Real Simple reader Ann Clancy, age 56, Dallas

The Challenge: How to keep handbags and totes off the top shelf of the closet, so that they are both visible and accessible.

The Solution: Hanging them from S hooks (purchased in the gardening department of a local hardware store for about $1 apiece) on a clothing rod. When Ann moved into her house two years ago, she inherited a large closet with very few shelves. So she decided to hang as much as possible — T-shirts, sweaters, and her extensive bag collection. A chest of drawers at the back of the closet holds athletic clothes, socks, and underwear.

Why It Works: Ann, who teaches cooking in her home and does party planning, considers her colorful bags an integral part of her personality. She likes to rotate them regularly, which is easy now that all her handbags are on view at eye level. She stays organized by constantly editing her wardrobe. "Why keep something you're not wearing because you spent money on it?" she says. "That money's gone. Give it to someone who'll use it."

Why She Loves It: As she showers, Ann can envision outfits and then find everything just where she expects to. "I can't imagine living any other way," she says.