First, remove everything from the closet, and give the closet a good cleaning. I mean a good vacuuming, and wash it down. Go through each piece of clothing, and every pair of shoes, and handbag. Decide is it a keeper, a heaper or a seasonal outcast? If you have not worn an item in two years it's a heaper, donate to charity. Yes heap it. If it's a piece of clothing that holds particular sentimental value, put it aside, to be carefully packed away, for long term storage. Its taking up space.

Having trouble parting with articles of clothing or shoe's? Here is the key to rid yourself of excess stuff...
When making up your mind, should I keep this or heap it? There are a couple of questions you should ask yourself.
1. Is the article out of fashion, was it trendy to began with? If its out of fashion heap it.
2. Does the article still fit my lifestyle. Are those biking pants still in your closet, when you gave the bike away years ago? Heap um !
3. Is the article at all versatile. Can the article be used perhaps with newer styles? Some clothing never go out of style, and can be used for years. These are" long time keepers".
4. Finally, the most dreaded question---- Does it still fit! If you are holding on to your "fat cloths", Don't, you worked hard to lose weight, so don't keep reminders of fatter days. We all have bought clothing with the intentions of starting the elusive diet? But the article has gathered dust in our closets, for longer than we want to admit. If it does not fit, its time to forfeit.

If you have loads of shoes, purchase several shoe bag containers. Clean your shoes to manufactures suggestion before putting them into their new home.

Time to give all of your keepers the once over.
Check for stains, money in pockets, old Tic Tac,s, you name it? Make two piles, one that can re-enter the nice clean closet, the other pile that will indicates the articles of clothing need attention, washing, repairs or just pressing. We want everything nice and clean, ready to wear.

If you are going to store clothing in another area due to lack of space, make sure the cloths are also assessed as well as the articles that will be returned to the closet. Its always smart when storing cloths that they are clean. If stains are left to set for months the stain most likely will not come out? Also stains become magnet to bugs, such as moths. So prevent moth holes, by packing away nice clean cloths. Another great tip, avoid packing cloths that were starched. There is nothing more moths love than the taste of starch. Starch also weakens fabric, and leads to discoloration. So wash that starch out, before you pack any item that contains starch.

Just where to store those seasonal closet outcasts.
Chose an area that is cool, and dark. It is also very important the area be dry, and void of humidity. Many fabric's are delicate, and with high temperature and humidity can denature, and become weak and discolored. Unfortunately most attics, and garages are not suitable for storage, as is the unfinished basements. The best option is another closet or a chest of drawers. Another suggestion is an under used guest room closet or under bed space. Under bed storage containers can be neatly tucked under any bed, and provide good additional space for storage. If you live in small quarters or your home is bulging at its seams? For approximately $25.00 you can store your seasonal clothing at a local cleaner.

If you are packing your clothing in containers, always remove dry-cleaner plastic bags. Plastic does not allow clothes to breathe. If there is even a small mount of moisture present, the article will mildew, and we all know you can't get mildew out.
Any item's made of wool, fur, suede, leather or silk require special attention. These fabrics are well known favorite feasts for bugs. These fabrics should be kept apart from all other fabrics. Otherwise the other fabrics will become the desert for the bugs that were attracted by the main corse. It is always smart when storing cloths to tuck in a moth or cedar repellent, just as a back up.

A great way to store heavier garments such as sweaters, beaded or sequined articles, any article of clothing that you fear will loss there shape. Fold the article in question with acid-neutral tissue paper or natural muslin. By doing this it will help to prevent permanent unwanted creases, such as hanger wings at the shoulders.
I recommend Clear plastic containers for seasonal storage. They are readily available at most department stores, and relatively inexpensive, plus come in many shapes and sizes. Before you head out to purchase your containers. Take time to consider just what you will be packing in them? This will give you a good idea on how many, and what size of containers you'll need.
Keeping in mind, where the containers will be stored, under the bed, in a spare closet? You want your containers to fit the area's you plan to store them in.

Time to put all the keepers back into the clean closet. I suggest investing in good hanger. Hangers that are appropriate for hanging tops, pants, and skirts. Get rid of all the wire ones. Make a plan, what will go where? Put all articles of clothing long in length at one end of the closet? Work your way through the closet by hanging each article's by length. Hanging cloths by length this will provide you with some added space at one end of the closet. This extra space will enable you to stack see through containers, if you need to? Utilize your closet shelving, and make sure to keep them neat, and clutter free.

By following these tips, I can assure you, peace will return to your closet, and most definitely you'll have won the war...

Congratulation, the deed is done... You can shut the door with ease now. No more feelings of dread will flush over you, when you need to enter your closet. Peace has returned to your bedroom. Now, keep it clean, and tidy. Then you will not have to return to battle.