Closet Detox: Steps to End Closet Chaos
Anyone who has trudged through their overcrowded closet in search of their favorite outfit knows the struggle of closet chaos. Closet clutter is a common yet serious issue that can plague even the most organized person. A chaotic closet can lead to greater stress and frustrations, wasted time, and lost clothing.
The good news is that a closet purge can be a transformative experience that helps restore a sense of control and peace to your daily life. Here’s a step-by-step guide to declutter and organize your wardrobe so you can look and feel your best.
Choose Your Time Wisely
If you’re like most of us, squeezing out hours to tackle a closet detox is no easy feat. Choosing when to take on the challenge can be a major factor in how successful you will be.
The best time of day to purge your closet is when your energy and motivation are at their highest. Most people are able to commit the necessary focus and energy early in the morning and in the evening hours. Whichever time of day works best for you, mark it in your calendar and commit to it!
Gather Your Supplies
Once you’ve decided on a time to declutter, it’s important to have the right supplies to help you get the job done.
Start by gathering three boxes or large bags for sorting purposes. Label them “Keep”, “Toss”, and “Donate/Sell” and gather other supplies that can make the job quicker and easier, such as:
• Garment bags
• Garment hangers, clips, or clips hangers
• Garment storage, such as plastic shoe boxes or garment boxes
• Pen, paper, and tape for labeling
• Option for steam or dry cleaning
• Detergent for washing
• Iron, steamer, and iron board (if desired)
• Paper towel and lint roller
• Vacuum cleaner
• Cleaning supplies
• Bins, baskets, and/or drawers (if buying)
Don’t be afraid to look into creative storage solutions. By purchasing some containers and dividers you’ll be able to group clothing and items into sections, making the entire space look more orderly and easier to manage.
Go Through Each Piece
The most important step in a closet cleanse is to go through each piece of clothing. The easiest way to do this is to start in one corner, going from left to right and from top to bottom. As you proceed, assign each piece to one of your three boxes. The rule of thumb is that if you haven’t worn it in the past 6-12 months or it doesn’t fit correctly, out it goes.
To help the process move along, ask yourself a few questions for each piece. Does this item fit correctly? Does it look good? Do I feel good when wearing it? Do I have other pieces that can be used in similar ways? If the answers are “no”, “no” and “no”, then out it goes.
The same logic applies to accessories and shoes. If you haven’t used them in a while and they’re taking up space, consider donating them!
Create a Wardrobe Wish List
Now that your closet is looking a bit more manageable, it’s time to consider which items need to be replenished. Taking inventory of what you have and what you need will not only help you recognize which items need to be replaced but also give you an idea of your signature style.
Make a physical or mental note of the items you’d like to fill in the gaps. This will help you stay on budget and also serves as a reminder of what you need when shopping.
Organize What You Want to Keep
Now for the fun part – it’s time to organize what you’ve decided to keep!
We recommend following the “one in, one out” rule for items like t-shirts, jeans and jackets. Whenever you purchase something new, be sure to get rid of an old item to make room. This can be a great tool for combating hoarding tendencies.
For items like jewelry, accessories and shoes, it’s useful to use a variety of storage options. Store items where they can be seen and easily accessed. On the other hand, items like purses, scarves, and sweaters can be stored neatly in bins, baskets and drawers.
Finally, be sure to hang items that need to retain their shape, such as suits and coats. Consider installing a few extra closet rods if you’re short on space.
Maintain Your Closet Detox
No matter how carefully you organize, a cluttered closet is an ongoing battle. To help keep things in order, maintain a regular cleaning schedule.
Set aside a few minutes each week for a quick closet clean-up. Whenever you purchase a new item, decide what you want to get rid of to make room.
You should also adopt a weekly laundry cycle, reserving one day for washing, drying, and organizing. Separating your clothing by type – darks, lights, gym clothes, work attire – can speed up in-home laundry day.
Finally, try to limit your shopping trips. Instead, make a shopping list for the items you need and stick to it. This will help prevent you from purchasing things you don’t need or won’t ever use.
Now that you’ve gone through the process of organizing your closet and wardrobe, you should feel a sense of accomplishment. A well-kept closet can make your days—and dress-finding process—easier. Plus, you’ll be doing yourself a solid by having fewer items to clean, repair and maintain.
With a plan and the right supplies, minimizing closet chaos can be done! Follow this step-by-step guide for a functional, fashionable, and organized closet – you’ll be glad you did.
