8 Closet Cleanout Tips to Make Decluttering Your Closet Easier
You know that feeling when your closet is bursting at the seams, and yet, bizarrely, you’ve got nothing to wear? (Yep, been there, done that, got the t-shirt – it’s somewhere in the back of the closet.) Maybe you’re due for a full closet cleanout!
A few months ago, overwhelmed by my closet full of clothes I never wore, I reached a breaking point. In a moment of frustration, I pulled everything out of my closet and drawers. That impulsive act started my Closet Cleanout Project, cleaning out my closet like my life (and sanity) depended on it.
What I thought might take a half a day – took weeks.
It was more of a journey than I had anticipated. A lot of wrestling with a pile of ‘maybe one day’ jeans and bidding farewell to those ‘what was I thinking?’ sale buys. But, moving through this process was more cathartic than I was expecting. I’m glad I dived in head first without really creating a plan, because to be honest had I thought about it too much, I would’ve likely procrastinated for years.
Although I didn’t have a plan, you might want one. So I’m sharing the closet cleanout tips and helpful hacks I’ve learnt along the way that might help you if you’re about to embark on your own decluttering closet cleanout project to find space in your closet. Yours may not become as monumental as mine was, but either way, hopefully you’ll find these practical tips helpful whatever level of closet project you’re undertaking.
Ready? It’s time to declutter!
Is It Time for a Closet Cleanout or just a Petite Purge?
While ‘a Konmari’ (the Marie Kondo method) cleanout of your closet can be good for the soul, how do you know if you need a full closet cleanout versus just a closet tidy?
If you’re like me and you were almost filled with dread at the thought of perusing your own closet, but the idea of organising it was equally as horrifying, you’re probably well overdue for a proper closet cleanout and clothes declutter.
Ever played a game of Tetris with your clothes, trying to fit everything back into its “rightful place”? That’s a tell-tale sign. Or maybe, like me, you’ve totally forgotten about items you own because they’re hidden under an ever-growing pile of ‘maybes’ and ‘one days’. When your wardrobe is bursting at the seams, to the point where the threat of a clothing avalanche is real, it’s a wake-up call.
And how about feeling like you have nothing to wear? I’ve been there, staring at a closet full of clothes yet feeling like I despise every single item. When you’re overwhelmed with choices yet nothing seems to match, or you’re guilt-tripping over clothes that remind you of money not so well spent, it’s definitely time for a change.
The ‘just in case’ syndrome – oh, I know it well. Keeping items for scenarios that never materialise, or for the day we miraculously fit into those ‘goal’ clothes. If this sounds like your closet, it’s not just a storage issue; it’s a mental block that’s begging to be cleared.
In short, if any of this rings true for you, a closet cleanout is not just beneficial; it’s essential. It’s about transforming your wardrobe into a space of joy and simplicity, not stress and guilt.
So now that you’re sufficiently horrified at your own closet and likely deeply depressed – I’m here to tell you ‘fret not friend!’. I’ve been through this and have come out so much better for it.
Here are some of the top tips and advice I learned as I spent weeks evaluating and assessing every single item of clothing I owned.
Simple Tips & Advice: A Step-by-Step Approach to Clean Your Closet
1. Preparing for Your Closet Cleanout: What You’ll Need
To do this properly, I’d suggest you prepare yourself more for a marathon, rather than a sprint! For me, this meant turning the spare room into my own personal wardrobe war zone, where I could sort through clothes freely for days (it was actually weeks). If you can’t commandeer an entire room, brace yourself for a bit of delightful chaos in your living space. This isn’t an hour’s job – it’s a project. Instead of bins, I just designated different corners of the room for ‘keep’, ‘toss’, and ‘the undecided jury’. Find a system that works for you, and remember, a little mess for a short time will lead to a lot of organised bliss!
2. The Initial Sort: Divide Your Wardrobe into Categories
Instead of tackling your wardrobe like it’s a single, monstrous entity, I found breaking it down into categories incredibly helpful. My approach? Going seasonal. I started by whisking away all my winter wear and putting it in another closet (a battle I shall fight next season!), leaving the rest to deal with. You might want to follow suit use a separate storage space or similar. I found removing these clothing items helped reduce the overwhelm.
When it came to categorising, I did it a few ways, but think tops, bottoms, dresses, workout, outerwear. Another tactic I tried (just for curiosity) colour categories (turns out I own enough black to mourn for centuries). Whatever clean out your closet method you try, it’s about really seeing what you own and how much of each category you have.
3. The Favourites First Rule: Keeping What Matters
If you’re like me, you’ll have some ride or die pieces that you either wear all the time, bring you great comfort or for any other unexplained reason, you just simply love. My approach and my advice is, don’t question this or try to change your mind in the pursuit of purging. Just put them straight back into your closet and continue to love them. No justifications necessary.
4. Confront the ‘Maybe’ Pile: Decisions on Uncertain Items
I won’t lie – the ‘unsure’ pile was my biggest challenge. To be completely transparent, there are still a few items in my ‘unsure’ pile that I’m on the fence about. However, where you can, I’d advise being decisive.
Trust your gut when it comes to clothes you don’t wear. Ask yourself, “Does this item make me feel fabulous?” If the answer is a lukewarm “meh”, then it’s probably best to let it go and donate it. In my experience, ‘maybe’ usually means never, and holding on only adds to the clutter.
5. Implement the Six-Months Rule: Letting Go of Unused Clothes
For me, there were items like my cherished leather jacket or certain dresses that don’t get daily wear, but they’re exceptions. The six-months rule is about brutal honesty. Ask yourself: Is this item a special-occasion piece or is it just not right for you anymore? Maybe it doesn’t fit well, or you just don’t feel great in it.
We’ve all been there, trying to convince ourselves we’ll wear something again. It’s time to stop kidding ourselves. Those unworn items are taking up precious space. You’re better off getting rid of them and letting someone else enjoy them. Remember, unused clothes are just closet real estate hogs.
6. Think About a Foundational Wardrobe with Key Staples
Creating a foundational wardrobe has been a transformative step for me. This means I now (try) to stick to essential, versatile pieces that can be combined in various ways. For me this also means a fairly neutral colour palette. My motto now is “Black, White, Grey and Chambray.”
The aim is to have a set of clothes that form the basis of numerous outfits which make getting dressed for any occasion much simpler. With these core items, everything in your wardrobe coordinates effortlessly.
This may not happen with this first pass at your closet, as it can take time to add these quality pieces as you figure out your foundational style that make you feel good. But once you crack this, it makes it easier to integrate new items, like a trendy accessory or a seasonal colour, without the hassle of wondering how to match them.
A well-planned foundational wardrobe means less stress and more style – every piece you own works well with the others, simplifying your daily outfit decisions.
7. Still Stuck on the Unsure Pile? Force Yourself to Wear the ‘Maybes’ to Decide
For me there were some items in the unsure pile I just couldn’t seem to decide on either way. I bought them for a reason and thought they were a good idea at one time, so I forced myself to wear them.
There were a few pieces I actually found a renewed love for and a few others I knew as soon as I had them on, had to go! (oh yeah, this fabric is really scratchy and uncomfortable, I remember now!) This can be the definitive way to get real with yourself about what gets to stay in your closet and what doesn’t.
8. Don’t Expect This to be a Short-Term Project
After you’ve pared down your wardrobe, give yourself time to live with it. It’s not just about making a one-time decision; it’s an ongoing process of discovery. You might find that some pieces don’t resonate with you as much as you thought they would. That’s okay. This isn’t a ‘one and done’ approach.
Your style will evolve, your preferences will shift, and so should your closet. There’s no pressure to get it perfect right away. Instead, embrace this as a long-term journey, continuously shaping and refining your wardrobe into something that you truly love and that reflects who you are.
Time to Let Go and Move On
Take it from me, if you’re feeling the urge to tackle a closet cleanout, it’s likely a venture well worth your time and effort. I know it might sound a bit cheesy, but I’ve learned so much from this experience. And trust me, it’s not just about sorting through a pile of clothes. It’s about discovering what you really need, what makes you feel great, and letting go of the rest.
Give yourself some grace as you jump into your own closet cleanout project, whatever shape it takes for you. It might be a bigger task than you expect, but it’s also more rewarding than you can imagine.
I can guarantee that you’ll come out of this feeling lighter, more organised, and with a newfound appreciation for the clothes that truly matter to you. So go on, make a plan (or don’t!), clean out that closet, and see where it takes you. You’ll definitely be better off for it in the end!
Fancy being social media friends? Find me on Instagram where I inconsistently post about my decluttering journey and my life as a Canadian in Australia. @girlseeksbeach
