This article is written by Karissa Tunis For more on this topic, check out the full Get-Organized collection

The start of a new year, and the beginning of a new season, often make me think about organizing. Two of my favorite places to start are my children's playroom and their closets. Once these are finished, my life seems to be in much better order, and our morning routines seem to go much smoother.

I decided to share a few of my closet organizing tips that have become a way of life for us now.

For some reason it was much easier to keep my children's closets organized and filled with age appropriate and current sizes when they were babies. Every couple of months (or weeks during growth spurts) I would take out the 3 month clothes and replace them with the 6 month and so on. But once my kids got into the toddler sizes, 2T, 3T and so on, clothes seemed to stay until one day, while getting them dressed in a hurry, I would realize the shirt simply wouldn't fit over their growing head and their pants looked like they were preparing for a flood.

I used to then throw these clothes in piles all over the house with the intention of quickly carrying them down to the basement, folding them in neat little piles and placing them in nice labeled bins correctly marked with each size.

However, reality was not this. So, almost by accident, I came up with a perfect solution -

1.) Keep a plastic bin in the bottom of their closet at all times

This way when a garment doesn't fit, you can simply place it exactly where it belongs - folded in the storage bin. Once the bin is full you can print out a nice label (or throw a post-it note inside) that lists the sizes in the container and place the bin in the basement or attic.

(Tip: I like bins with lids - then kids seem less likely to pull things out again. Also, if they are sturdy it doubles as a step stool so that they can reach the top clothing rod).

2.) Hang all types together and in color order from lightest to darkest

I find this makes getting dressed much easier and quicker for my kids because all of their T-shirts are always hanging together. All of their skirts are together, dresses, and so on. It really only adds a few extra seconds when hanging up their laundry, but is well worth the extra effort. I like how much time it can save from searching for that certain top that matches those hot pink shorts my daughter insisted on wearing this morning.

3.) Matching hangers

This really can make the world of difference! Having every shirt hang at the same length in the same direction and with the same amount of bulk is truly a must! For my kids I buy packs of the same plastic hangers at target for only a few dollars. For myself I splurge on nice velvet hangers from Costco.

4.) Seasonal changes

If you are lucky enough to live in an area that experiences several or all 4 seasons, then you may want to consider moving your clothes depending on the weather. In the summer time I place t-shirts first, but in the winter I switch their position with sweaters. But no matter what is hanging where, they will still always hang in order of color.

Here is an actual picture of my daughters closet in the middle of the summer.

On the bottom rod I have her belts, bath robes, gymnastic leotard, and then all of her t-shirts, cardigans and long sleeve shirts.

-- Click the image below for this free printable --

For more on this topic, check out the full Get-Organized collection