Your new therapist is the container store guy! Happiness is a clean closet?

It should be no surprise with the popularity of web sites like Life Hacker, who are propagating the tidiness-happiness link, that companies such as California Closets are jumping on board capitalize on the trend. In the old day the pitch of such companies was that their products could give you more room, today their pitch is that they can make you happier and live more fulfilled lives. People might pay a little money to save some space but they are certainly willing to fork out the big bucks to be happy. From the California Closets' web site:

"Given the stresses of everyday life and the increasing speed at which our lives unfold, it seems we are in pursuit of security, stability and nurturing surroundings. California Closets believes our customers are seeking a deeper experience in the home, and are to be afforded the greatest dignity and honor when exploring and discovering what it is that will bring a sense of harmony and order to their lives."

Are they organizing your closet or you soul?

ClosetMaid says that if customers are going through things like marriage or retirement then "organization makes them feel in control." Once again, you might fork out a little dough for being organized, but to feel in control is worth the big bucks.

And it is indeed big money. The WSJ reports that "Manufacturers sold $5.9 billion worth of home-organization products in 2004, up 23% from 1999."

It's not just retailers, an entire ecosystem has sprout up to capitalize on the trend. There are now such things as "professional organizers."

Tips from California Closets:

* Create files for household paperwork by category (bills, insurance, taxes, receipts, etc.)
* Keep a recycle bin near your mail area and discard junk mail immediately
* Keep stationery and correspondence in one place, and write new numbers in your address book
* Create a notebook for magazine articles and recipes, catalog items, etc., avoiding unwanted accumulation of entire magazines
* Determine what you are keeping and what must go.
* Discard worn or permanently stained items, unfashionable clothing, and anything not worn in two years.
* Arrange items by type to maximize wardrobe flexibility.
* Use hooks and racks to keep scarves, hats, and belts visible for easy accessorizing.
* You don't wear what you don't see, so fold sweaters and shirts and store on shelves to avoid stretching.
* Place items used infrequently on higher shelves or consider pull-down wardrobe lifts in closets with high ceilings to add a third hanging section.
* Place regularly used appliances within easy reach, storing those used less frequently on higher shelves
* Use wall hooks to hang aprons and towels
* Wire, plastic or basket containers store and control small items
* Dedicate specific areas for gardening equipment, tools, toys and athletic equipment
* Use containers, racks, baskets and hooks to keep garage contents off the floor for safety and easy access
* Child-proof your garage by storing chemicals and dangerous items in cabinets with locking doors
* Getting rid of old power tools, furniture and appliances will do more than make space, it could save lives. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission encourages people to purge their garages and homes of dangerous products such as these that can create household hazards: extension cords without grounded 3-prong plugs, old power tools without proper grounding or double insulation (usually pre-1980), hair dryers made before 1990's (they probably do not have shock-protection devices), halogen torchiere-type floor lamps (didn't have guards to prevent igniting near-by flammables), old cribs with slats spaced more than 2-3/8" apart (poses strangulation risk to children) and children's clothing with drawstrings at the neck (another strangulation risk).

Remember that according to California Closets, an orderly space can be "transformational". I'll say this, if I can just find my slacks when I'm looking for them I'll consider it a success.

Here's another tip, if you are interested in happiness click one of the related stories or the "happiness" tag below this post.