As the temperatures continue to drop, it is a great time to organize your cold weather gear. Whether you enjoy winter or merely endure it, you will find it easier if you are organized. Set aside a couple of hours, follow these tips, and you will be ready for Old Man Winter to arrive.

• Out with the warm weather gear - If you have another storage closet, put summer and spring garments in there, clean and covered so that your items stay nice during the off-season. No extra closet? Invest in some large labeled storage containers and place these items in there. Off-season sports equipment, can also be stored in large labeled storage containers and put in the garage (on shelves), attic, basement, etc. Also, the next tip may help weed out some items from your summer/spring items...
  
  
• Should it stay or should it go? Before moving fall and winter garments, gloves, boots, etc. into the closet, sort through them. Ask yourself the following: "Does this fit? Is this outdated? Do I have duplicates? Is this too worn to keep? Did I wear this last year?" Many charities are looking for cold weather clothes, so if you decide to discard something from your closet, consider donating it.
  
  
• Wash/dry clean - Be sure that everything you want to keep is ready to be worn. Before hanging it up, get them in tip top shape. In this climate, you never know when you may need them!
  
  
• Hangers - Invest in durable hangers for all the bulky items (jackets, snow pants, etc.). Hangers are available that can accommodate both the jacket and snow pants together on the same hanger, saving space.
  
  
• Hats, gloves, mittens and scarves, oh my! - I keep a couple of crates at the bottom of our closet sorted by family member with all of their winter accessories for easy access.
  
  
• Boots - These are typically the messiest of all cold weather attire. I recommend investing in an elevated drip-dry mat, or using an old bath towel for these. Simply take them off and place on either of these options to dry before putting them away.
  
  
• Winter sport gear - Between all of the wonderful winter activities available (sledding, skating, skiing and of course snowman building), you may have quite a lot of winter sport gear hanging around. Keep a storage box(es) filled with items needed for winter play that is easily accessible. This can be kept on a shelf in the garage or basement.

Follow these tips and enjoy the rest of your fall knowing that you are ready for Old Man Winter!