We’ve all been there – the bedroom closet that turns into a black hole of clutter, the go-to space for anything and everything that doesn’t have a set place. The problem is, this catch-all closet can quickly become a nightmare of disorder. This is not just a minor inconvenience; closet clutter can cause undue stress, waste time, and even impact your mental health. So, let’s dive into the 12 things I wish I’d never put in my bedroom closet, with the hope that my mistakes can help you avoid the same pitfalls.
1. Excessive Clothes
Clothes are the most common items found in a bedroom closet, but too many can lead to chaos. I used to keep clothes I hadn’t worn in years, thinking I might find a use for them someday. This led to a cluttered closet where it was hard to find what I needed.
Only keep the clothes you wear regularly in your closet. Seasonal clothes, or clothes that you don’t often wear, can be stored elsewhere. Keep in mind the one-year rule: If you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to donate or sell it. This practice will help you declutter and organize your closet effectively.
2. Old Shoes
Another common item in closets is old shoes. I used to have a myriad of shoes I hadn’t worn in ages. They took up unnecessary space and made my closet look messy.
Consider how often you wear each pair of shoes. If you haven’t worn them in the past year, it might be time to get rid of them. There are many charities and organizations that accept shoe donations. By donating, you’ll free up space in your closet and help someone in need.
3. Unwanted Gifts
We all receive gifts that aren’t quite our style or taste. Rather than cluttering your closet with unwanted gifts, consider donating or regifting them.
These items can take up precious space and add to the clutter. If the gift has sentimental value, consider displaying it or storing it in a more appropriate place. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, and it doesn’t mean you have to keep it.
4. Outdated Electronics
I used to stash outdated electronics in my closet, from old phones to obsolete laptops. Not only did they take up space, but they also posed a potential fire hazard.
Recycle or dispose of outdated electronics in an environmentally friendly way. There are many electronic recycling programs available. Clearing out these items can make a big difference in your closet space.
5. Unsorted Paperwork
Stacks of unsorted paperwork can make your closet look cluttered and disorganized. I used to store old bills, receipts, and documents in my closet, which was a nightmare to sort through when needed.
Create a filing system for your paperwork outside of your closet. This will make it easier to find important documents when you need them. Plus, it’ll free up more space in your closet for the things that really belong there.
6. Unused Exercise Equipment
Exercise equipment can be bulky and take up a lot of space. I had a yoga mat and weights in my closet that I rarely used.
If you’re not regularly using the exercise equipment in your closet, consider selling or donating it. This can free up valuable space and make your closet more organized.
7. Old Toys and Games
If you’re a parent, you might find your child’s old toys and games in your closet. I used to store my kids’ old toys in the closet, which took up a lot of space.
Consider donating or selling old toys and games. This will free up space in your closet and give the toys a new life in another child’s home.
8. Unused Linens
Old bed sheets, blankets, and towels can take up a lot of space in your closet. I used to stuff my closet with linens I rarely used.
If you’re not using these items, consider donating them to a local shelter or animal rescue. This will free up space in your closet and help someone in need.
9. Broken Items
Broken items can clutter your closet and make it hard to find what you need. I had a habit of stashing broken items in my closet, intending to fix them “someday.”
If you’ve been holding onto broken items for more than a few months, it’s time to let them go. This will free up space in your closet and eliminate unnecessary clutter.
10. Outdated Decorations
Holiday decorations, birthday banners, and other festive items can take up a lot of space in your closet. I used to store outdated decorations in my closet, which created unnecessary clutter.
Consider donating or recycling outdated decorations. This will free up space in your closet and simplify your decorating process.
11. Empty Boxes and Containers
Empty boxes and containers can take up a lot of space in your closet. I used to keep these “just in case” I needed them for storage or shipping.
If you haven’t used these items in the past year, it’s time to recycle them. This will free up space in your closet and reduce clutter.
12. Old Magazines and Books
Old magazines and books can clutter your closet and make it difficult to find what you need. I had a habit of storing old reading material in my closet, which took up a lot of space.
Consider donating old magazines and books to a local library or charity. This will free up space in your closet and give the reading material a new life in someone else’s home.