Most people have trouble keeping their closets organized. Cluttered, stuffed, dusty and messy are words that most people will use to describe their closet when asked. I challenge you to get your closet organized, clean and manageable. The secret is to have a place for everything. You have to learn to make the most of useable space and categorize like items.

Whether you want to purchase a closet design system or do as much as possible for free, the process starts out the same. First, you should empty your closet. We’re going to work top to bottom. If you don’t have a top shelf in your closet, you should think about installing one. They’re cheap and easy to install, just make sure that you’re anchored into studs so that the shelf can support a lot of weight. This top shelf can be used for anything large and bulky that you don’t use every day. Suitcases, duffle bags, boxes, sheets, quilts or out-of-season items can all be stored up high. To eliminate the dust problem, wrap each thing in plastic wrap or in large plastic bags. This also makes labeling easy so that you don’t tear down the whole stack of blankets going for the one on the bottom that you want. If they do fall, they won’t get dirty or come unfolded.

Next, you need to hang the longest items that you have, such as dresses and long coats, far back to one side. If you have a little money to put into your closet organization, high-quality wooden hangers can make a huge difference. They keep everything hanging correctly and they also space out your items so that they don’t get crammed and wrinkled. You can install a second bar under the first to hang shirts, suit coats, pants or other short items. This can just about double the useable space in your closet. Installing more shelves down the sides of the closet or where ever you have room, can give you lots of storage space for ties, socks, t-shirt stacks belts and other accessories.

Leave a little space at the bottom of the closet for your shoes. Shoe racks can keep shoes organized and prevent you from creating a shoe mountain at the bottom of your closet. You can purchase cedar chips or just place a container of baking soda open somewhere near your shoes to control odor and keep your clothes from smelling like your shoes. Small crates on the floor make great places to keep your socks, scarves and hats or other items that won’t wrinkle. If you have something special, like a lot of baseball caps or a lot of ties, then make a special place for these things. Hooks and tie racks are cheap and don’t take up hardly any space at all. Be creative in finding places for things.

If you still don’t have enough room, then you really might need to downsize your wardrobe. Get rid of as much as possible. Shoes that are just old and scuffed or hurt your feet should be tossed out immediately. Old out of date clothing or clothes that don’t fit quite right should be eliminated. Encourage yourself to stay organized by investing in some new matching clothes hangers. Remember that wooden hangers look very nice, they’re functional and keep your clothing separated and hanging nice. Clean your closet today for a fresh outlook and organized life!