A productive day begins much earlier than the time you actually set foot in the office. There is nothing like having to be prepared for a high-impact presentation early in the morning only to discover that, as you are getting dressed, you cannot find a shoe, or that the shirt you needed has fallen onto the floor of the closet and is all wrinkled. Organizing a closet may seem to be a low priority in the overall scheme of things to do, but when it causes you to begin your workday rushed and stressed, it may be time to move it up on the list. To get started with the basics, you’ll need 3 basic things.

1) Hangers. Hangers come in a variety of styles and functions today. Places like The Container Store offer hangers for every article of clothing, belts, ties, scarves and other accessories that you have in your closet. Choices include non-slip, unbreakable, wood, plastic, adjustable, stackable, tiered, scented, padded, etc. If you have limited hanging room, I suggest you use tiered hangers to make the best use of the space.

2) Vacuum bags. These handy items come in a variety of sizes and prices and can be found at places like Bed Bath and Beyond. They provide a great alternative for storing out-of-season clothing. Pack up your clothing in the plastic bag and then use your vacuum to pull out the air and compress the bag. The bags can then be easily stored in areas such as under the bed or on a high shelf since they are not currently needed. With the extra space in your closet, this season’s clothes will be in better shape when you need them.

3) Shoe Holders. Whether you choose a shelf of cubbies, pockets that hang over your door, or a stand-alone cabinet, something to hold your shoes will do wonders in getting your closet organized. Most department stores offer shoe organization systems. In choosing one that works for you, be sure to consider how many pairs you have and where you can place a shoe holder. The key is to get your shoes off the floor and into an organizer that lets you keep them in pairs, easily seen during decision-making time.

Once you have dealt with the basics, you will probably add some additional pieces specific to your needs, but the first step is to get started. You do not have to do the whole project at one time. Break it into smaller pieces–shoes this week, ties next week, then shirts and suits, etc.

Being organized at the beginning of the day will improve both your attitude and your coping skills as you head out for another busy day.