Are you swimming in more clutter than you can stand? Clearing it away is a breeze if you start small, think about how you want your space to function and follow these expert tips. (Article in Woman’s World 6/5/07. And editorial tips from me.

Create a dream closet: The key to unclogging your closet: Knowing that 80% of the time you probably wear only 20% of the clothes hanging there, says organizing whiz Julie Morgenstern. I say one way to figure out what your clothes you are actually wearing is to turn the hanger around after you have worn an article then you will know if you are wearing the clothes in your closet or not.

Say bye-bye to “wish clothes!” You’ll likely never wear those old favorites you once loved (and fit in) again. So toss ‘em, and make space for new things.

Think lifestyle. Organize your clothes in categories that fit how you live: weekend vs. work; summer vs. winter. It’ll help you find what you need in half the time. I say this really does save time when choosing an outfit for work. And take out all clothes that need ironing, mending or cleaning. Only have clothes or shoes in your closet that you can actually wear when you want to wear them.

Go vertical. Fill plastic bins with things you use less often and stack shelves to the ceiling. Use hooks for belts, scarves and bags.

I say, use shoe racks for you shoes, or line neatly on the floor, or use racks that hang over the door or closet rod.

Follow the 30-second rule! That’s how long it usually takes to put things away immediately. Put it off, and you could spend hours sorting through it all. I say this is an excellent habit to get in to; it really will help to find clothes faster without the hassle or stress of hunting. As a professional home and office organizer I have seen time and time again when this advise truly works. Do you have any closet tips to share? I would love hearing your success story.