Tidy Little LivingChoose a manageable section
Pick one shelf, drawer or short section of hanging rail. Set aside enough time to put everything back before you finish. Take the contents out and wipe the accessible surface if appropriate. Do not create a pile larger than you can deal with today; an unfinished whole-closet project can make a small room harder to use.
Group similar items
Put similar items together so you can see the size of each category. Separate things that belong elsewhere and items you plan to repair, donate or discard. Make those decisions yourself rather than treating an arbitrary quantity as the right number to own. Keep a clear exit plan for anything you decide to remove.
Put frequency before appearance
Give frequently used items the most comfortable reach. Keep less-used items elsewhere, with heavier things where you can lift them safely. A shelf can look tidy while still hiding the item you need. Shorter stacks and shallower containers often make it easier to take something out without disrupting the rest.
Measure before adding storage
Measure usable shelf width, depth and height, plus the opening a basket must pass through. For under-bed containers, check frame obstructions and room to pull the container out. A second hanging rail needs enough space for the actual garments above and below it. Test that layout before buying hardware.
Use what you own, then reassess
Try existing boxes or baskets for a week. A container should make a category easier to find and return, rather than simply conceal it. Add a label if the contents are hidden. When a category repeatedly overflows, reconsider its location or available space before buying another organizer.