It’s that time of year: out with the dragging winter and hello spring!

The change of seasons brings new opportunities to get organized, and what better way to start organizing your life than with your closet. Whether you have a small-scale door closet or a walk-in closet in your apparent, I have a few tips to help you arrange your closet for the spring.

Tip #1: Begin Fresh. When I clean my closet, I always begin by removing every article of clothing, accessory and shoe from my closet. As I take things out of my closet, I organize them into three piles: definitely, maybe, and give away. Make three piles for clothes, shoes and accessories.

You should ask yourself several questions as you sort through your clothes to decide what to keep and what to get rid of.

1. Does this fit? Like Stacy London and Clinton Kelly say on What Not to Wear, you should dress the body you have now. Any clothing that is too small or too big are just articles of clothing that prevent you from loving the body you have now! So, toss that too small tank top.

2.Have I worn this in the lass 12 months? If you haven’t, your probably won’t wear it in the near or distant future.

3.Does this represent my current style? Articles of clothing go in and out of style, but your personal style doesn’t change as frequently. If something doesn’t represent the personal style you want to portray, toss it.

4.Do I feel confident when I wear this? Clothing should be something that you love, enjoy, and feel beyond confident in. Don’t keep something for sentimental value if you don’t feel comfortable wearing it.

For everything that you want to get rid of, find a local Salvation Army, Goodwill, or clothing donation drop off, and donate your clothes. Just because you no longer need it doesn’t mean that it cannot go to a great home.

Finally, dust and vacuum your now empty closet.

Tip #2: Sort and organize. I personally organize my clothes by type of clothing (jeans, pants, long sleeve shirts, tank tops, dressy tops, etc.) From that sorting, I then color code. This works for me, but everyone has their own rationale behind organizing their closet. Find an organization system that works for you and stick to it.

Tip #3: Fold and file. Folding your clothes properly can do wonders for a closet. It not only reduces wrinkles, but also saves space and is more appealing visually. Put all of the foldable items in easily accessible places, if possible. Also, I put away a large amount of my winter attire.

Tip #4: Hang it up. For my closet, I use the thin no-slip suede hangers. They are small which means that I can fit more hangers, and thus, more clothes in my closet. A win win in my opinion.

Tip #5: Shoes, accessories, and so much more. If you have the room to store your shoes and accessories in your closet, do it! It stream lines the process of getting ready and can add a “boutiquey” flair to your closet. Try to make everything visible and reachable. Line shoes up next to each other instead of leaving them in the boxes. Also try color coordinating your shoes and organizing them by style. Use jewelry as decor to add to the “boutiquey” feel.

You’ve survived spring-cleaning your closet! Step back and admire you handy work, and if I were you, I would plan a shopping trip as a reward.