5 tips for organizing your closet to boost storage space

Most people wish their closets were bigger, but a lack of space is usually due to organizational issues, not narrow confines. To help you maximize your available storage space, here are five essential closet organization tips you should know.

Before you can get started organizing your closet, plan your makeover by measuring the space you have.

• This step will help you determine your hanging requirements and storage needs.

After taking measurements, clear everything from the closet so you'll be ready to start with a clean slate.

• It's also a good time to go through your closet and get rid of anything that you don't need or haven't worn in a long time.

Closet systems are a great way to help you get the most from the space that you have.

• Closet storage systems may include hanging bars, cubby storage and drawers that will help you organize clothes, shoes and accessories while not taking up much space.

By taking advantage of these organizational tools, you'll easily find room for everything in your closet.

If your closet is small, you'll especially want to have a thorough overview of every inch to maximize this limited space.

• Using over-the-door storage is a great way to hang shoes and belts, which tend to take up unnecessary space in a closet.
• Bins and baskets are going to be ideal for your basic everyday items, such as socks and underwear.
• Buy some quality hangers, i.e., ditch the metal ones from the dry cleaner, and use only one type in your closet. Although this may seem like a small detail, quality hangers will help keep your closet neat and tidy and better preserve your clothes. Having one type of hanger, too, will make it easier to keep everything organized becuase it won't look so cluttered.

To get the most from your closet, use shelves, drawers and hanging racks strategically.

• You can have two hanging rods to give you enough space for shirts, pants or skirts.
• Sweaters and other folding clothes are great for open shelves where you can easily see what you have.
• You may even want to consider adding built-in drawers or moving a small dresser into the closet. You can store more of your clothing and accessories in these drawers and keep it organized.

To determine which of these storage items you should have, first determine the types of clothing and accessories you need to organize. Then, use that info to maximize your space.

These tips are a great way to help you arrange your clothes and accessories, but it may take some time to get your closet organized optimally – especially if you're sorting through years of closet neglect.

• Take as much time as you need to find the setup that's going to work best for you. Otherwise, your closet will again descend into a chaotic mess and you'll need to repeat the process.

Frankly, nobody really enjoys organizing closets. Then again, who loves wrinkled clothes pulled from beneath a pile of stuff? Organizing your closet is a good way to see what you have that can be given away; what you'd like to wear more (if you could find it), and what should be tossed because it's worn out.