How To Declutter Your Closet in 5 Simple Steps

If opening your closet feels like stepping into a chaotic jungle, you’re not alone. Closets can easily become a dumping ground for clothes, shoes, and accessories, leaving you frustrated every time you try to find something to wear. But here’s the good news—decluttering your closet doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. Sometimes we all need a little nudge and some expert tips on how to declutter your closet.

I’ve been there, staring at piles of unworn clothes and mismatched hangers, wondering where to even start. Not only for my own closet, but for that of my 5 children as well. With a little strategy and a few simple steps, I turned my chaotic closet into a space I actually enjoy using.

By the way, if you’re looking to declutter more than just your closet you’ll want to check out this other post I did on Decluttering For Beginners: A Simple Guide to A Clutter Free Home.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 5 simple steps on how to declutter your closet so you can create a functional, organized space you’ll love. Let’s get started!

Step 1 of Decluttering Your Closet: Take Everything Out

Start by completely emptying your closet. I know this sounds dramatic, but trust me—it’s the best way to see exactly what you own.

• Remove everything: clothes, shoes, accessories, and hangers.
• Lay all your items on your bed or a flat surface to evaluate them.
• Clean the empty closet: dust the shelves, wipe down rods, and vacuum the floor.

Seeing all your belongings in one place can be a bit overwhelming, but it’s also eye-opening. This step helps you assess what you really have and sets the stage for sorting.

Step 2: Sort Items into Four Categories

Now that your closet is empty, it’s time to decide what stays and what goes. If you’ve read some of my other decluttering posts, you’ll know what I’m going to say next: I like to use the Four-Pile Method for this step:

1. Keep: Clothes you love, wear regularly, and fit well.
2. Donate: Items in good condition that you don’t use or love anymore.
3. Toss: Anything that’s damaged, stained, or beyond repair.
4. Seasonal/Store: Clothes for off-seasons or special occasions.

Ask yourself these questions as you sort:

• Does this fit me well?
• Have I worn this in the past year?
• Would I buy this again today?

Be honest with yourself. If you’re holding onto items out of guilt or “just in case,” first of all, you’re not alone. Secondly, it’s time to let them go.

Step 3: Declutter Your Closet by Category

Breaking the process into smaller tasks can make it less overwhelming. Instead of tackling everything at once, sort by categories:

• Tops: Keep versatile pieces you wear often and love. Donate outdated or unworn tops.
• Pants and Skirts: Keep well-fitting, versatile options and ditch anything uncomfortable or rarely worn.
• Shoes: Hold onto functional pairs and toss worn-out or uncomfortable ones.
• Accessories: Organize scarves, belts, bags, and jewelry, keeping only what you actually use.

Focusing on one category at a time keeps you motivated and helps you make better decisions.

Step 4: Organize Your Closet Strategically

Now that you’ve sorted your items, it’s time to organize your closet so everything has a designated spot.

• Group similar items together: Hang tops, dresses, and jackets in sections.
• Use matching hangers: This creates a clean, uniform look.
• Maximize shelf space: Fold bulky items like sweaters and stack them neatly.
• Store shoes properly: Use racks, bins, or clear boxes to keep them tidy and so that you can see them easily.
• Add hooks or bins for accessories: Scarves, belts, and bags should have their own space.

If you’re short on space, consider rotating seasonal items. Pack away off-season clothing in bins or vacuum bags and store them under the bed or in the attic.

Step 5: Maintain Your Decluttered Closet

Decluttering is one thing, but maintaining your organized space is the real challenge. Thankfully, it’s easy with a few simple habits:

• One In, One Out Rule: For every new item you buy, donate or toss an old one.
• Regular Check-Ins: Spend 10–15 minutes every month tidying up your closet.
• Seasonal Reviews: At the start of each season, reassess your wardrobe and remove what you didn’t wear.
• Hang Items Immediately: Avoid piling clothes on chairs or the floor.

Staying consistent with these habits will keep your closet organized and prevent future clutter from building up.

Decluttering Your Closet Conclusion

Decluttering your closet doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. By following these 5 simple steps—emptying your closet, sorting items, decluttering by category, organizing strategically, and maintaining your progress—you’ll create a space that feels functional and stress-free.

Imagine starting every morning with a closet filled only with clothes you love and actually wear. Sounds amazing, right? Now’s the perfect time to get started. Grab a donation box, play your favorite playlist, and tackle that closet one step at a time. You’ve got this!