It's not easy to get started on an organizing project; especially your own. If you're inclined to do your own organizing to maintain control over your surroundings or because you're just ready, here are a few tips to get you there:

Step 1: Sort (definition: operation that segregates items into groups according to a specified criterion)

 It's time to sort through your closet. This is what I call "tough sort time". First - Breathe, face your closet and swallow hard. You're about to say goodbye to your high school sweatshirt, that prized leather skirt you wore in 10th grade,the leather jacket that makes you think you look like Indiana Jones and those jeans that you can no longer button. No excuses, its "tough sort time".

There are two rules of thumb that work when sorting; if you haven't worn it 6 months to a year, out it goes AND each time you buy something new, remove something old. If you must keep something that evokes warm thoughts or memories, at least box it up and put it in the correct type of storage and getting rid of things can make you feel wasteful. However, donating to a charity can provide a small tax break and give someone else a chance to get some real use out of something you used to love. Giving away USABLE clothing provides a great service and reduces your eco-footprint through effective recycling. Sorting is the toughest and most important thing you do during an organizing project, so if you need help, call a professional in to coach you.

Step 2: Review your Inventory

Separate your clothes by types: shirts, skirts, pants and dresses. Carefully review those items that are still wearable vs. those that may not be. Stained, torn or much worn items are things that others cannot benefit from and if you wouldn't wear it yourself, then no one else will either. Bag by type and gender. Walk these items to your car and place inside. Make a mental note to yourself that you're driving to your donation drop-off later that day.

Step 3: Hang and fold your clothes properly

Do you fold or hang your dress shirts? Hang pants folded or from the cuff? Now is a good time to evaluate past storage methods and see how you can be more efficient. Want some easy rules to follow?

• Sweaters, sweatshirts and casual shirts should be folded and displayed on a shelf in your closet for two reasons. First, when clothing is buried inside dresser drawers, it's out of sight and you aren't as likely to wear it; and second, a hanger can distort a sweater's shape, detracting from its appearance and necessitating more frequent dry cleaning.


• Dresses, jackets and suits should be hung together or have enough space to breathe.


• Ties and belts should be hung near shirts or pants with which they will be coordinated.


• Shoes should have a place of honor on shelves at eye level or in a rack hung on the door. Never relegate them to the floor of the closet or heaven forbid! kicked under the beds, couches and chairs.


• Jewelry and accessories should be kept in a dedicated drawer where you can easily a. Then you can coordinate jewelry and accessories with your outfits right where you get dressed.

Step 4: Organize what's left

Identify by color, shape, style (short/long sleeves) items that are left. Place items you keep on wooden hangers that help maintain the shape of the item better. Place these items into your closet space based on color, type and use. If you use items more frequently, place them where you'll see them. You can double your closet space in most homes by purchasing a Closet Doubler which is available at major retailers for less than $18.00. Google Closet Doubler for more information.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Don't let the size of the task keep you from starting!

If, after reading this, you decide it's a bigger job than you want to take on, contact a professional service with the experience and knowledge to help you get the job done. Organize your closet; get started on your life!