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		Get Organized Debbie Williams is an organizing strategist and founder of OrganizedTimes.com. She is the author of  "Common Sense Organizing" from Champion Press. Closet Organization Question: I live in an older home with virtually no closet space. The closets we do have are small, or deep and narrow. I would like to get the most efficiency from the space. Any suggestions? Robin M. Answer: Storage space, or the lack thereof, is something we all can't seem to get enough of. And closets are the first to fill, so that space is premium! The best tip I can give you for organizing your closets is to get vertical. Use every bit of vertical space you can -- don't spread, stack! Instead of piling your shoes on the floor, hang them in a canvas bag on the back of the closet door or store in a shoe cubby. Hang scarves, belts, purses, and hats on pegged racks mounted inside the closet or drape them over a sturdy coat hangar. Or invest in a belt organizer, which hooks on your clothes rod and takes up very little space. Consolidate whenever possible. Even the smallest of discount stores sells skirt and pant hangers with multiple tiers of hanging space. These are heavy, so don't overload a flimsy clothes rod with too many of these; spread them out to distribute the weight. You can probably hang 4, 6, or even 8 skirts or pairs of slacks on one hanger, leaving you ample room for your shirts and jackets. Take this concept one step further by storing your clothes together in outfits, hanging slacks, blouse, and jacket on one heavy-duty hanger. This not only streamlines your closet space, but will give you bonus time during your morning routine. Apply this same principle to any storage need you may have: hobbies, sports, toiletries, linens, or cleaners. Using organizers that hang on or hook over your closet door is like having two closet in one. You can roll up towels to store in a shoe cubby, or fold them to slip inside a wall-mounted rack (like the ones used by hotels). Store tall bottles of shampoo and hairspray in adult shoe caddies, smaller toiletry items in child-sized caddies. Try to use as much space that you can to stack up your stuff so that you don't have to dread opening an overstuffed closet ever again. Good luck, Debbie Williams Also see: Ask Debbie your questions Recently answered questions Organization in a small kitchen		Search BlueSuitMom.com Email this page to a friend    C a r e e r   C o r n e r • Join BlueSuitMom on   Facebook • In a Man's World • Professional Organizations • Company Seminars • Career Archive • Small Business Advice • Online Job Search • Entrepreneur's Corner • Sign Up For Our Newsletter Ask an Expert • Image Consultant • Career Coach • Work/Life Coach • Business Coach • Work at Home • Professional Organizer • Emotional Wellness • Business Advisor    C a r e e r   P o l l What is the most important benefit your employer can offer you? Flexible work hours Extended hours/shortened work week Job sharing Telecommuting On-site daycare Take home meals On site dry cleaning View results
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