How to Declutter Your Closet

A closet does not get messy because you have too little space. It gets messy because it is full of clothes you do not actually wear. Clear those out and the space problem usually solves itself. Here is the fast version.

Take It All Out

The only method that really works is the pile method: pull everything onto the bed. An empty closet forces a decision on every single item instead of letting you shove things to the back forever. It also commits you, since you cannot walk away from a bed buried in clothes.

Sort With the 20/20 Rule

For anything you are torn on, use the 20/20 rule: if you could replace it for under 20 dollars in under 20 minutes, you are allowed to let it go. It quiets the what if I need it someday voice that keeps dead clothes hanging for years.

Make three piles: keep, donate or sell, and repair. Be honest about that last one. If the I will fix it pile is older than a year, it is really just a donate pile in disguise.

Know Where the Castoffs Go

Different items have very different best destinations, and matching them up means more actually gets reused:

• Everyday clothes in good shape: donate or consign. The full rundown is in what to do with old clothes.
• Coats: winter coat drives want these badly every fall. See old coats.
• Boots and shoes: even worn out pairs can be recycled rather than trashed. Details in old boots.
• Costumes and one off outfits: theaters, schools, and thrift stores love these. See old costumes and even old cowboy hats.

Fix the Hangers and the Orphan Socks

Two small things make a closet look instantly organized. First, switch to matching slim hangers. It is the cheapest upgrade there is and it reclaims real space. Donate the bent wire ones (dry cleaners often take them back) and the tangled plastic mix. Second, declare amnesty on single socks: give the orphans one last bin, and anything still unmatched in a month becomes a rag.

Keep It Curated

Hold the line with one in, one out: buy a new pair of jeans, retire an old pair. A closet only stays editable if it stops silently growing. Do the big pull everything out pass once, then let that one rule do the maintenance.

Part of our room by room decluttering series. Next: the garage and the laundry room.