Let’s be real—most of us have way more in our closets than we actually wear. Whether it’s clothes that don’t fit, things we forgot we even owned, or that one jacket we swear we’ll wear someday, clutter can build up fast. A closet clean out isn’t just about making space—it’s about creating a closet that works for you.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to declutter your closet step by step. You’ll learn how to decide what stays, what goes, and how to organize everything so getting dressed feels effortless.
Why a Closet Clean Out is Worth It
Cleaning out your closet isn’t just about tidying up—it can actually make your daily routine easier. When your closet is organized, you:
- Spend less time looking for things
- Make better use of the clothes you love
- Get rid of clutter that’s stressing you out
- Have an easier time putting outfits together
And let’s not forget—it feels really good to open a closet that’s neat, organized, and filled with things you actually wear.
Step 1: Set Yourself Up for Success
Before you start pulling clothes off hangers and emptying drawers, take a few minutes to get organized. A closet clean out can take longer than expected, so having the right tools and mindset will make a big difference.
Gather Your Supplies
Here’s what you’ll need to make the process smoother:
- Donation bags or bins – You’ll want a designated place for items you plan to donate or sell. Keep separate bags for each category if you plan to drop off donations at different locations.
- Hangers – If you have mismatched, bulky, or flimsy hangers, now is the time to upgrade. Slim, non-slip hangers save space and give your closet a neat, uniform look.
- A full-length mirror – Trying on clothes is a key part of the process. A mirror will help you decide if something truly fits and flatters you.
- A notepad or your phone – As you go through your clothes, you may realize you’re missing key pieces (like a good pair of black pants or a white button-down). Keeping a list will help you shop intentionally later.
- A timer – If you tend to get overwhelmed or distracted, setting a timer for 30- or 45-minute chunks can help you stay on track.
Set the Right Atmosphere
Let’s be honest—going through your entire wardrobe can feel like a chore. But it doesn’t have to! Put on music, light a candle, or pour yourself a coffee or glass of wine. Creating a relaxed, enjoyable environment will make the process feel more like a personal reset than a dreaded task.
Step 2: Sort Through Your Clothes
Now, it’s time to dig in. The best way to do a closet clean out is to remove everything from your closet so you can see exactly what you have. Yes, this means taking out every single item—hanging clothes, folded sweaters, shoes, accessories, and even that pile of random things shoved in the back.
The Four-Pile System
Sorting is the key to decluttering. As you go through each item, place it into one of these four categories:
- Keep – These are the pieces you love, wear often, and that fit your current lifestyle.
- Donate or Sell – Items in good condition that you no longer wear but could be useful to someone else. Consider donating to a local charity or selling through a resale app or consignment store.
- Toss – Anything that is damaged, stained, stretched out, or too worn to donate. If something is beyond repair, it’s time to let it go.
- Seasonal Storage – Clothes that aren’t needed right now, like heavy winter coats in summer or swimsuits in winter. Store these somewhere accessible but separate from your daily wardrobe.
Questions to Help You Decide
If you’re struggling to let go of something, ask yourself:
- Have I worn this in the last year? If not, why?
- Does it fit properly and make me feel good?
- Does it suit my current style and lifestyle?
- Would I buy this again today?
- Am I keeping it out of guilt (because it was expensive, a gift, etc.)?
If you hesitate or answer “no” to most of these, it’s time to say goodbye.
Step 3: Organize Your Closet Like a Pro
Now that you’ve cleared out the excess, it’s time to put everything back in a way that makes sense. The goal is to create a space that is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and functional for your daily routine.
Upgrade Your Hangers
If you’re still using wire hangers from the dry cleaner, now is the perfect time to swap them out. Slim, non-slip hangers will keep clothes in place and free up space. Matching hangers also give your closet a polished, high-end look.
Use Bins, Dividers & Storage Solutions
Small accessories and folded clothing can quickly turn into a mess. Here’s how to keep everything neat:
- Clear bins – Perfect for scarves, belts, and handbags. Transparent bins let you see what you have at a glance.
- Drawer dividers – Essential for keeping socks, underwear, and accessories in order. No more rummaging through a tangled mess!
- Shelf dividers – If you stack sweaters or jeans on shelves, dividers will help keep them from toppling over.
Should You Fold or Hang?
A common question is whether to fold or hang certain items. Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
- Hang: Dresses, blouses, jackets, trousers, anything that wrinkles easily.
- Fold: Sweaters, jeans, t-shirts, workout clothes—anything that stretches out on a hanger.
Organize by Category & Color
Once you’ve decided what to keep and how to store it, organize your clothes in a way that makes sense for you.
- By category: Keep similar items together—pants with pants, blouses with blouses, dresses with dresses. This makes it easier to find what you need.
- By color: If you like a visually appealing space, arrange clothing from light to dark. This can make choosing outfits faster.
Even in a large closet, using space wisely is important. Here are a few tricks to get the most out of your storage:
Maximize Every Inch of Space
- Add a second hanging rod – This works especially well for shorter items like shirts and blouses.
- Use vertical space – Install extra shelves above hanging rods for storage bins or out-of-season items.
- Over-the-door organizers – Great for shoes, accessories, or even folded t-shirts.
Step 4: Keep It Clutter-Free
The hardest part of a closet clean out isn’t organizing—it’s maintaining it. Here’s how to keep your closet looking great long-term:
The One-In, One-Out Rule
Every time you buy a new clothing item, remove one piece from your closet. This helps prevent clutter from creeping back in.
Seasonal Check-Ins
At the start of each season, do a quick refresh. Store away what’s not in season and reevaluate pieces you haven’t worn in months.
Keep a Donation Bin in Your Closet
Make decluttering easy by keeping a small donation bin in your closet. If something doesn’t fit or feel right anymore, toss it in the bin instead of stuffing it back into your wardrobe. When the bin is full, it’s time to donate.
When to Call in a Pro for Closet Cleaning
If the idea of organizing your closet feels overwhelming, or if you just want it done right, a professional organizer can help. Palm Beach Organizer takes the stress out of closet cleaning, creating systems that make staying organized easy.
Ready to Love Your Closet Again?
An organized closet can make a world of difference in your daily routine. Whether you need a full closet clean out or just a little help getting organized, Palm Beach Organizer has you covered.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the closet you’ve always wanted.
