Let's go through each step one by one for more information on how you can get motivated to clean your closet.

1. Envision a larger goal and your final product: a clean closet.

Motivation is all about being willing to achieve your desires. One of the best tools for motivation is envisioning what your end product will be, and keeping that picture in your mind at all times.

Think broadly. Imagine having all of your sweaters stacked neatly, your clothes folded neatly, and your shoes organized. Think of the ease of getting dressed in the morning. It will be so much easier and so much more pleasant when you don't have to rummage through clothes left over from 15 years ago anymore.

Imagine the closet of your dreams. It might sound silly to think of having a closet that you've always longed for, but if you dig a little deeper you'll find it. Maybe you would like shelves lining your closet so that you can arrange things neatly. Perhaps you prefer hanging closet organizers. Maybe you want to organize everything by color, by type of clothing, or by material. Maybe you don't want to organize it this way, but just want to separate yours and your spouse's clothing. Or perhaps separate summer and winter clothes.

Keep this image in your head at all times. Knowing what you are working towards is going to help you keep going when the going gets rough.

2. Be realistic in your decisions and the goals that you make.

Now that you have this dream closet in your head, it's time to get realistic. Think about the amount of time that you have to set aside to organize your closet. This is going to take a few hours. Next, decide what you can achieve in those hours. It might just be that you will have time to separate the clothes that you will actually wear from those that you haven't worn in several years-even though you keep saying that you will-and that this time, you are going to give to charity.

Make a list of these goals. Don't go overboard, however. Making impossible goals and then being unable to reach them is one of the main reasons people lose motivation. Think realistically, yet optimistically.

3. Have fun while organizing your closet!

This organizing thing does not have to be a chore. One of the best ways to motivate yourself to organize your closet is to purchase inexpensive closet organizers, such as shelves, hanging organizers, shoe organizers, etc. Or you can make them yourself-they're not all that hard.

These organizers are like having new toys. And you always want to play with new toys. Indulge yourself. If you have something exciting to put in, you'll become more excited and energetic about organizing your closet. And being excited and having fun is the best way to stay motivated.