Introduction

A well-organized closet can save you time, reduce stress, and help maintain the quality of your clothes. Whether you’re tackling a seasonal switch or just needing a good purge, these 14 steps will guide you through the process of cleaning out your closet effectively.

1. Set aside time

Before diving in, select a day and time to focus entirely on cleaning out your closet. Ensure you have sufficient hours to handle the task without feeling rushed.

2. Gather your supplies

You’ll need clothes hangers, boxes or storage bins, garbage bags, a vacuum cleaner, cleaning products, and sticky notes for labeling.

3. Remove everything from your closet

To get a clear picture of your space and effectively clean it, remove all items from your closet and place them in an open area.

4. Deep clean the closet itself

With everything out of the way, use this opportunity to clean shelves, vacuum the floor, and wipe down walls.

5. Sort items into categories

Separate clothes into groups: tops, bottoms, dresses/suits, outerwear, shoes, accessories. This helps visually assess how much of each category you own and provides an idea of what’s needed or excess.

6. Assess each item one by one

As you go through each category, evaluate every piece based on its condition and if it still fits well in your wardrobe.

7. Establish keep/discard/donate piles

Create three piles as you decide which items to keep in your wardrobe: pieces to be kept; those that need discarding due to damage; and those that can be donated.

8. Try on questionable items

For pieces you’re unsure about (whether they fit well or match your style), try them on to help make a more informed decision.

9. Prioritize clothes for the current season

Plan your closet around what’s needed for the current weather and store off-season items separately.

10. Reorganize your wardrobe

Put all keepers back in the closet, organizing them by categories and color-coding if desired. This setup makes it easier to find clothes and create outfits.

11. Properly store off-season clothing

Use clear storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags to store off-season garments in a safe place. Label containers for easy identification when seasons change.

12. Discard and donate unwanted items

Dispose of damaged clothes responsibly by recycling or upcycling, while donating gently used items to charity.

13. Set a schedule to revisit your closet

To maintain an organized closet, establish a schedule for revisiting the process – perhaps once or twice a year.

14. Celebrate your accomplishment!

With your immaculate, well-organized closet, reward yourself with a stylish new outfit or simply enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve taken control of your wardrobe.

Conclusion

Cleaning out your closet may seem daunting at first, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the task achievable. Not only will this process give you a polished wardrobe, but it also provides an opportunity to rediscover forgotten gems and give back to those in need through donations. Happy organizing!