Learn how to Declutter Your Closet: One Simple Step

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a packed closet, it might be time for a reset. Today, you’ll learn how to declutter your closet with one simple step – because sometimes, simple is exactly what we need. 

Time for Change

This simple closet organization step works and will help you KEEP your closet organized. EVERYTHING tends to find its way into a closet.

Sticks, rocks and sea shell collections, large and small safes, coin collections, laundry baskets, blankets, boxes, clothes of course, shoes and the list goes on and on. 

It is interesting all the things that can go into a closet. Let’s make it a space that you want to walk into or that you don’t mind opening the doors to.

Take one thing out every time you get something new!

Wait, that’s it? Yep, every time you get something new to you (that includes hand-me-downs) , you get rid of something that is in your closet.

That is all that it takes to have a simple organization step that works. You really have to get rid of it. Sell it, donate it, or trash it.

I keep a donation pile in my laundry room. I get rid of this within the week. You don’t want another area cluttering up. 

Where Do I Start: Just Starting is the Best Way

Now, the first step is to make sure that it is cleaned out to start with. Having an organized closet for one day isn’t the goal. Organize it and then keep it organized. 

1. Declutter clothes: Only keep what you wear and love. If you haven’t worn it in the past year. Get rid of it. If you put it on and take it right back off because you don’t like how it feels or looks, get rid of it. It is OKAY to not have a ton of clothes. 

2. You can’t organize trash and clutter: Get rid of all trash. Get in the moving mindset. Put yourself in the situation and ask yourself some simple questions:  You are moving homes, would you take want to take the time to pack this item up, move it, unbox it, and find a place for it in your new house?

3. Three Bag Trick: Have one bag for trash, one bag for donation, and one bag for maybe. You don’t need to keep them in your closet, just have them for the initial and yearly deep clean outs. 

4. Should This Be in Here: Should the items in your closet be in there in the first place? If not, take them immediately to where they should go. 

Example Situation

I got a new sweater for Christmas and I knew this thing was in style because my sister in law got it for me.  I knew I needed to make room for it right away and I have one shelf for sweaters.

If the sweater doesn’t fit on that shelf then it has to go. I removed one sweater and replaced it with my new gift. I took the old sweater to the Mustard Seed.  Process complete!

Do I have to get rid of something in the same family of clothes?

No, you can get rid of any clothing item that you want to. You can replace an old sweater with a new sweater, or you can take out a pair of pants, socks, sweatshirt, or long sleeve t-shirt. It doesn’t have to be in the same family of clothing

How long will this take?

I give myself minutes. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes and make it happen. If you put it off, then you most likely won’t do it. 

Your time is valuable. Just get it done. This might inspire you to get rid of a few more things in your closet while you are in there.

A good rule of thumb is to get rid of the items that you put on and then take off immediately because of one reason or another.

These reasons can include the fit, style, the fact that it doesn’t feel good on, and that maybe you just don’t feel comfortable or confident in it.

What is the point of taking the time to try this organization step?

The point is to create a simple lifelong habit that will benefit you, those you share your closet with, and generations to come. 

Also, this will eliminate decision fatigue when picking out clothing items and getting ready for the day. When you can actually see your clothing and know that you like your options, you will save yourself time and mental stress.

What happens if I get more than one new clothing item?

You guessed it, equal swap. If you get 5 new things, get rid of 5 things.  However, you don’t have to wait to get new clothes to get rid of items.

Do you really use this organization step?

Yes. I have been doing this for a LONG time.

When I was in college, over 20 years ago, one of my professors told us that he loved buying sports coats. His wife told him that he had to change it out every time he got a new one.

This was an education class, but I have never forgotten this principle.

Do your kids do this?

Yes! We started this practice when they were very young.

It looked different for them because I would collect hand me downs and we would change out clothing seasonally, as they grew, and as they wore their clothing out.

I kept an organized Tupperware system of clothes. When it was time to change out the totes, we would go through the tote and create a yes, no, and maybe pile before we even added them to the closet.

Can this rule apply to other areas of the home?

Yep! Here is a prime example. I woke up to find two large plastic cups in the sink. My husband took the boys to see Purdue play last night and they got these at the game.

We have a couple of choices here.  We can check for space on that shelf and if there is room, keep them. Now, this is not the kind of space where they fall out every time you open the door. I am talking about how each cup has its own space, so that when you put dishes away you can quickly and easily put them where they go. 

Organization equals speed. We could also exchange one old cup for one new cup. If we want to keep both cups and there isn’t room, guess what, two old cups have to go. I ended up keeping one and getting rid of one.

Bonus Tip

Every season, do a quick clean out. Don’t overwhelm yourself or your kids. You can have your kids take out two, five, seven items. The number is up to you. 

However, now that my boys are older, they do this when they want and pick their own amount to get rid of. 

If you do this every season, you are saving yourself time and headache. Unquestionably, sometimes a big closet overhaul is in order, but that is another blog for another time. 

What simple step do you use to keep your spaces organized?

Thanks so much for reading along today. To find out more about me, read here. Leave a comment below if you have a simple step that you use to keep your spaces organized! You never know who you might encourage today.

Have you ever heard of Dawn, The Minimal Mom? She is an expert in this department. You should check her out.

With love,

Anna Sue