Have you ever felt like you had nothing to wear even though your closet was overflowing with clothes? I think we´ve all been there! One way to get a view over your clothes and find the right outfit is to declutter your closet. Find here a step-by-step guide on how to properly declutter your closet, what to do with the old clothes, the benefits decluttering has & different ways your clothes can even make you money!

Benefits of Decluttering Your Closet: Why Less is More

Before we dive into the decluttering, let´s check out some benefits it has:

Decluttering Closet Benefit 1. More Space, More Style

Breathe Easy: Clearing out clutter creates more space, making your closet look and feel larger.

Find Favorites Faster: With fewer items, it’s easier to locate your favorite pieces and put together stylish outfits quickly.

Decluttering Closet Benefit 2. Stress Less, Dress Best

Simplified Choices: A decluttered closet reduces decision fatigue, helping you easily choose outfits.

Start Your Day Right: An organized closet sets a positive tone for your day, making getting dressed a joy, not a chore.

Decluttering Closet Benefit 3. Boost Your Mood, Boost Your Confidence

Feel Good Factor: Wearing clothes that fit well and make you feel great boosts your self-esteem.

Wardrobe Joy: Enjoy a closet with items you love, enhancing your overall happiness and confidence.

Decluttering Closet Benefit 4. Save Time, Save Energy

Quick and Easy: Spend less time rummaging through piles of clothes and more time doing what you love.

Effortless Maintenance: An organized closet is easier to keep tidy, saving you energy in the long run.

Decluttering Closet Benefit 5. Mindfulness and Clarity

Mental Clarity: A decluttered space promotes a clear mind, reducing stress and enhancing focus.

Mindful Living: Embrace a minimalist approach, encouraging mindfulness in other areas of your life.

Decluttering Closet Benefit 6. Fashion Freedom

Discover Your Style: With fewer, more meaningful pieces, you can better define and express your personal style.

Mix and Match: Create versatile outfits with a streamlined wardrobe, making fashion fun and freeing.

Decluttering Closet Benefit 7. Eco-Friendly and Charitable

Sustainable Living: Recycling and donating clothes reduces waste, promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.

Give Back: Donating gently used items helps those in need, spreading goodwill and kindness.

Decluttering Closet Benefit 8. Financial Benefits

Smarter Shopping: Knowing what you have helps avoid buying duplicates, saving you money.

Cash In: Sell your unwanted items online or at consignment shops for extra cash.

Decluttering Closet Benefit 9. Elevate Your Home’s Aesthetic

Clean and Tidy: An organized closet creates a cleaner, more inviting home environment.

Showcase Your Style: A beautifully arranged closet can be a source of pride and inspiration.

Decluttering Closet Benefit 10. Increased Gratitude

Appreciate More: Value the clothes you keep and wear, fostering a sense of gratitude and contentment.

Less is More: Embrace the beauty of simplicity and the joy of owning less but loving more.

Decluttering your closet isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about transforming your life. But, now enough of the rambling and on to the ultimate guide on how to actually declutter your closet!

Step 1: Set the Stage

• Pick Your Playlist: Choose your favorite energetic music to keep you motivated. Create a playlist that’s long enough to cover a few hours of work. Think upbeat and catchy tunes to keep your energy high.

• Gather Supplies: Grab some trash bags for items you plan to toss, storage bins for off-season clothing or sentimental items, and a full-length mirror to try on clothes. Have a notebook and pen handy to jot down notes or ideas for organizing.

Step 2: The Big Unload

• Empty Everything: Take every single item out of your closet. Yes, everything! This includes clothes, shoes, accessories, and any miscellaneous items. Lay them out on your bed or a clean surface.

• Sort into Piles: Create three piles – Keep, Donate, and Toss. Be honest with yourself about what you REALLY wear and need. This is the time to be ruthless and let go of what no longer serves you.

Step 3: The Try-On Marathon

• Fashion Show Time: Try on each item in your “Keep” pile. Stand in front of the mirror and evaluate each piece. Does it fit well? Is it comfortable? Does it flatter your body shape?

• Be Ruthless: If it doesn’t fit, flatter, or you haven’t worn it in a year, move it to the Donate or Toss pile. Think about your current lifestyle and whether the item suits it. If you’re unsure, ask yourself if you’d buy it again today.

Step 4: Decision Making

• Sentimental Pieces: If it holds sentimental value but you never wear it, consider storing it separately. Create a memory box for items like old T-shirts from concerts or special events.

• Duplicates: Do you really need five black T-shirts? Keep your favorite and donate the rest. The same goes for jeans, shoes, and other items. Keeping multiple of the same thing clutters your space and makes it harder to choose outfits.

Step 5: Organize Like a Boss

• Group Similar Items: Hang shirts together, line up shoes, and fold jeans neatly. This makes it easier to find what you’re looking for and keeps your closet looking tidy.

• Use Storage Solutions: Bins for accessories, shelf dividers for sweaters, and slim hangers to save space. Consider adding hooks for belts and scarves and a shoe rack to keep your footwear in order. Label bins and boxes so you know what’s inside without digging through them.

Step 6: The Final Touches

• Clean the Closet: Wipe down shelves, vacuum the floor, and air it out. This will ensure that your newly organized closet is fresh and clean.

• Return Items Neatly: Put everything back in an organized manner. Remember, like goes with like. Hang dresses and coats, fold sweaters, and place frequently used items at eye level for easy access.

Step 7: Maintain the Magic

• Regular Reviews: Set a reminder to declutter every season. This helps you stay on top of your wardrobe and prevent clutter from building up again.

• One In, One Out Rule: Remove one old item for every new item you buy. This keeps your wardrobe from expanding beyond control and ensures you keep only items you love.

Bonus Tips:

• Donate Wisely: Research local charities or shelters that accept clothing. Some organizations may even pick up donations from your home. This way, your gently used items can find a new life with someone in need.
• Sell Online: Make some extra cash by selling gently used items on resale apps. Platforms like Poshmark, Depop, and eBay are great for finding new homes for your preloved clothes.
• Eco-Friendly Toss: Instead of trashing textiles, recycle them at designated centers. Many cities have textile recycling programs, and some retailers offer recycling services for old clothes.

Now, step back and admire your pristine, organized closet. Enjoy the sense of accomplishment and the extra space you’ve created. Happy decluttering!