An Organized Closet

I'm back! And I've got a TMI organization project to share. This photo sums it up:

In my defense, the "before" photo fell on laundry day, while I was also trying to purge items for the thrift store. I have always had trouble storing my clothes, even when I was a child. Dressers never worked for me; I'd dig through them, making a mess of whatever had been neatly folded, and leave the drawers hanging open. If anything remained neat and tidy, it was hidden in the drawers and I'd forget about it, finding it when it was too small or out of style.

So I've ditched the dresser, and after a couple years of disorganized closet struggles, this weekend I went out and bought a few key items for organization:

All items from The Container Store, with the exception of the tie/belt rack (which I'm returning), and the teal drawers, which are from Target.

I strive for the sort of closet minimalism and organization that Sherry at Young House Love has shared here and here. I've got a long way to go, but here's a little more info about what goes where in case you're nosy like me.

Floor:

Hiding behind the hamper is a rolling suitcase, which contains a duffle bag, which contains a smaller duffle bag.

Top Shelf:

Hanging Shelves:

Not pictured are my bras, which are hanging on hooks to the left of the hanging shelves. Also not pictured are about three pairs of jeans, another dresses, and four pairs of shoes, but otherwise, this is my wardrobe in its entirety.

Hanging items include dress pants, dresses, blazers, and a few shirts. And of course my new favorites: the belt hanger and the scarf hanger. No more overflowing baskets!

Of course, things could be improved upon...if all my hangers matched, or if these clothes were actually ironed. And I'd recommend hanging shelves with stiff compartments. Mine are saggy and so it looks sloppy even when things are neatly folded. But it's a start, and I don't dread opening the closet door anymore (not that I could usually even close it before!).  Meanwhile, that sad old laundry basket is off to the thrift store, with another load of purged clothes.

How do you organize your closet? Tips? Struggles? What works for you?