When was the last time you took the time to clean out your closet? One of the best feelings is sitting down and looking in awe over your freshly organized closet after you just took the time to clean out your closet. It’s something we all should be doing a lot more than we ever take the time to do. It doesn’t have to be a vibe killing process – and I am going to give you the best tips I use to clean out my closet and feel fulfilled afterward!
Tips To Clean Out Your Closet
Table of Contents
Closet Cleanout Essentials
To make this a smooth process, there are a few essentials that you want to make sure you gather before you start digging in your closet. Screenshot this or write them all down in Notes on your phone then head to your cupboard to check what you have or out to Target to get some new things.
Matching Hangers:
I didn’t realize I needed matching hangers in my closet until I found some gorgeous ones on amazon and it has tripled my closet space. It’s a simple hack, but it’s totally changed the overall look of my organized closet. You will be so surprised how much your closet will feel like a boutique, just ready for you to shop in every morning once you have matching hangers! If you want a crisp, polished look – these white wooden hangers look amazing too!
Don’t forget to grab hangers with clamps for your skirts, pants & shorts too. I use these and the clamps look so fresh and are gentle on fabric.
Empty Laundry Basket and Dry Cleaning Bags:
When you are going through your closet, you are going to notice some items that are a bit dirty and should have been washed. Make sure your laundry basket is empty, and you have dry cleaning bags ready to go for when you come across these items.
One of my favorite tricks is to replace a boring laundry hamper with a lidden woven basket. These woven baskets look SO good and hide your dirty clothes as inconspicuously as possible.
Not sure where to put your bag full of items heading to the dry cleaner? Lux wall hooks are the way to go. These gold ones on Amazon look so expensive and hint – they aren’t. These wall hooks also work great for handbags!
Donation/Resale Bags:
You’ll want to have a few different bins cleaned and empty in preparation for your closet cleanout. There are SO many great ways to give your old items a new home.
Taking items to Goodwill is a great option & I try to make a donation once a month. If you’re short on cash, a sustainable way to do this is reselling clothing, & accessories on Poshmark. It’s my go-to resale platform and I’ve made quite a bit by doing this! Who said cleaning can’t be good for your wallet? 🙂 You can also get a $10 Poshmark gift card by using cali_fashions as your invite code during sign up!
✨Tips To Clean Out Your Closet✨
If you decide to clean out your closet unprepared, you are going to be so overwhelmed. Put on some comfy clothes, get your water and a snack, turn on your favorite playlist, and let’s get to it!
Step #1: Empty your closet
Empty all of your clothes onto your bed; this way you’ll be motivated to get it done before bedtime. Now that you have an empty closet and can get a good peek in there (probably for the first time since you moved in), does it need to be cleaned? Maybe there are some dusty shelves, and if that’s the case, wipe it all down and spray in some Febreeze to get it smelling nice and fresh.
Step #2: Make four piles
Grab four bins, and each bin will serve a different pile purpose. Go through each of your items of clothing at first glance and make a pile for items you love, maybe items, to be donated, or that are in poor condition. Once all 4 of your piles are there and your bed is empty, then yay! Time to celebrate. Have a dance on your bed or take a snack break.
Step #3: Clean-up Phase one – you are almost there!
The items that you placed in the donation bin, fold them up and put them into a garbage bag and get that to your car so you can bring it to a consignment shop. The items that you said were in poor condition and aren’t able to donate, go ahead and put them into the garbage. Now at this time, go ahead and throw out any other trash you may have accumulated in the process such as broken hangers, tags, etc.
Step #4: A second look at your “loved” and “maybe” piles
With the two piles you have left, go back through and take a second look at some of the items. Think “is this something I would go out and buy at the store today if I saw it?” and “will I wear this in the next few months?” Try it on if you need to, and if it doesn’t fit or its an item you will “someday” fit into, then put it aside, and it will go with the rest of your donation items. Make sure that they are all in good condition. If any need to be cleaned, throw them in your laundry basket or dry cleaning bag.
Step #5: Getting your clothes back into your closet
All of the good condition items that you loved, it’s time to get them back into your closet. Put them onto your matching hangers, hang them up, and make it look nice! Have all your hangers facing the same direction and you could color-code your items of clothing or place all the same type of items in one spot (sweaters, cardigans, skirts, etc.)
Step #6: Cleanup and done!
Hang in there, you are almost done! Now that you’ve got everything back on to hangers in your closet, take out any additional trash or consignment store items you might have accumulated. Once this last step has been checked off the list, you’re ready to celebrate! Take in your newly cleaned and organized closet and appreciate how much easier this is going to make life for you.
On your next free weekend afternoon, I challenge you to give your closet the cleanup it deserves. I promise if you follow these steps, it will be such a breeze and not as bad as you think. Once you’re done take a picture and tag me in it on Instagram. I would love to see your newly organized closet!
