These tips make it easy to reorganize any space, no matter how large or small.

1. Sort and purge. Figure out exactly what you need to store. (If you're working on your closet, for example, empty it.) Sort through all the items, grouping them by type or use.

While you're sorting, separate anything that should be sold, given away, or tossed. Don't panic; you don't have to part with all your treasures. "I never encourage people to give away the things they really love," says Shelli Alexander, a pro from The Learning Channel's Clean Sweep show. But purging clutter can be cathartic.

If space is tight, you're faced with two choices: Pare back what you have, or find alternative storage for the things you use least often. Moving items to "transitional" storage may ease your fear of parting with them. Consider these items on probation. If you don't use them in a designated amount of time-three months, six months, a year -- give them away.

2. Find good homes. Most of your possessions have homes already, even if their address is "Heap No. 1." The trick is finding the right homes -- places that make your things easy to find or enjoy. As you develop your storage system, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Good storage saves steps. Strive to stow things where they're used, and group items by task or activity. For example, ideal ironing board storage includes a spot for the iron and starch. Avoid forcing yourself to learn new habits. If shoes are always piling up at the back door, create storage for them there. (If toting shoes to your room were convenient, you'd be doing it already.)
• The more often you use something, the more accessible it should be. Items you use every day should be at your fingertips. Items you use once a month should still be fairly easy to reach. Something you use less often? That's a candidate for "inactive" storage, which could be the top shelf in your closet or a place in your attic, basement, or even a rented storage unit.
• Storage should never be dangerous. Store heavy items low, and avoid putting oversize boxes on high shelves.

3. Customize your storage. With your plan in mind, now is the time to build shelves, buy dividers, and stock up on baskets and bins. Measure carefully and make the most of the space you have. Form should follow function, but looks do matter. The more attractive your storage is, the more pleasurable it is to use--and the more likely you are to stay organized.

Never underestimate the power of a good-looking label. It can spare you the hassle of digging through unmarked boxes. More importantly, well-labeled shelves and containers help everyone in your household remember at a glance where things belong. A photograph of a container's contents creates a visual inventory. And that makes things far less likely to go astray.

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