Closets big and small need a bit of focus and creativity. Photo by California Closets

When it comes to closets, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, for most of us, the closets are our messy little secret. Things get lost in there too, not unlike the way umbrellas and single socks wind up in the "Parallel Universe."

There are several closet organizing systems available from companies such as The Container Store, Peter's Closet Company, and California Closets. The designers and sales staff will be able to help you decide what you'll need to buy and put together for installation, whether you do it yourself or otherwise.

Your prospective designer will also be able to make great suggestions, but won't be able to intuit all your wants and needs to create a well-organized and highly efficient closet. Cara Spielvogel, an excellent designer I recently worked with at California Closets, told me that while one of the many advantages to the "built-in" approach is that a well thought out closet design can eliminate the need for a dresser, first and foremost, you'll need hanging space. Drawers are a traditional solution and look great in a design scheme, but may not be the most functional choice.

Here's a checklist to help you get prepared:

First, you may think that the problem is you don't have enough storage and closet space, but you won't know if that's really true until you ruthlessly edit what's in there. Ask yourself: Do I really like this? Need it? Use it? Does its use level justify the space it takes? What can be thrown out or recycled? A good rule of thumb is that if you haven't worn it in year, it can probably go.

Second, measure the closet space completely. You'll want not only width and depth, but clearance for existing shelves. Backs of doors and interior wall space can be usable storage surfaces too.

Boxes, totes, and drawers make storage easy. Photo by The Container Store

Third, now is the time to consider if every item currently in the closet might not more logically belong in another space. Planning storage isn't so much about finding a space for everything, as it is about making the things you use most frequently readily accessible. This means if you only go fishing once a year, the rod and tackle box don't have to be in the same closet with your best business suits. It also means that out of season clothes can be stacked on higher shelves in that closet.

Fourth, add up the space you need. Measure the short hanging items as a group then the long hanging items. There should be at least two inches of space between hangers to prevent wrinkling and mustiness. This will give you the ideal number of feet you'll need for your design. Double hanging the short items is a great space saver. The hanging rods should be about 42 and 82 inches from the floor. Measure the vertical space you need by measuring your longest garment, plus the hanger neck plus four inches. There might be room for storage above the long garments, or a shoe rack underneath, or both.

Then think about your preferences. Do you want to hang your blouses and/or shirts or keep them folded from the laundry and stacked? Do you prefer hanging trousers vertically from the cuff, or folding them in half over a hanger? Do you fold your jeans or hang them? Do you want your shoes in individual cubbies, on floor racks or shoe bags? How do you want to store the accessories such as neckties, scarves, necklaces and handbags? Do you want them to hang, or be folded on shelves?

Remember, if you're not comfortable with the specific storage arrangement, it's less likely you'll put things back where they belong in their designated spaces.

The following questions are to help you think about how much shelf space you need. Make a list of each item that you want shelf space for, count the items and take measurements here too.

For example a folded sweater is approximately 14 inches deep by 10 inches wide, a folded shirt is approximately 14 inches deep and eight inches wide, a handbag is approximately three inches deep and 11 inches wide, a pair of mans shoes are 12 inches long and nine inches wide, and a pair of women's shoes are 10 inches long by seven inches wide.

Familiarize yourself with the type of closet storage systems on the market. Go online and browse The Container Store for starters. They have all manner of baskets, hangers, shelves on sliders, etc. to solve some of the "where am I going to put this?" questions. The final step is to double check all your measurements and draw a rough diagram to scale of necessary space requirements. A good scale to use is where one-half inch equals a foot.

When you have a clear idea of what you will need, given the space you have, for a well designed and organized closet, you'll be better able to work effectively with a closet system designer, or brave it alone.