Five Tips To Clean Out And Organize Your Closet

If the chaos in your closet is reaching new heights, it’s time for a wardrobe intervention. Here are some practical tips that will help you organize your closet and make getting dressed a joy.

“Opening your closet should be like arriving at a really good party where everyone you see is someone you like.”

Amy Fine Collins

1. Declutter First

It is painful to realize you’ve outgrown your treasured jeans, but the good news is that a hard look at your wardrobe can reveal whole new ensembles and you won’t have to spend a dime. To be kind, start with three passes through your closet:

You may have to do this in stages. For example, one day you may just focus on the items to toss or donate. Another day you just do shoes and bags or tackle jewelry and accessories. It’s a daunting task to do everything in one sitting.  

Toss, Donate, or Consign

Be ruthless, or bring in a ruthless friend, preferably one whose style you love and admire, to help you declutter. There are professional wardrobe consultants and organizers that you can hire to help you with this if you can’t find the willpower to do it on your own. There are great organizations that take clothing donations and a whole host of local consignment stores for your clothing that’s in style, in season, and in good condition. A fantastic one in Albuquerque is What Goes Around.

Ask these questions and if the answer is NO, then toss, donate or consign.

1. Does it still fit? Try it on if you’re not sure, I know that’s hard, but it’s necessary. Let’s get real.  If you think you’ll lose weight and fit into it again, sometimes it’s better to move it along and reward yourself with something new when you do change sizes. If it’s a size too small and a great wardrobe basic like black slacks or a blazer, then you could hang onto it. 
2. Is it in good condition and style? If it’s worn out, pilled, and stained, toss it. 
3. Have I worn it in the past year? Some of my friends are so disciplined that they turn their hangers backward, so they know if a garment’s been worn.  Honestly, we all know things that we haven’t touched in years.  Move it along. Sometimes you find things crammed in your closet you didn’t even know were there. If you can’t see it, you can’t wear it. Is it a good color for me? If you don’t know your best colors, get a professional color analysis. It just may be time to move that neon chartreuse jacket onto the donation pile.

The Maybe Pile

Take a second pass through your closet and pull things you don’t wear very often, you like it but don’t love it, or you may only have worn it once or twice. It may be an item that you can’t mix and match very well. You may end up putting it in the donate pile because now you’re on a roll! Put these clothes in a bag or box and shelve it. If you haven’t missed it in six months, it’s time to move it along.  

It’s A Keeper!

After tossing and boxing the maybe items, now you’re left with what you wear most often. What should be left are wardrobe staples that go with at least three to four other clothing items. Special occasion outfits or a great seasonal jacket can also be part of the wardrobe items you keep.  

2. Organize Your Closet: Categorize For Clarity

Sorting your clothes into categories is a must. Organize by type (shirts, pants, dresses) and then further categorize by color. When you organize your closet in this way, it not only makes finding items a breeze, but also adds a visual appeal to your closet that makes getting dressed a delight.

3. Embrace The Power Of Storage Solutions

Invest in storage solutions to maximize your closet space. Bins, baskets, and shelves work wonders for accessories, shoes, or seasonal items. Slim hangers can save space and provide a clean, uniform look. Consider installing hooks or pegs for bags and scarves. I’ve recently purchased these jewelry organizers from the Container Store that made me so happy. 

4. Seasonal Rotation for Space Optimization

As seasons change, rotate your wardrobe accordingly. Store off-season clothes in bins or vacuum-sealed bags to free up prime real estate for your current season’s favorites. This not only keeps your closet organized but also helps you rediscover and appreciate your clothes.

5. Plan To Renew And Reinvest

Now that you’ve decluttered your closet, you may be able to go shopping in your closet and put together multiple new outfits. Go exploring in your new space and then decide what items are missing and reinvest in your wardrobe. Plan and set a budget. Do you need a great pair of dressy jeans, or do you need a perfect pair of black slacks or khaki crops? Consider your core wardrobe needs and shop for quality additions.

A well-organized closet is not just visually appealing; it’s a daily gift to yourself. With a little bit of work and discipline you’ll transform your closet into a space that you enjoy.