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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: It's spring again and I hear my closets calling me. I have the best intentions but I can't seem to get started. Do you have any advice on how to conquer such a large feat? Jackie Answer: I do indeed have a few simple tips for containing the clutter in your closets. Try not to tackle an entire closet unless you know you will have a large block of time without interruptions -- don't dump it and leave it as we have all done in times past! Break it down into manageable time periods of 15-20 minutes at a time, either working by category (floor, shelf, closet rod) or in one direction around the entire closet one area at a time (clockwise or counter-clockwise-- pick a direction and stay with it). By the way, this is a technique that works for almost any organizing project, and one that I recommend for areas that are just too much to handle in one sitting. Now it's time to get started with your sorting and purging project. Getting Started: Gather several boxes labeled: To Keep, To Trash, To Sell, Undecided. Begin sorting. Don't try to find a place for everything until your items are sorted. Group your items by category: shirts, pants, shorts, tee shirts, jeans, sweats. Decide what will be folded, what will be placed on hangers and what will go into drawers. By planning wisely during your sorting process, you have eliminated the need for many storage items. Use what you have around the house, then buy specific sizes for the articles you need to organize. Use multilevel rods for hanging items. Bins and shelf dividers keep folded items stacked. They are inexpensive to buy and can usually be found in discount stores or home stores. The time you save sorting through things on the floor or in drawers for purses and accessories will be well worth the small investment. This will not only free up valuable drawer space, but can eliminate the need for chest of drawers altogether. Use hangers for ties and belts, cubbies for shoes and purses (cover divided grocery store boxes from wine bottles or detergent bottles), hanging organizer or fishing box for jewelry. Hooks for caps, bags, umbrellas and purses keep things in sight for quick retrieval. When organizing your closet, keep all blouses together. Sort by color, casual or dressy, long sleeved or short sleeved. Do the same for skirts, dresses, slacks and jeans. If you maintain this system, you can tell at a glance what article of clothing you need before you go shopping. (You may also find you already have four white blouses and don't really need another one!) A hanging storage closet system purchased at home stores and discount stores is a great portable alternative to built-in organizers. These hook over your closet rod and have multiple milk crates suspended below. If you live in an apartment or base housing, or just move frequently, this is a cost effective solution to shelving and cubbies. For kid's closets, hang these on a lower rod, then move to a higher rod as they grow. Hanging organizers with clear plastic divided pouches organize and display at the same time. These come with small pockets for jewelry or larger sizes for shoes, pantyhose, scarves, etc. I've used them in lieu of junk drawers for office supplies. Shoe bags can be found at dollar stores, and the smaller ones are in mail order catalogs or home furnishing stores. Don't forget the door! Use over the door organizers such as laundry bags, book racks, ironing boards, utility racks (good for storing tapes, cds, cleaning supplies) and coat racks. If you can hook it, you can hang it. These are great space savers. These are just a few suggestions for organizing closets. Use the basic principles of closet organizing for each closet in your home: linen, clothes, coat, craft. By containing clutter, you'll find yourself well on the way to becoming a bit more organized. Good luck, Debbie Williams Also see: Organizing small closets 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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