Are you thinking about converting a spare closet for extra storage? You should be aware of all the options you have for installing storage closet systems. You can choose from thousands of different bins, shelves, and boxes.

First, decide whether you're going for form, function, or a combination of both. If you don't care about coordinating the look of your storage space, you have a lot more options for types of storage. Plastic tubs, rolling bins, and canvas totes are just some of your choices.

You can find a wide variety of Rubbermaid plastic totes and bins that you can use to enhance your closet storage. You could use little containers normally used for leftover food to store craft items or hardware; you could use giant totes for some of your biggest items, such as cushions from the patio furniture or the holiday decorations.

The best thing to do with the large bins is to place them on the floor beneath the wall mounted shelves. You can then fill up the shelves themselves with bins of assorted sizes.

One of the keys to good closet storage systems is to clearly label everything. When each tub, bin, and tote is clearly labeled, you'll always know what's inside.

You should try to keep all similar items in the same place, which makes it a lot easier to see at a glance where everything is. It's easiest to use a label maker, and that way, you can just peel off the labels and change them if you ever need to in the future.

Another option is to label the storage bin with a permanent marker, or you can tape a piece of paper to the side or front of the bin that describes the contents.

Clear or translucent bins are the favorite of most professional organizers, because labeling no longer has to be so detailed with these. When you can see the contents, you're even more organized, and you save yourself more time.

Rubbermaid also has a good selection of clear bins you can use as part of your closet storage systems as well. You can also find specialty storage items for your closet too, designed to hold things such as gift wrap, hobby supplies, and craft items.