A Clean Closet In 7 Simple Steps

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 have a great-looking closet and save space when you have uniform hangers. (The thin velvety ones are what I am partial to; they are compact, clothes stay put, and they don't leave 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 things such as undergarments, socks, hosiery, jewelry, and pashminos. Dividers are ideal for making sure socks and undergarments stay organized in your drawers.

7. Use shelves - if possible. They are a better option than drawers because folded items that are neatly stacked on shelves or in cubbyholes are easy to access-you don't have to dig through crowded drawers for your stuff. Things that work particularly well on shelves are purses, jeans, tee-shirts, sweaters, shorts, and sweats.

Put off-season clothes and shoes on high shelves where you won't be tempted to grab them!

"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 and Gardens, Summer 2006