Guide for Decluttering Your Closet to Save Space

Decluttering your closet can feel like a huge task, but it’s the most rewarding. Imagine how good it feels to have a tidy, organized space. A well-organized closet gives you peace of mind since you know that everything you need is in its rightful place.

Whether you’re dealing with a tiny wardrobe or a spacious walk-in closet, getting rid of old clothes, non-fitting clothes and maximizing your space can do wonders for your style and daily routine. This guide provides practical tips for decluttering your closet while keeping your sanity intact.

Start with a Clean Slate

The first step to a decluttered closet is taking everything out. Yes, everything! Lay all your clothes, shoes, and accessories on your bed (to not be able to back out halfway thru the process) or a clean surface. This will let you see what you own and give you a better idea of what to keep, donate, or discard.

Seeing all your items at once can help you identify duplicates, forgotten pieces, or items that no longer fit your style or lifestyle. Don’t miss this step if you want a successful decluttering session.

Sort Items into Categories

As you take inventory of your wardrobe, sort your belongings into categories: tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories. Once everything is grouped, go through each category and assess what to keep and what to let go of.

Use the Marie Kondo Method: Hold each item and ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?” If the answer is no, thank it for its service and let it go.

Alternatively, apply the method that works best for me. I discard everything that gets a No on the following questions:

• Do you recall when you wore it last time or hardly or never wore these clothes last winter?
• In the case of damage: Is this garment repairable?
• Are these clothes too tight?
• Is the piece in line with the style you want to go for?
• Is this last season’s Must-have still trending? If not, can a tailor alter/update it?

Create Four Piles for Decluttering Your Closet

Once you’ve sorted your items, we recommend making three distinct piles: keep, donate, and discard. Here’s why.

• Keep: These should be items you love, wear regularly, and fit your current body shape, personal style and lifestyle.
• Donate: You might have items that no longer serve you, but their condition is too good to throw away. That’s okay! They could benefit someone else.
• Consign: If a high quality investment piece looks like new you could try to consign it. Look for these brands consignment stores like to take. Recall not wearing your investment clothes is like giving them away but consigning them has the advantage of saving space and getting some of your money back.
• Discard: Get rid of items that are damaged beyond repair or too worn out to donate.

Where to Donate

Local charities, thrift stores, and shelters are great places to donate used clothing. Some organizations even offer pick-up services, making it easier for you to pass on your pre-loved items.

Get Smart With Storage

Once you’ve decluttered your closet, it’s time to put everything back in a way that saves space. Here are some clever storage solutions:

• Use Slim Hangers: These save a lot of space compared to bulky wooden hangers. Who knew hangers could make such a difference?
• Add Shelf Dividers: These are perfect for keeping folded items neat and separated.
• Incorporate Clear Bins: These are great for storing seasonal items while keeping them visible. They are also great to keep shoes together and visible.
• Invest in Over-the-Door Organizers: Use the back of your closet door for shoes, scarves, or accessories.

Rotate Clothes Based on the Season

If your closet is bursting at the seams, consider storing off-season clothes elsewhere. Use vacuum-sealed bags or plastic bins to keep items like heavy coats and sweaters out of the way during summer. Rotate these items back into your closet when the seasons change.

Set Rules for Future Purchases

Decluttering is only half the battle; maintaining your closet’s newfound organization requires mindfulness – especially if you love shopping. Luckily, adopting some healthy habits can go a long way in preventing future clutter.

• One In, One Out Rule: For every new item you purchase, get rid of one from your closet.
• Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality pieces. These may cost more upfront, but they will last longer and likely won’t need to be replaced as often as cheaper options. Another advantage is that make a sustainable wardrobe.

Consider Sharing or Renting a Larger Space

Sometimes, no matter how well you declutter and organize, your current living space just isn’t cutting it. If your wardrobe is overflowing and your home lacks storage options, it might be time to consider upgrading your space.

The Solution: SpareRoom

SpareRoom is a fantastic resource for finding shared accommodations with more room for you and your belongings. Whether you’re looking for a bigger closet, additional storage, or simply more spacious living, SpareRoom can help. Find rooms for rent in Atlanta, NYC, Boston, and more to find options that suit your needs and budget.

Digitize Your Wardrobe

Apps like Stylebook or Cladwell allow you to digitize your wardrobe and plan outfits in advance. By keeping track of what you own, you can avoid unnecessary purchases and use what you already have better.

Alternatively, create a photo lookbook of your outfit ideas.

Best Tips to Maintain the Decluttered State

Decluttering is not a one-time event — it’s an ongoing process. Set aside time every few months to review your closet and ensure it stays organized. Regular maintenance will save you from another massive decluttering session down the line.

My experience: Decluttering your closet works best when you coordinate this task with the rotation of your wardrobe for the seasons.

You could even keep a donation box in your closet for items you no longer wear. Once it’s full, take it to your local donation center.

Final Thoughts on Decluttering Your Closet

Decluttering your closet is more than just tidying up — it’s about creating a space that brings you joy and functionality. By following this guide, you can transform your wardrobe into a well-organized haven that saves space and time and reduces stress.

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