Tired of having to iron everything you pull off a hanger because your closet is so jamb-packed? Are your home's other storage areas overwhelmed with clutter? You might be amazed at what a little closet organization can do.

One way to create truly usable storage space is to install new wire closet organizers in a bedroom closet, hall closet, basement, or garage.

Materials
Shelving components: wire closet organizers, or utility brackets and shelving

Tools
Flat pry bar, Level, Tape measure, Electronic stud finder, Pencil, Hacksaw, Drill with Phillips screwdriver bit, Screwdriver, Hammer

Overview
Summer is a good time to simplify your life by throwing out the things you rarely use and organizing what's left. You can install shelves, bins, and drawers that are easily accessible and just the right size.

The easiest and least expensive path to an organized closet is to buy coated wire shelves. These come in kits to accommodate various sizes of closet; you can also purchase individual components. The standard shelves are not suitable to hold small clothing items like socks or underwear, but smaller-mesh wire baskets work just fine.

To save money and time, you may want to combine wire shelving with other options. For instance, if you have a serviceable but less-than-attractive dresser, you may be able to slip it into the closet and build shelving around it.

1. Clean out the closet.
Use a hammer and flat pry bar to remove the existing shelving and rods. Patch the holes with spackle and paint, as painting will be difficult after the shelves are in place.

2. Plan and buy.
Measure your closet, clothes, and storage items carefully. Determine how wide the sections for long and short hanging clothes need to be, so your clothes will not be crowded. Make a rough drawing on graph paper, showing how you want your closet to look. Keep in mind that the shelves themselves are about 2 inches thick. Take the dimensions to a home center that has a variety of closet-organizing options, and ask a knowledgeable salesperson to help you choose the best options.

Often, a kit will save you money and time. Check that the kit has everything you need (you may want to supplement it with an extra shelf). Ensure that you have all the necessary parts. If you are sure of your dimensions, consider having the salesperson cut the shelves and hanging track for you, so all you have to do is hang them on the walls. Otherwise, plan to cut them yourself with a hacksaw.

There are two basic types of wire shelving: One type uses clips to attach each shelf individually to the wall. The second type, shown here (see Figure 1), uses a horizontal track and vertical standards, and allows you to adjust the height of each shelf. Make sure your standards are long enough.

3. Install the hanging tracks.
Use a level and pencil to draw a line around your closet 6 inches above where you want the top shelf. Using a stud finder, draw a faint line indicating the location of each wall stud. On each wall, cut a hanging track to fit. Have a helper hold the track on the level line while you drive screws through it and into every available stud.

4. Hang standards and shelves.
Position the standards 16 to 32 inches apart (see Figure 2). To install them, simply slip them onto the track; once the shelves are added, they will be solid. Slip the shelf brackets into the slots on the standards to support the shelves. Cut and install the longest shelves first. Then measure and cut the shorter shelves.

5. Install a wire basket unit or shoe shelf.
Sliding basket units come in various heights and widths. Set yours in place and attach two or more clips in the back. Be sure to position the clips where you can screw them into a stud. A shoe shelf (see Figure 3) may be simply a standard shelf turned upside-down, with brackets that angle downward for easy access to the shoes. Install the clips by driving screws into studs. Slip the brackets onto the shelf, and snap the shelf onto the clips.