1. Remove The Things You No Longer Want Or Need – You don’t even need to dread this process-it’s like shopping, only you don’t need to leave your home! If you haven’t worn something for a while, try it on. Then ask, would I buy this again? If the answer is yes, it’s a keeper. (It should be in style, fit correctly, and not need major repairs.) Everything else should be donated or consigned. If your weight often fluctuates, take the clothes that don’t fit presently out of your closet and into storage elsewhere-possibly in plastic bins in your basement. Keep in mind: Your closet should be solely devoted to clothes you currently wear, think of it as prime real estate.

2. Categorize

* Hanging – dresses, pants, shirts, button-ups, long items

* Folded – jeans, shorts, sweats, sweaters, sweatshirts, tee-shirts

3. Color-coordinate within each category- Arrange clothes left to right, white to black or light to dark.

4. Get matching hangers – You can save space and have a great looking closet when all your hangers are the same. (I prefer the thin velvety ones; they are compact, clothes don’t fall off of them, and they won’t create unsightly shoulder bumps.)

5. Hang belts, ties, and scarves – A pull-out rack is ideal for hanging these items. It’ll save space and time and keep everything neat and tidy. Hooks work well too.

6. Use drawers – for undergarments, socks, hosiery, jewelry, and pashminos. Divider kits are a particularly handy tool for keeping socks and undergarments organized.

7. Use shelves – if at all possible. Shelves work better than drawers because your folded items are easier to access – you won’t need to dig for your stuff. Shelves are ideal for things like purses, jeans, tee-shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, shorts, and sweats.

High shelves are a great place for off-season clothes and shoes.

“A well appointed closet may not take pounds off your body but it will shed the emotional weight that having a disorganized environment brings.” –Better Homes & Gardens, Summer 2006

Heidi DeCoux is publisher of Life Made Simple e-Magazine, a professional organizer and creator of the Fast-Filing Method home office filing system. Heidi energizes her readers’ by simplifying their homes & schedules. For more info, free tips, and to receive her FREE Report: The Fast & Easy Way to Get Organized and Stay Organized Forever, visit ClearSimpleLiving.com