How to Organize and Keep Your Clothes Closet from Becoming the Bermuda Triangle

The bedroom closet can be one of the scariest places in the home. It seems that every time I rearrange, organize, clean-out and redo my closet, I promise myself I will keep things in their designated places. I will keep my closet neat. The truth is it doesn't stay that way for long. I am a very neat and tidy person in all other areas--just my closet gives me trouble.

I love to watch programs on organizing and cleaning out spaces on HGTV. I try their suggestions and things are great--for awhile. You may be wondering why I (the person who has a messy closet) am writing a 'how to' article on closet organization. It's because I know HOW to organize. I just don't practice what I preach! Now, its up to you to do as I say, not as I do. Are you up to the challenge?

HOW TO ORGANIZE A CLOTHES CLOSET:

Give yourself a whole day (two if you need to do some carpentry work) for your closet project. Work leisurely and thoroughly and don't rush. It would be best to place the items you remove from the closet on a chair, table or the floor. If you use the bed to pile your things on and you don't finish in a day, you will have to move everything off the bed anyway to get to it to sleep!

1. Take EVERYTHING out of the closet. Vacuum, dust the rods and shelves and clean the closet well.

2. Survey the space. Is there room for another rod? It's the best way to maximize hanging space. Hang one rod above the other. Typically, the upper rod should be 82" from the floor. The lower rod should be about 42" above the floor.

***The number one, best idea I've seen in a very long time is this: If you have a closet with a VERY high ceiling or a ceiling that has a slope to it, with one side high, hang a clothes rod way up, just 2" or 3" inches from the ceiling. (This can be a third rod.) Hang items in plastic garment bags that you don't get into very often. Perhaps things you are saving or things that are worn only once or twice a season, during holidays etc. They are up out of the way but are still handy.