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A neat and tidy closet is a breath of fresh air!

We all do it or have done it in the past... you may think you're getting a quick fix for a clean space, but in reality you're making a bigger mess! You know what I am talking about: shoving everything you possibly can into your closet. Whether it's your linen and storage or your walk-in clothes closet you're stuffing to the brim, you and I both know you are guilty.

Getting started is always the hardest part when it comes to cleaning out a messy closet — I know that from firsthand experience! To start, you need to venture through your belongings and get rid of what you don't want or don't need! A cluttered closet starts by having old, unused junk taking up precious space.

Once you have decided what is staying and what is going, you can prioritize your belongings. Sort your stuff into piles of how often they're used: frequently, occasionally, rarely or never. Once you have your belongings in these categories, the next step is to sort your items out by what they are or what their use is. The next following steps will vary depending on what type of closet you are organizing.

Linen and Storage Closet
Once all of your belongings are sorted and organized in the appropriate category, you can start the fun part of organizing! Purchase storage baskets and jars that are suitable to your taste to create a visually appealing closet. Next, place your items where they belong. For example, keep all of your facecloths together by folding them neatly and placing them in their own decorative basket. I suggest doing the same for your towels but using a bigger basket. Instead of sorting your bedding by pillow cases and sheets, sort by set and keep all sets together and folded nicely.

Smaller items stored in your closet can be put into decorative jars. Other household items stored in your closet can be put into more decorative baskets sorted by type or use.

Once you have all of your items sorted into baskets and jars, or even just folded neatly and placed on the shelf, you can start placing your items in the closet. Place your most often used items at eye level, generally in the middle of the closet. Occasionally used items should be the next available shelves in your closet — place these items directly above and under the most often used items. Last, the least frequently used items will be placed at the top and bottom of closet — yes, that is a longer reach for accessibility, but keep in mind they are rarely used.

Clothes Closet
Once you have all of your clothes sorted by type — tanks, short/long sleeve, cardigans, blazers and sweaters — your organizing can begin. Place all grouped items together in your closet, and be sure to place all of your clothes in your closet all facing the same way — all fronts of shirts and sweaters facing either to the right or left.

Next, sort your accessories by type. Scarves and belts can either be hung neatly on a hanger or folded into a storage basket. Place hats into sorting baskets. Purses can either be hung on the inside of your closet door using removable hooks or placed in baskets. Last, having a shoe rack in your closet is essential so you don't end up with all of your shoes piled up in your closet.

Do not get discouraged if you have a smaller closet; these tips work for closets of all sizes and shapes. Once you get started on this project, you won't want to stop until it's finished.

When you have completed organizing your closet, your life will be a little less hectic because you will easily find everything you need. Say goodbye to closet clutter and hello to a beautifully organized closet space!