We don’t know a single person that doesn’t wish they had more closet space. But the truth is, space isn’t always the issue when it comes to an overflowing wardrobe. With fashion options aplenty (some of which haven’t been worn in years), poor storage solutions, and an abundance of accessories, it’s no wonder your closet is always busting at the seams. Try these tips, and you suddenly won’t long for more closet space anymore.
How Often Should You Clean Your Closet?
Whether it’s every spring, every new year, or before your birthday, annual closet clean-outs are a good way to keep your closet streamlined. Use the one-year rule for cleaning out—if you haven’t worn it in the last year, it’s probably safe to donate it or sell it.
Cleaning out your closet once per year will keep the accumulation of clothes, shoes, and accessories from getting out of hand. However, you’re not beholden to annual purging sessions. Biannually, weekly, or as needed will keep your closet free from clutter.
How to Properly Clean Out Your Closet
Step 1: Shop Your Closet
Take everything out of your closet and, one by one, evaluate the condition, fit, style, and wearability of each item. Hold on to basics, like neutral t-shirts and tanks. Consider tossing ripped, stained, and discolored pieces of clothing. Any broken or missing pairs of accessories and shoes can also go in the toss pile.
If you’re really struggling with letting things go, give yourself permission to keep a few sentimental items. However, consider storing these things in a labeled archival box or weathertight tote in another area rather than have them take up valuable closet real estate.
Step 2: Have a Plan
Responsibly recycling your new and gently used items is not only good for the planet, and helping those in need, knowing they’re destined for more than collecting dust, will help motivate you to get rid of them.
Outfits in good condition that no longer fit or match your style anymore can easily be given to a local charity or sold to consignments. A great tip for staying motivated to donate is to keep a donation bin in your closet. That way, everything stays in one place and can be donated when the bin is full.
Reselling unused items is also a great way to keep your wardrobe fresh without going broke. Research consignment shops in your area and sell your unused items for a profit.
Step 3: Make It Seasonal
If your summer dresses often get lost behind your winter coats and your scarves get tangled up with your bikinis, it’s time for some seasonal rearranging.
Don’t waste precious hanging space with clothing you won’t wear for several months. Instead, store out-of-season items, like swimsuits or winter sweaters, in another place for the time being. Swap them out when it’s time to bring them back to life.
Step 4: Be Strategic With Storage
Finding storage solutions that are customized to your specific needs is crucial to keeping it clean and organized. Do you need more shoe storage than space for coats? Take that into consideration when organizing your closet space and invest in shoe organizers. Don’t forget to add hooks, drawer organizers, and stacking trays for storing accessories and jewelry.
Tips for Keep Your Closet Clean Longer
Once everything is organized in its designated place, it’ll be easier to stay clean in the long run. Experts recommend keeping everyday items within reach and out-of-season or special-occasion pieces to the back, so you’re not digging to find work clothes.
The best way to keep your closet efficient and organized is to get rid of an old piece of clothing every time you buy a new one. Finally, labeling a shelf or bin will keep you accountable and help you put things away in their appropriate place. Do you have any other tips that we haven’t considered? Be sure to share them in the comments below!
