Is your closet bursting at the seams? If so, then maybe it’s time for a transformative decluttering session. A cluttered closet can make your daily routine unnecessarily stressful – particularly when you can’t find what you need – and, if you are anything like me, that can leave you feeling overwhelmed.
So, here’s a closet clean out guide to help you declutter your clothes, to create ease in your life and rediscover the fun of dressing each day. Before you begin, remember that, like decluttering your home generally, which I have written more about here, getting rid of excess clothing and accessories can be a truly liberating feeling – I have even found it to be an instant mood lift.
As an affiliate partner of certain brands, zenzify may earn commission on qualifying purchases. Disclaimer
The Ultimate Closet Clean Out Guide
1 Prepare For Your Decluttering Session
If you don’t take a picture at the beginning, I can assure you that you will regret it. The difference working through the below steps will make to the appearance of your closet is going to be dramatic and who doesn’t love a good before and after pic?
Next, set your intention to get as far as you can in this closet clean out and remember not to be too hard on yourself if you struggle at first – decluttering is an emotional (and often cathartic) process, so be kind.
2 Get Into Shape
Start by identifying anything that is ripped, stained or misshapen and cannot be repaired. Remember to go through all your shelves, rails and drawers and don’t forget your underwear! Put the stuff that is in really bad shape in one pile, ready to go to your nearest clothes recycling point, and anything that can be repaired (together with items that need altering) in another pile.
Set yourself the goal of dealing with one or two repairs or alterations on a particular day each week if you are doing them yourself, or, if not, consider taking a job lot to a clothes repairer / tailor for a bulk discount.
This simple step will make getting dressed much easier because next time you reach for an item, you will only have clothes that are in pristine condition and ready to wear.
3 Seasonal Space Saving
If you are not already doing it, make sure that you rotate your wardrobe to fit the season, as this will help you to optimize your space in your closet. So, in spring, take out any autumn and winter items and store them somewhere else and vice versa in autumn for spring and summer clothes.
If you are short of room, consider using vacuum storage bags like these ones to reduce the amount of space needed and to protect your clothes from moisture and pests.
We often under-utilize the area under the bed – storage containers designed to fit in this space can be great for storing out-of-season clothes, shoes, or bedding. Multi-functional furniture such as ottomans or benches with built-in storage, or beds with drawers underneath can come in handy. After much searching in the UK, we found an excellent bed that has multiple drawers like this one and it has been a game changer.
Alternatively, if you are limited to your closet then you can make the in-season items more accessible, by using drawer dividers, such as these adjustable ones, and putting the off-season items at the back of the drawer.
4 Clothes Hanger Hack
To easily work out what you no longer wear, you can use this handy clothes hanger trick. Over a set period of time – perhaps three or six months – whenever you rehang an item you have worn, place the clothes hanger the opposite way around on the rail so that the items that haven’t been worn (and are destined for resale or the charity bag) are clearly visible. Firmly commit to getting rid of anything you have not worn at the end of this test.
5 Does It Spark Joy?
Follow Marie Kondo’s advice to make sure you are not holding onto things that are weighing you down emotionally. Ask yourself: “Does it spark joy?”. If it doesn’t make you feel good or serve a purpose, it might be time to part ways.
Identify any items you are keeping because you feel guilty about buying them in the first place – expensive designer sales impulse purchases are the big one for me! Rather than feeling guilty (a second time) about getting rid of these when you paid so much for them, remember that you are giving someone else the chance to enjoy them and feel great wearing them.
6 Let It Go
Whether you are keeping an item of clothing to wear “someday” or holding onto your favorite jeans that no longer fit, you will feel much better if each time you go to the closet you have lots of workable outfits rather than constantly being reminded of a happier (slimmer?) previous life.
It’s okay to feel sentimental about things that you used to wear. I held onto a couple of items that reminded me of the carefree life of being a teenager for nearly twenty years, until recently when I finally accepted that they will never fit me again (and were falling apart), so I sent them to be recycled.
I still have a couple of photos of me wearing them – if you don’t have any, then consider taking a photo of the item itself. Memories associated with clothes can be powerful as they can really take us back to moment, but that digital record may just be all you need, that way you can keep the memory without taking up the physical space.
Are you holding onto a pair of shoes that hurt your feet? We all do this, particularly if they were expensive and you didn’t get the chance to try before you purchased! Comfort is so important, as is looking after our feet, so as part of this closet clean out, why not consider getting rid and replacing with a pair that look and feel good.
7 Last Resort Cull
If your closet is still jam-packed, you can try designating a certain amount of space to each item of clothing. So, if you have too many long-sleeved tops for the two drawer dividers you allocated, or more pairs of pants for two or three 5 tier pants hangers (these ones from Amazon are my choice), it may be time for a cull.
8 Create a Capsule Wardrobe
As part of this closet clean out, consider curating a capsule wardrobe – a collection of versatile, high-quality items that mix and match well. My experience is that this can really minimize decision-making, by making sure everything in your closet is something that will last, and that you love and wear regularly. For some helpful tips on how to put together a stylish and efficient capsule wardrobe see this post.
Final Thoughts
A closet clean out is a powerful way to make your wardrobe more easeful and functional. By simplifying and organizing effectively, you will save time, reduce stress, and appreciate the items you own even more. So, roll up your sleeves, put on some music, and start your journey toward a clutter-free closet!
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed this post about the ultimate closet clean out. Feel free to pin and share this article, and come back soon to discover the latest posts!