You have a meeting in an hour and have been searching frantically for your killer, "big statement" blazer to no avail. Unfortunately, it's seemingly lost amongst the myriad of other wardrobe essentials that are mysteriously taking cover in your closet. Don't panic. Instead of losing precious time out of your already busy day, take action and get organized. What does it take? Here are 5 essential closet accessories that will save you time and change your life.

It's not about the square footage of your closet, but about maximizing the space you do have to ensure that your clothing and accoutrements are easily accessible. Before assessing your closet requirements, take stock of your accumulated clutter and decide what is worth storing and what can be donated. Maintain the rule of thumb amongst professionals: if an item has not been worn in over a year, it is time dispense with it. Furthermore, take the time to correctly measure the dimensions of your closet space so that you can purchase the appropriate hardware and accessories to fully benefit from the closet space you do have. A small investment in time and money when purchasing those essential closet accessories will afford you years of peace of mind as well as an attractive solution to your closet quandaries.

Starting from the ground upward, here are 5 essential closet accessories that will make your closet a pleasure to use:

Closet Shoe Storage Rack: Shoes are bulky and are easily one of the messiest spots in your closet if not properly addressed. It is very hard to view your shoe footwear when shoes are left in an untidy heap at the bottom of your closet. Why not aim a little higher in your closet visibility? A pull out wire shoe rack for example, allows you to slide shoes out at eye level. If your goal is to utilize unproductive space, then keep shoes lower to the ground in storage bins or, better yet, attractive wicker baskets that allow you to easily select your shoes.

Pant Racks: Equally effective for most skirts too, the pants rack is an excellent tool for keeping your clothes tidy and wrinkle free. Look for full extension slide racks that allow you to quickly and simply access your clothes. Just ensure that the rack includes an "o" ring or is accurately designed so that clothes don't slip off the rack. Keep in mind that a well designed rack should be able to hold up to nine pairs of pants.

Pull-Out Wire Baskets: An ideal place to store sweaters, socks and other non-crease items, a wire basket on pull-out slides provides an effortless way to choose your items. Available in a variety of sizes, it's still best to opt for a larger basket. The wire styling is attractive; more importantly, it allows airflow that keeps clothing from smelling musty or feeling mildewy.

Rev-A-Shelf Large Pull-Out Wire Basket

Rev-A-Shelf Tie Rack

Tie and Belt Rack: The combination tie and belt rack truly maximizes space while keeping your fashion accessories organized. Arrange ties and belts by color or style. Just ensure that your rack allows generous space for your tie and belt collection. Look for racks that offer up to twenty spaces for ties and 6 to 9 spaces for belts. Some racks include small trays that are perfect for holding keys or loose change.

Jewelry Drawer: Traditionally used for women to keep jewels untangled and immaculate, a jewelry drawer is also an excellent option for anyone who wants to access small items like keys, nail clippers, and money . Find a jewelry drawer with full extensions and fit the drawer near eye level as small items tend to get lost in the shuffle.

What is most essential about your essential closet accessories? The quality and craftsmanship of the products you buy. Make certain the accessories you purchase are built to last with sturdy materials and come equipped with a guarantee. Take pleasure in your newly organized closet and take some time out to relax and enjoy the time you've saved now that your life is less cluttered.