Spring is almost here. The signs are everywhere. We'll say goodbye to daylight-saving time as we "spring ahead." The thermometer continues to inch upward, giving hope to those of us who have spent the past few months dreaming about our favorite golf course.

Most people look forward to spring showers and May flowers at this time of year, but my co-host, Shari Hiller, and I anticipate the arrival of spring for a different reason. Shari and I believe that spring is the perfect time to de-clutter and organize your closets.

There are many benefits. Most folks need extra space around the house and more time. Less junk just may translate into less stress.

If you decide to do an all-out makeover for your closet, be prepared; depending on the condition, it may take awhile.

The first step is to empty your closet. As you remove items, sort them into piles.

The first should be the "keep pile." The items you put in this pile should be your favorites - your favorite jeans, your softest sweatshirts. I suppose a few clothes you wear to work probably will end up in this pile, too.

The second is the "maybe pile." These are the items you wear once in a while, the ones you're not sure you would really miss. Fold these clothes into a box and place them somewhere safe. If you don't miss them over the next few months, you can donate them to a worthy cause.

The last should be the "no way pile." These are the clothes that no longer fit or are no longer in style. Immediately separate this pile into two sections. Put any item that is still wearable into a bag for donation and place the bag in the trunk of your car so that you won't be tempted to retrieve it. Drop it off at your local donation center.

Items that cannot be salvaged should be placed in a trash bag. Place the bag in the trash can immediately, and if you're lucky, trash pickup will be the next day.

Pat yourself on the back. You have completed the hardest part of the entire organization process.

Still, it's time for more piles. Begin by making three piles for the seasons: a winter pile, a summer pile and a spring/fall pile.

Once your clothing is divided by season, split each season into use categories. Use categories might include professional clothing, special-occasion clothing and, my personal favorite, casual clothing.

Now it's time to assess your needs. Do you need more hanging space? Maybe you should consider adding a second rod below the first. Although a second rod can be mounted permanently, rods that simply hook over existing rails are also available.

Do you need more shelving space? How about adding a shelf just below the ceiling for items that are used infrequently? While shelves are easy to install, they are also available in preassembled stackable units.

Need lots of space for folded shirts and sweaters? Consider placing a small chest of drawers in the closet if there is room.

What about all those accessories? Shari and I have found that a hanging shoe bag can hold an enormous number of accessories. Pick one of clear vinyl and you'll be able to find that tie or scarf every time.

One strategy for organizing your belts is to screw teacup hooks into a wooden hanger. Hang your belt buckle from the hook and your belts will not end up on the floor.

Speaking of hangers, do yourself and your clothes a favor and get rid of all those metal hangers. To keep your clothing in top-notch condition, purchase wooden hangers with elongated hooks and curved shoulders for shirts and suit jackets.

Wooden hangers come in many designs. To hang pants and skirts, try one with a felt-lined clamp. Wooden hangers also come in different sizes for men's and women's clothing. Men's hangers are typically 17 inches wide, and women's hangers usually measure 15 inches. Women's hangers are often notched to hold dress straps.

For clothing made of delicate fabrics, a padded hanger may be your best bet.

With your clothing and accessories taken care of, only your shoes are left. Clear plastic boxes are the perfect choice. Not only will you be able to see each pair of shoes, you can stack the boxes to save space.

Organizing your closet may be time-consuming, but the rewards are worth the effort. No more wasted time searching for your favorite T-shirt. This will give you more time for the important spring activities, like planting those flowers or, better yet, hitting the golf course!

Matt Fox and Shari Hiller, authors of "Matt and Shari's Great Weekend Projects," also appear together frequently on HGTV. Visit hgtv.com or mattandshari.com.