How to Declutter Clothes From Your Closet: A Simple Guide
Is your closet full of clothes, yet you feel like you have nothing to wear? Well, that same feeling happens to many of us. If you’re learning how to declutter your home, starting with your closet can make a big impact. Whether you're making room for new styles, decluttering for a move, or simply tired of wading through piles of slightly worn or unworn clothes, decluttering your wardrobe can feel incredibly freeing.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps to organize your closet and let go of what you no longer need, all while keeping sustainable practices in mind. Ready to transform your closet into a more organized, stress-free space? Read on to learn how to downsize your closet.
Prepare for the Decluttering Process
Before you learn how to declutter your closet, there are some essential preparation steps that will set you up for success.
Set Aside Time
Decluttering clothes can be a huge task, especially if you have a ton of clothes, so it’s important to give yourself enough time to do it properly. Pick a day when you won’t be rushed, and maybe even put on some music or a podcast to make the process more therapeutic and enjoyable. Trust us, setting aside a few focused hours will make a huge difference once you're done.
Gather Necessary Supplies
Before you start, grab some supplies to help you stay organized. You’ll need:
A couple of boxes, plastic containers, or bags for donating unwanted items
A trash bag for anything beyond saving
Drawer dividers or velvet hangers to keep your space tidy and neat afterward
Having these items ready will help you stay on track and keep the decluttering process much more efficient.
Go Through Your Clothes
The First Sweep
Begin by sweeping your closet. Pull everything out — yes, everything! We know this sounds messy, but laying it all out helps you see just how much you own and makes it easier to decide what stays and what goes. Don’t worry about making decisions right away. This is just about visualizing the how big your wardrobe is!
The Four-Pile System
If you’re wondering how to get rid of stuff without feeling overwhelmed, do the four-pile system. This is applicable with clothes or other household items. To do this, sort your clothes into four piles: Keep, Sell, Donate, and Trash. If you haven’t worn an item in over a year or more, it’s probably time to let it go.
Clothes in good condition can either be sold or donated, while worn-out pieces may need to be trashed or recycled. Donating clothes is a great way to give your old favorite clothes a second life with someone who will love them!
Questions to Ask Yourself as You Declutter
When going through your clothes, ask yourself a few key questions: Does this item still fit my current style? Have I worn it recently? Would I buy this today? If an item no longer suits your wardrobe or personal style, it’s time to part ways. Being honest with yourself here will help you avoid hanging onto clothes that only add clutter!
Organize What’s Left
Categorize by Type
Once you’ve finished decluttering, organizing your remaining clothes by category can help you save time in the long run. Group similar items —shirts, pants, jackets, and dresses together. This way, everything has its place, and it’s easier for you to locate specific items when you’re in a hurry.
Maximize Space
If you're using a small closet, use space-saving hacks. This includes adding additional hanging rods, using drawer dividers, or investing in slim velvet hangers to give you more room. By maximizing your storage space, you’ll be able to fit more into your organized closet without it feeling cramped or messy.
Seasonal Rotation
If you’re someone who deals with seasonal clothing changes, consider rotating your wardrobe. Store out-of-season clothes in a separate space, like under the bed or in a storage unit, so your closet stays neat and focused on what you actually need to wear right now.
What to Do With Unwanted Clothes
Donate
One of the easiest ways to declutter is to donate clothes to a good cause. Many organizations, Goodwill, accept gently used clothes and help extend their life by finding them a new home. This not only frees up space in your closet, but it also supports communities and encourages sustainable practices by keeping clothes out of landfills.
Sell
If you’ve got valuable items that are still in great condition — like designer pieces or vintage finds, selling them can be a smart move. Online marketplaces make it easy to sell clothing to someone who’ll appreciate it. It’s a win-win for you and the buyer –– you make a bit of extra cash, and someone else scores a unique piece for their wardrobe!
Recycle or Upcycle
For clothes that are beyond wear, consider recycling or upcycling. If you want to upcycle clothes, this means you're creatively transforming your items into a new style. For example, you can turn an old pair of jeans into cute shorts, or pair of long-sleeves into top and skirt coordinates. Fun right?
If you have extra time, you can also repurpose or recycle old fabric into DIY projects, like making tote bags or household rags. But you may also choose to give it to organizations that offer recycling programs for textiles, turning old clothes into new materials.
Maintain Your Decluttered Closet
Adopt a One-In, One-Out Rule
To prevent your closet from getting cluttered again, try doing the "one-in, one-out" rule. This means every time you buy a new clothing item, you must commit to getting rid of one old piece. This way, your wardrobe stays fresh and balanced.
Regular Spring Cleaning
Make decluttering clothes a habit by doing a regular spring cleaning. Every few months, go through your closet to assess what’s working and what’s not. This helps you stay on top of things and ensures that your wardrobe still serves your current style and needs.
Mindful Shopping
Perhaps one of the most effective ways to keep your closet decluttered is by practicing mindful shopping. Avoid impulse purchases by considering whether you actually need an item and if it fits your existing wardrobe. Focusing on fewer, higher-quality clothes will not only lessen clutter but also help you build a wardrobe that you truly love.
Declutter Clothes Mindfully
Decluttering clothes from your closet creates more space, making it easier for you to find and organize the items you actually wear and love. It reduces stress by removing unnecessary and unwanted clutter, allowing your wardrobe to feel more simplified and manageable. Plus, donating, upcycling, or selling unwanted clothes helps others and promotes a more sustainable lifestyle that you can be proud of!
Ready to declutter and give your unwanted clothes a new life? Donate your gently used items with your local Goodwill and support a community that values sustainability and second-hand treasures.
Sources:
Zhi, Y. (2022). The upcycling and reconstruction of garments and fabrics. Art And Design Review, 10(01), 72–102. https://doi.org/10.4236/adr.2022.101007
5 Mental health benefits of decluttering. (2023, December 12). https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2023/12/12/5-mental-health-benefits-of-decluttering
