We’ve all been there—standing in front of a closet packed full of clothes but still feeling like there’s absolutely NOTHING to wear.
Between impulse buys and holding onto that “someday” outfit (you know the one that’s been collecting dust since 2015), our wardrobes can quickly turn into cluttered chaos.
But don’t worry, decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming!
With a few easy steps, some smart tricks, and a bit of humor along the way, we’re going to tackle that closet together. Ready? Let’s do this!
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[1] Take It All Out (Yes, Everything!)
Before we start, grab a big cup of coffee (or let’s be real—wine) because this part’s gonna take a minute.
Empty your entire closet onto your bed so you can see exactly what you’re working with.
Yup, that means every pair of jeans, tops, and shoes—everything goes on the bed.
This is also a great time to rediscover that shirt you bought years ago with every intention of wearing but forgot about.
No judgment—closet black holes are real!
[2] Sort Like a Boss
Now that your bed looks like a fashion explosion, it’s time to start sorting your clothes into categories. Here’s what works best:
- Keep: The favorites that you wear regularly (you know, the ones that actually make you feel like a boss).
- Donate: Clothes that are still in good shape but haven’t seen the light of day in ages. It’s time for someone else to love them.
- Trash: Anything with holes, rips, or mysterious stains (no, that ketchup mark isn’t going anywhere).
A little trick we love—take a photo of any “maybe” outfits.
If you don’t get excited looking at it in the picture, chances are you won’t miss it when it’s gone.
[3] Marie Kondo Who?
Marie Kondo’s famous KonMari Method asks if something “sparks joy.”
If it doesn’t, it’s time to say goodbye. Simple, right?
We know it can be hard to part with clothes sometimes (yes, even that old concert tee), but focusing on what truly makes you feel good can help you keep only what matters.
If the outfit hasn’t sparked joy since the Obama administration, we think it’s safe to say it’s time to let it go.
[4] How to Use a Decluttering Flowchart
If you’re someone who loves structure, using a decluttering flowchart can make decision-making a breeze. Ask yourself these questions:
- Have I worn this in the past year?
- Does it fit?
- Does it make me feel confident? If you’ve answered “no” to any of these, then it’s probably time for it to head to the donate pile.
Try the hanger trick—hang your clothes with the hangers facing backward.
After you wear something, flip the hanger forward. At the end of six months, anything still hanging backward goes straight to the donation box.
[5] Decluttering Kids’ and Toddler Clothes
We all know kids grow faster than we can keep up with, which makes their closets even more prone to clutter. To keep things manageable:
- Sort seasonally: Go through your kids’ clothes every few months and donate anything that no longer fits.
- Keep the essentials: Stick to a simple wardrobe of staples—they don’t need 20 pairs of leggings!
- Hand-me-down bin: Keep a bin for clothes you plan to pass down to younger siblings. It keeps things organized and saves space.
One way to make life easier? Keep a “too small” basket in the laundry room. Anytime something no longer fits, toss it in.
By the end of the month, you’ll have a ready-to-go donation pile without even thinking about it.
[6] Quick Decluttering for Busy Women
We get it—life’s busy, and you don’t always have time for a full closet overhaul.
Here are some quick tips to declutter when you’re short on time:
- 5-Minute Power Sessions: Set a timer for five minutes and tackle one section of your closet. You’d be amazed at how much you can get done in a short amount of time.
- One-In, One-Out Rule: For every new item you bring home, get rid of one old one. It keeps things in balance and prevents closet overload.
If you have clothes you only wear when you’re down to laundry day, it might be time to reconsider keeping them. Life’s too short for “last-resort” outfits!
[7] Organize by Season
Once your closet is decluttered, it’s time to organize what’s left.
We recommend organizing your clothes either by category (tops, pants, dresses) or by season.
Rotating your clothes seasonally is a great way to keep things fresh.
When it’s sweater weather, move those summer dresses to the back and give your cozy knits the spotlight.
[8] Donate, Sell, or Recycle
Now that you’ve decluttered, don’t let those clothes pile up in bags. Here’s what you can do:
- Donate: Give gently used items to local charities or shelters.
- Sell: Use apps to sell high-quality pieces.
- Recycle: If something’s too worn to donate, many stores have textile recycling programs that will take them.
Or, better yet, host a clothing swap with friends—because swapping old clothes while sipping wine sounds like the best kind of recycling.
Ready to Take Action?
Now that you’ve got the tips to declutter your closet, it’s time to get started!
We’d love to know—what’s your favorite decluttering hack?
Or maybe you’ve got a go-to method we didn’t cover.
Leave a comment below and share your thoughts—we’re all in this together!
And before you go, don’t forget to save this pin for later and follow us on Pinterest for more decluttering tips, home organization ideas, and inspiration.
What’s the one item in your closet that you find hardest to part with?