It's at this time of year as the weather cools that we begrudgingly look at our warmer clothes and pack away our summer frocks.

But the purchase of new winter items can lead to an overloaded wardrobe, so you need a great system to ensure you can access the garments that you want to wear, without tripping over those you don't.

This means there's no better time to declutter your wardrobe. You may have put it off as you think it will take ages or involve a pricey, complicated system, but it's easy to create a clutter-free space you can be proud of.

The three golden rules are:

Plan your space: Take advantage of unused areas such as on top of free-standing wardrobes, behind cupboard doors or under your bed.

Sort your things into groups: Higher priority items should be stored in locations that are easiest to access.

Store everything appropriately: Consider access and visibility. Simple storage solutions can help you create an organised and accessible wardrobe.

Shoe storage

Stackable drawers, boxes or shoe racks will help you keep your shoes accessible and tidy. Shoe bags are a great home-organising tool - they're designed to hang on the back of a wardrobe door, which allows you to utilise your wardrobe space efficiently.

Clothing storage

Store out-of-season clothes on the highest shelves in your wardrobe using stylish storage boxes that look great on display. Canvas boxes are a particularly good solution as they're roomy but easy to fold away when not in use.

Accessory storage

Vertical storage and hanging shelves also allow you to use your entire wardrobe. Secure hanging shelves to your door with stick-on hooks.

Clutter busting

Next time you're putting away your dry cleaning or laundry, grab an armful of clothes you haven't worn for ages and try them on in front of a full-length mirror. Put the ones that you would buy again back in your wardrobe, and donate the rest to charity. Keep in mind, the items you keep should fit well, be in style and not need any major repairs or alterations. Also, don't let the fact that you paid a small fortune for a garment guilt you into holding onto it.

Tip: Invest in a moth repellent - those made out of cedar work well - to deter moths and discourage them from laying eggs. Use sandpaper on the repellent every season so the surface does not oxidise.

Get ultra-organised

Buy small storage boxes with compartments in which to store belts, socks and underwear.

Store holiday-related items that you don't use regularly, such as togs and sarongs, in your suitcase.

Don't keep your shoes in their original shoe boxes - you may forget they're there.

Have a clean-out at the start of every season to avoid clothes you never wear cluttering up the space unnecessarily.

Make items easy to find by creating separate sections for tops, pants and accessories. Order them by colour or into ‘work-wear' and ‘casual' areas.

Creating an appropriate storage system for your shoes will also help to keep them in good condition.

Bags can be stowed away on a top shelf and separated by dividers so they don't fall over.

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