The ultimate decluttering tips for organizing closet spaces

One factor that affects the mood of your day is your clothes and outfit. A good outfit is one of the best ways to boost your confidence and be presentable for whatever event, meeting, or plan you have for the day, but many people have a hard time choosing and finding the right outfit. Do you know why? Three words: a messy wardrobe.

They don’t realize that they are stressed because instead of focusing on picking, combining, and choosing the outfit, they waste a lot of time finding the clothes they have in mind. Their closet is in total chaos. If only they knew that decluttering tips and organizing their wardrobe are the solutions.

Are you the type of person who has confidence in your fashion sense but is still taking longer than usual to come up with the outfit for the day? Maybe, it’s time to refresh your wardrobe and do a closet detox. Here’s how.

---

How to prepare for decluttering

Set goals and priorities.

Before you start diving at it, you need to set your decluttering goals and organizing priorities. You can’t just go over to your closet and decide, “Oh, I don’t need this anymore,” “I’ll just place this here,” or “I’ll just throw this one away.” We’re redoing your closet so we might as well consider how we can organize it in a way that is more convenient and less time-consuming when choosing outfits for your daily or weekly plans.

Setting decluttering goals helps you to have a direction of how to go about your arrangement and saves you time and energy. You can set your goals and priorities by answering these questions:

1. What does your closet currently look like? Pay attention to areas where your clothes tend to accumulate or where you experience the most frustration.
2. What types of clothes are always in your messy spots? These clothes might be the ones you usually need in hectic times. We must place them in an area you can easily access.
3. What is your main goal? What do you want to achieve? It could be freeing up storage space, categorizing clothes based on purpose, building an aesthetically pleasing closet, arranging your stuff for more efficiency, or it could be all of those.
4. What are your future plans? It can depend on your professional life, personal preferences, planned recreational activities, and others. 

Gather your supplies.

You might ask, “What are the supplies for?” Well, you might need to revamp your whole closet, and of course, clean it. So, you need to prepare before starting because if not, you might end up scouring your whole house just to find something to use here and there. This will ultimately cost you more time. 

Here are some things to keep in handy:

1. Sorting bins/buckets: Get ones you can use to categorize stuff as Keep, Donate, and Discard (or perhaps Trash and Sell).
2. Markers and labels or sticky notes: Label your bins or closet sections as you decide what to put in them.
3. Closet organization tools: These can be hangers, racks, bins or baskets. You can also get sealed bags, rod extenders, shelf dividers, and other storage tools you might need depending on what you’ll store, such as shoes, accessories, bags, etc.
4. Cleaning supplies: Trash bags, disinfectant solution, insect spray, wipes, towels, vacuum cleaner, broom, brush, silica gel, gloves, mask, extra bin, etc.
5. Music: This is optional, but we promise you won’t regret it! Put up some music to keep you motivated and energized.

Create a decluttering plan.

A decluttering plan doesn’t need to be a meticulous, big scheme. You can do it in your head mentally or write down some words on a small piece of paper. 

However you do it, you’ll need to think about what your organizing strategy would be so you can turn the whole process into a smaller manageable process. This way, you won’t stress as much and think that decluttering and reorganizing your closet is too much work. 

You can also plan your breaks since the whole process can take a few hours or even days. Having a structured plan will help you track your progress even if you take a break or need to leave for a longer time anyway.

If you think that you need or want a larger renovation, you can ask your family for help or avail of the service of your local handymen. Here are some basic steps to consider, though:

1. First, remove all the items in your closet one by one. We mean everything—your shoes, bags, accessories, jewelry, and other miscellaneous items. Clean them one by one if necessary as well. Then, place them on a clean surface.
2. Take out all the clothes you have in order from most used to rarely used. At the same time, categorize them into bins, baskets, or even your bed based on the occasions you wear them, the material they’re made of, clothing type, and style. This way, it’ll be easier to segregate them as you see fit later on when you arrange them back in your closet.
3. Now that you have a clear view of your whole closet, create a list of its different areas. Or, you can be creative and draw it—the shelves, drawers, dividers, cabinets, etc. Plan out what you’re going to place in them and how you’re going to arrange them. This process includes any remodeling or adjustments you want to make in your closet, too. 
4. Next is the remodeling and cleaning time. Ensure that your clothes won’t be dirtied in the process. Put on the lids of your baskets or any covering you have. If you won’t alter anything in your closet, then you can directly proceed to cleaning and decluttering.

---

Decluttering your closet

Sort through your clothes  

Sorting clothes is not just another chore, the process also gives you a calming and meditating effect. But that is only one of its many good effects on yourself, others, and the environment. Sorting will also help you decide what to keep or repurpose, what to donate, and what to discard through these wardrobe decluttering tips.

Doing so can maximize your closet space, create orderliness, and impact your mental health positively. But it can also simplify routines, clarify your fashion style, promote sustainability and responsible consumption, give you an opportunity to share with others, and keep your wardrobe fresh. 

You can arrange your wardrobe in a number of ways. You can choose one or combine two or three from the following:

• By season
• By type or purpose
• By material
• By frequency of use
• By color
• By style

You can categorize your clothes by season and materials since there are certain fabric materials that are best for each season.

By type or purpose—Are those clothes for fitness and outdoor activities? For work? For special occasions or social gatherings? Or just for home? 

By style and color? Categorizing your clothes this way can greatly help you become a fashionista. Or maybe you’re just someone who loves to pair outfits based on their styles and colours; that can be the case too.

And lastly, by categorizing clothing by frequency of use, you can place regularly worn items in the most accessible areas of your closet. You can even whip up a capsule wardrobe in the process!

The Keep, Donate, Discard Method

The “keep, donate, discard method” is one of the most used systems when decluttering your items because it’s straightforward and promotes responsible consumption and disposal. It encourages sustainability and mindfulness in your choices and decisions. It also pushes you to think critically about the value and purpose of every piece of clothing you have. 

When deciding using this method, you’ll evaluate your clothes based on their condition, fit, and your personal preference.

Condition

You can keep clothes that are in excellent condition—those with no stains, tears, or signs of wear. If it still looks good as new and still holds value in your wardrobe, then let it stay.

You can donate clothing that is gently used and still wearable but no longer needed or wanted. Items with minor flaws that can be repaired can also be donated.

Discard anything that is damaged beyond repair, heavily worn, or stained. If possible, you can recycle these items rather than throw them away.

Fit

You should keep clothes that still fit you well, suit your body shape, and make you feel confident and comfortable when wearing them. However, consider donating the pieces that no longer fit you but are still in good condition to someone who can wear them now rather than keeping them in hopes they might fit you again someday.

Ill-fitting items that you feel like you won’t wear anymore or are unlikely to be altered should go. If the item is beyond alteration or no longer suits your body, it’s time to let it go as well. You can repurpose or recycle it however your creativity leads you. 

Personal Preference

Keep all the items that you love and still always look for, suit your current style, and make you feel good when you wear them.

Clothes that no longer match your personal taste or lifestyle should go. If it doesn’t bring you joy or suit your current self anymore, it’s better to pass it on.

You can discard the items that you never wear, or you don’t like anymore. If it’s been buried in your closet for years without use, it’s probably time to part with it.

Handling sentimental items

There will surely be items that will leave you undecided, particularly those that have sentimental value. There’s no way we won’t set aside the perfect space for your valuable items. 

However, if you have too many keepsakes but less space, we’ll need to go through each of them again and decide how to handle them. You can take your time and allow yourself to go through these items slowly. Don’t pressure yourself to make decisions too quickly.

If you ever do decide to let go of some trinkets, here’s how you can do so:

1. Begin with items you’re less attached to. This will help you build momentum and make the process feel less daunting.
2. Focus on keeping important wardrobe items that hold the most significance to you. Let go of items that no longer bring you as much joy as they once did.
3. Use a memory box or a dedicated space in your closet for clothing items that hold sentimental value, like your special dress, a childhood gift shirt, or a jersey from a big game. Choose a box or container of a reasonable size. This helps you prioritize the most meaningful items.
4. Use vacuum-sealed bags or garment bags to store these items when not in use. This will protect them from damage while keeping your closet organized.
5. Take photos of outfits or clothing items that hold sentimental value, like what you wore on a special date or during a milestone event. Create a digital album to preserve these memories or turn sentimental clothing or fabric into a quilt, pillow, or other keepsake item. This way, the memory is preserved in a practical, space-saving way.
6. Use shadow boxes to create a meaningful display of small items, like medals, tickets, or jewelry. This keeps them visible without taking up too much space.
7. Don’t let sentimental items overshadow your current life. Keep only what truly resonates with you today. Review your sentimental items from time to time to ensure they still hold meaning. Over time, you may find that you’re ready to let go of some items to create space for new memories.
8. Create a “fashion memory journal.” Along with photos, jot down the stories behind each item in the journal. This way, you can keep the memories even if you decide to let go of the physical counterparts.
9. If certain items would be meaningful to family or friends, consider passing them along. Share the stories behind your sentimental items with loved ones. This keeps the memories alive even if you decide to part with the physical objects.
10. If you’re unsure about certain items, place them in a “maybe box” and store them out of sight. Revisit the box after a few months. If you haven’t missed the items, you may feel more comfortable letting them go. Don’t let the “maybe box” linger for too long, though. Set a deadline to make final decisions on the items inside.

---

Organizing your wardrobe efficiently

Here are some things that can help you out!

Vertical spaces

Vertical spaces are the best spots for your clothes and items that are long or have sensitive material and unique forms. They’re also perfect for structured clothes such as coats, trousers, or slacks. You can also store dresses and gowns, belts, boots, and even your keepsakes in these spaces. 

If incorporated with closet storage solutions such as hooks and racks, hanging rods, stackable bins and boxes, and adjustable shelves—you’ll have a maximized vertical space that is both easily accessible and aesthetically convenient. 

Here’s a cheat sheet:

1. Adjustable shelves are perfect for your bags, shoes, bulky clothes, and other sensitive items of varying sizes that you can’t store in tightened spaces such as drawers. 
2. Hanging organizers such as hooks, racks, and hangers are best for long coats, dresses, structured clothes, belts, ties, scarves, small sling bags, and other items that you often need and don’t want to be creased or damaged.
3. Stackable clear bins or boxes are ideal for large items or clothes that are not too sensitive to creases and for storing out-of-season items

The right hangers

Using hangers is a smart way to organize wardrobes, but it’s commonly not given enough attention by others. But I can confidently say—and I know you can relate—that it makes a subtle but huge difference. 

The best hangers for the closet should protect your clothing, maximize space, and enhance your wardrobe organization. You know how hangers come in different materials, designs, and functionality? Well, certain types of hangers work best on specific types of clothes, so choosing hangers to use should also be done mindfully. 

Here are some tips:

1. When you need to hang heavy items, it would be best to use wood or metal because they are sturdy and durable. For everyday items, plastic hangers are good because they are affordable and versatile. And for delicate fabrics such as satin that is prone to slipping, velvet hangers are the best.
2. You should also consider the hanger’s size and shape. For instance, wide-shouldered structured clothes should be hung with larger hangers, while for slim, smaller clothes, you can opt for smaller hangers for more space. Specialty hangers such as clip hangers are best for trousers or slacks, skirts, or other items that have no shoulders.
3. There are also multi-layered hanger racks for pants or scarves and space-saving hanger rods, chains, or hooks that you should look into when buying hangers.

Drawer dividers and bins

There are always tragic cases of small items that we lose forever, even in our own homes. In some instances, these small items are placed with other larger items, and we will not discover them again unless we intentionally rummage through our closet or room.

But where are the best places to put these tiny things? If you thought drawers and storage bins, then you hit the jackpot. 

However, you’ll still have to arrange them into smaller organizers or dividers to prevent them from looking cluttered. Using drawer dividers and storage bins for your closet ensures that every item has its place and is easy for you to find, reducing the time you spend searching.

You can use adjustable dividers as well. Customize the compartments to fit your items, group similar things together, and roll or fold them neatly to keep everything tidy.

For closet organization, you can use clear storage bins. They make it easy to see what’s inside, and labeling them helps you quickly find what you need. Stackable bins are perfect for using vertical space efficiently, too.

For smaller accessories, use specialized bins with compartments. These keep jewelry, belts, scarves, and ties organized, accessible, and free from tangling or damage.

---

Now, how do you maintain your organized closet?

Strategy 1: Seasonal wardrobe rotation

One of the best times to clean your whole closet and reorganize your wardrobe is during season changes since your necessities will also likely be changing. But rotating your wardrobe seasonally also keeps your closet organized and ensures that you have easy access to clothes appropriate for the current weather. 

So, during the end of each season, you can revisit this guide and our tips so you can start curating your wardrobe for the upcoming one.

You can store off-season clothes using vacuum-sealed bags, garment bags, bins, or baskets. Then, store them on the far end of your closet, on high shelves, or at the lowest level to give space for the clothes you’ll use for the next season. 

Strategy 2: Regular closet clean-outs

Regularly cleaning out your closet is important to prevent building up dust and clutter in your closet. However, consistent decluttering can save you lots of time in the long run, too, as it will be easier to clean your closet every time if there isn’t too much mess built up.

You can set your regular closet clean-outs as often as you see fit or whenever you set the schedule for it. As I suggested earlier, it’s ideal to schedule your clean-outs at the end of the season because you’ll have to reorganize your wardrobe at the same time anyway. Moreover, you won’t need to always remind yourself or mark your calendar on a random day just to clean your closet.

Be ruthless during clean-outs because having a clean closet largely affects the smell of your clothes stored in them. Clean them thoroughly and place fragrant bags or sachets. 

Strategy 3: Creating a habit of tidiness

The best way to prevent clutter build-ups is to develop a closet tidiness habit. If you truly take this tip to heart, you’ll thank me later.

Developing habits of maintaining an organized wardrobe can greatly affect how much time you’ll need during your clean-outs and will help you in the long run. It will also affect your mood and mental health, even though you might not notice it right away.

But how do you kickstart this habit? 

Each time you visit your closet to get something or to put back something, spend a few seconds or minutes to return them to their designated spots. Even the tiny practice of closing drawers and organizers can keep your closet neat. When you’re having trouble choosing an outfit, remember to put back all the items you brought out to prevent pile-ups.

---

Enjoy your organized wardrobe!

That’s all! I’ve covered everything I could think of to help you bring the best out of your closet. These are the tips that are very helpful for me, so I hope they’ll be the same for you, too. I also want you to enjoy the habit of organizing your closet. Remember: this practice that is considered a chore by other people is actually something that’ll bring you peace of mind and a sense of well-being.

Everything starts from something small, so I’m sure that this organizing habit will eventually become a part of you as a whole. Embrace its benefits, and soon the tips will make more sense. I swear, it’ll be easier the next few times. 

---

FAQs about decluttering & wardrobe organization