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#1 Visit your coat closet first and start packing your heaviest winter coats away.

Be sure you check the pockets and, if necessary, remove pins from lapels before putting them away. Consider taking them to the dry cleaner now to free up room and psychologically get you in the mood for spring. Most dry cleaners will store all your clothing free of charge for the cost of the cleaning. Too cold where you live to give up your winter coats just yet? Add a colorful scarf to wear with dark wool coats.

#2 Pack Your Boots Away.

Stash all your winter shoes and boots in a tote and vow to bring them to a cobbler for an end-of-season tune up the minute the warm weather arrives. When they come back from the cobbler, store them in a tub and slide them under your bed or in another easy to find, but out-of-site, location. You'll have a whole new shoe collection when cooler weather returns in the fall.

#3 Organize with Crates.

These are handy (and inexpensive) containers for beach items, gardening gear, athletic shoes and sandals that often end up in a mess on the closet floor. Also consider using crates as a way to organize workout gear such as T-shirts, bike shorts and leotards.

#4 Set Up a Hanger Recycling System.

You're apt to visit your drycleaner more in the warmer months since linens and silks often need more pampering in hot weather. Keep wire hangers under control by setting up a recycling bin for them in or near your closet. When the bin is full, bring the hangers back to the drycleaner. Most are happy to get them back!

#5 Expand your Closet Space with Expandable Mug Racks.

Spray paint them to match your décor and hang them in or near your closet to display summer bags, totes, necklaces, hats, belts and other spring and summer accessories that can become afterthoughts when you don't have instant access to them. They are also handy for organizing bathing suits and cover-ups when summer arrives

© 2006 Organization By Design, Inc. / Wardrobe Management & Fashion Consulting 

 Mary Lou Andre is the author of "Ready to Wear: An Expert's Guide to Choosing and Using your Wardrobe" and editor of  www.dressingwell.com.