release the shelf.


• To unlock the shelf supports from the vertical supports, push them up. Pull them away from the vertical support by slightly tilting them down.


• Remove screws on the vertical support. Remove it from the top bar by pushing up. Once all the vertical supports are cleared, remove the top support bar by removing its screws.