Q • After the holidays, I get a ton of new things, yet I always struggle to find places to store the new stuff. What are some options I have to help get organized?

If you're looking for a quick-fix solution to your closet clutter, and the option to easily reconfigure and organize as your storage needs change — then a manufactured, off-the-shelf system may be perfect for you. You just buy it and install it. There are many options out there — vinyl-coated wire systems, melamine-laminated particleboard systems, plastic storage systems and totes, among others.

Across brands, not all components and attachment systems are compatible. To be safe, stick with the same brand for any single installation.

It is important to know the space you have to work with. Measure the walls of your closet or storage area as well as your ceiling height to maximize your vertical storage space.

Once you know the dimensions of your space, you can select the best storage system with the options you need to effectively organize your new items.

If you're not in the market for an entirely new closet system but are looking to organize and pick up some new totes and storage bins, you'll have to first attack that closet and clean it out.

You will need to be objective and make tough decisions with the items that need to go. Prioritize current items. Determine how often you use a particular item and whether you need to keep it. Make frequently used items more accessible and stow away rarely used or seasonal items in separate bins that can be stored in the basement, attic or garage.

It can be hard to let go of items, but ask yourself if it's something that has gone out of style and is not likely to return. Keep items that have sentimental value, but if you can't remember why you were saving something, it probably can be tossed. Do you have clothes from 10 years ago that you think you may fit into again someday? If so, it's probably wasted closet space.

Before you store clothes or valuables, be sure to clean them first. Add mothballs or cedar chips with clothes to repel bugs and moths. Secure clothes in plastic or bags before putting into a container or box. Store items away from heat or where they could be damaged by water. Also, put related items together, and don't be afraid to donate the clothes you don't use anymore.

Closetmaid and Martha Stewart Living offer a variety of closet sets that you can install and offer basic starter kits. Rubbermaid and Sterilite are popular brands for totes and storage bins. There are other options available that provide furniture and decorative storage if you don't have the storage space to hide things away.

Taylor Reich is the store manager for the Sunset Hills Home Depot store.