Closets can sometimes feel like the dark subconscious of a household — cluttered and chaotic with forgotten and misplaced belongings. You may be putting off organizing them because you assume it will take forever or, at the very least, a pricey, complicated system.

In fact, it takes just four common, inexpensive storage tools (and a modest investment of time) to tidy up any closet in the house.

1. Canvas boxes
Roomy, collapsible canvas-covered boxes (shown, at top of image) organize anything — and look good while they're doing it.

2. Hanging shelves
Only 12 inches deep, these shelves and drawers (shown, right) fit in almost any closet.

3. Shoe bags
The back of the door is a closet's most underutilized space, and the shoe bag (shown, left) may just be the most versatile home-organizing tool.

4. Collapsible storage bins
These plastic-lined canvas bins (shown, bottom left) fit in tight spots and hold anything from toys to dirty clothes.

Next Steps

See how these four tools cleaned up the mess in a linen closet, bedroom closet, hall closet, and a child's closet.

Get more closet clutter-reducing tips in 12 Closet Secrets of the Pros.