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A cluttered closet can be overwhelming and make it hard to find what you need. Over time, clothes, shoes, and accessories pile up, creating chaos whenever you open the door. I understand the frustration and the feeling of disorganization that comes with a cluttered closet.
The goal is to transform your closet into a neat and organized space, making it easier to get dressed and feel good about your wardrobe choices. This article will guide you through effective methods to clear out the excess and bring order to your closet.
1. Donate Unworn Clothes
I start by sorting through my closet and picking out the clothes I don’t wear anymore. If an item hasn’t been worn in the past year, it’s a good candidate for donation. This not only frees up space but can also help someone in need.
I find local charities or shelters that accept clothing donations. Some organizations even offer pick-up services, making it easy to give back. Donating unworn clothes is a simple way to declutter while supporting my community.
2. Use Velvet Hangers
When I switched to using velvet hangers, my closet transformed. These hangers are thin, which saves space, and their non-slip surface keeps clothes in place.
Velvet hangers also create uniformity in the closet. Instead of a jumble of different hangers, the consistent look makes the space feel tidy and organized.
3. Install Shelf Dividers
To keep my closet neat, I use shelf dividers. They help separate my clothes and stop items from toppling over. I found simple ways to make DIY shelf dividers using pegboards.
I glue three pegboards together to form a base, then glue two more back-to-back for the divider. Furthermore, I attach the divider to the base with glue, and it works great!
4. Store Seasonal Items
One key to keeping my closet decluttered is to store seasonal items. I make it a habit to rotate my wardrobe based on the seasons. It helps free up space for the clothes I need. I keep winter items like coats, scarves, and boots stored away during the summer and vice versa.
5. Arrange by Category
I always start by sorting clothes into categories. It makes finding items quicker. First, I separate shirts, pants, dresses, and outerwear. Within each category, I go further. For shirts, I group short sleeves, long sleeves, and then casual or dressy.
Next, I think about colors and organize each category by color. This adds a visual appeal and helps me find what I need.
6. Vacuum Seal Bulkier Items
I tackle bulky items like winter coats and blankets with vacuum storage bags. These bags can shrink down big items, saving me plenty of space. I place the items in the bag, seal it, and use my vacuum hose to remove the air. The compressed bags fit neatly in my closet, making room for other things.
7. Add Under-Shelf Baskets
I find that under-shelf baskets are a great way to create extra storage space in my closet. These baskets easily clip to existing shelves, providing a spot for smaller items like scarves, socks, or accessories. They help keep things organized and accessible, making the most of the vertical space in my closet.
8. Rotate Wardrobe Regularly
Every season, I change out my wardrobe. This makes sure I have easy access to clothes suited for the weather. I store out-of-season clothes in bins or vacuum bags.
This frees up space for the clothing I need right now. Regular rotation helps keep my closet organized and ensures I use all my clothes throughout the year.
9. Use Transparent Bins
I find transparent bins incredibly helpful for keeping my closet organized. These bins let me see what’s inside without opening each one. This saves me time and effort.
Stacking these bins helps maximize space. I label each bin to make finding specific items even easier. This simple system keeps my closet neat and clutter-free.
10. Label All Sections
I find it much easier to keep my closet organized when I label all sections. First, I use sticky labels or tags to mark where each type of clothing belongs. For example, shirts go in one section, pants in another, and so on. Clearly labeling each section helps me quickly find what I need and ensures everything gets put back in its place.
11. Utilize Door Space
I always find that closet doors offer hidden potential. Adding hooks or racks can be a game-changer. I use door space for hanging purses, belts, or even jewelry. This frees up shelves and rods. Using clear shoe pockets on the door can also keep footwear organized and easy to see.
12. Incorporate a Shoe Rack
I found that adding a shoe rack is a smart way to keep my closet tidy. It helps me see all my shoes at once and makes choosing a pair quick and easy. I like racks with multiple shelves because they use vertical space well.
I also appreciate shoe racks that fit under hanging clothes. They keep everything organized while making the most of the available space. Using a shoe rack has made my closet more functional and clutter-free.
13. Hang Scarves on Hooks
I find that using hooks is one of the simplest ways to store scarves. I attach S hooks to my closet rod for a neat display. It’s great for keeping scarves organized and easy to grab and for tight spaces, I use wall racks. They hold many scarves without taking up much room.
14. Use Drawer Organizers
I always find that drawer organizers make a big difference. They help me keep small items like socks, underwear, and accessories in order. By using dividers, I can create separate spaces for each type of item. This makes it easier to find what I need quickly.
Another tip is to use organizers that fit the size of each drawer. This ensures everything stays neat and in place. It also prevents items from shifting around, which keeps the drawer tidy.
15. Display Accessories
I find that displaying accessories can add a personal touch to my closet. Hanging jewelry on a wall-mounted organizer keeps pieces visible and tangle-free. Using small hooks, I can keep my necklaces and bracelets on display. I also use shelves to showcase hats and purses. This way, they are easy to access and add a decorative element to the space.
16. Remove Wire Hangers
I’ve found that wire hangers can be a major culprit for a cluttered closet. Wire hangers often lose their shape and can’t support heavier clothes properly. Instead, I recommend using wooden or velvet hangers. They provide better support and help clothes maintain their shape. This simple change can instantly make your closet look more organized.
17. Fold Instead of Hang
When organizing my closet, I find it helpful to fold sweaters and knitted garments. Hanging them can stretch them out of shape over time. To save even more space, I like to use air-tight containers for out-of-season clothes. This keeps them protected and out of the way. Properly folding shirts also helps maximize storage. It might seem small, but it makes a big difference.
18. Only Keep Joy-Sparkers
I find it helpful to only keep clothes that bring me joy. If an item makes me feel happy and confident when wearing it, it stays. I hold each piece and ask myself if it truly sparks joy. If it doesn’t, it’s time to let it go. By keeping only joy-sparkers, my wardrobe feels lighter and more meaningful.
19. Add Hooks for Bags
I found that one of the best ways to keep my closet clean is by adding hooks for bags. These hooks are simple to install and make a huge difference in how organized the space looks.
Mount the hooks on the inside of the closet door or a side wall. This keeps bags off the floor and makes them easy to grab when I need them. Hooks can hold handbags, backpacks, and even reusable shopping bags.
20. Store Jewelry Separately
I always recommend storing jewelry separately to avoid tangling and damage. Use small boxes, trays, or hanging organizers for different types of jewelry. Investing in a jewelry armoire can keep everything neatly separated and easily accessible. Look for organizers with compartments and hooks, this way, you can find and display each piece with ease.
21. Create a Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential items that don’t go out of style and can be mixed and matched easily. I start by auditing my current wardrobe, this helps me see what I actually wear and love. I then focus on choosing versatile pieces that fit well and can be combined to create different outfits.
