Ready to tackle the beast lurking in your closet? That’s right, we’re talking about decluttering! As a stay-at-home mom, you know that organization is key to a happy household.

But let’s be real, finding the time and motivation to tackle that overflowing closet can be daunting. That’s where we come in!
In this article, we’ll show you five easy steps to declutter your closet and create a stress-free space you’ll love. So, grab a cup of coffee, put on your favorite tunes, and let’s get started on this decluttering adventure!
Decluttering your closet is an essential part of keeping your home organized and tidy. It can also be a therapeutic process that can help you let go of the past and create space for the future.
However, it can be challenging to find the time and motivation to tackle this task. That’s why the first step in decluttering your closet is to set aside time.
Step One – Set Aside The Time
Research has shown that decluttering can have a positive impact on your mental health. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that people who have cluttered homes are more likely to feel depressed and anxious.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, setting aside time to declutter your closet can help improve your mood and reduce stress.
To make the most of your decluttering time, it’s essential to commit to a specific time and date to start the process. Treat it like any other appointment or commitment and make it a priority. Schedule it in your calendar and stick to it.
It’s also important to set a goal for how long you want to spend decluttering your closet. Starting with a small goal of 30 minutes can help you ease into the process and prevent you from getting overwhelmed.
As you become more comfortable with the process, gradually increase the time. Setting a goal will help you stay focused and motivated, and you’ll be more likely to succeed.
Here are a few tips to help you succeed in setting aside time for decluttering your closet:
- Choose a time when you’re most productive and energized. For some people, this may be early in the morning, while others may prefer the evening. Find a time that works for you and stick to it.
- Break the task into smaller chunks. If you have a large closet, it may be overwhelming to try and tackle it all at once. Break it down into smaller sections and focus on one area at a time.
- Get the whole family involved. If you have kids, enlist their help in the decluttering process. It can be a fun family activity, and you’ll be teaching your children valuable organization skills.
Step Two – Sort Your Clothes
Sorting your clothes is a crucial step in decluttering your closet. Did you know that the average person only wears 20% of their wardrobe regularly?
That means that 80% of the clothes in your closet are taking up valuable space and not adding any value to your life. So, let’s get to sorting!
Start by taking everything out of your closet and placing it on your bed. This will give you a clear view of everything you own and make it easier to sort through your clothes.
Did you know that Marie Kondo, the Japanese organization guru, recommends taking each item of clothing in your hands and asking yourself if it sparks joy? If it doesn’t, it’s time to let it go.
Next, sort your clothes into four piles:
Keep: These are the clothes you love and wear regularly. They should be in good condition and fit well. If you haven’t worn it in the last six months to a year, it may be time to consider donating or selling it.
Donate: These are clothes that are in good condition but no longer fit your style or lifestyle. Did you know that donating your clothes can have a positive impact on the environment? Textile waste accounts for 5% of landfill space in the US, and only 15% of textile waste is recycled or donated. By donating your clothes, you’re helping to reduce waste and support a good cause.
Sell: These are clothes that are in good condition and can be sold online or at a consignment store. Did you know that the resale market for secondhand clothes is projected to reach $64 billion by 2024? Selling your clothes not only helps you make some extra cash, but it also promotes sustainability by keeping clothes out of landfills.
Trash: These are clothes that are worn out, stained, or damaged beyond repair. Did you know that synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon can take up to 200 years to decompose? By throwing these clothes in the trash, you’re contributing to the growing textile waste problem. Consider repurposing old clothes into rags or donating them to textile recycling centers instead.
Here are a few tips to help you succeed in sorting your clothes:
- Be honest with yourself. If you haven’t worn it in a while or it doesn’t fit, it’s time to let it go.
- Consider your lifestyle. If you work from home, you may not need as many dressy clothes. If you live in a warm climate, you may not need as many winter clothes.
- Use the “one in, one out” rule. For every new item of clothing you buy, donate or sell one item from your closet.
By sorting your clothes into four piles, you’ll be able to see what you truly love and wear regularly. Remember to be honest with yourself, consider your lifestyle, and use the “one in, one out” rule. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a clutter-free and sustainable closet.
Step Three – Organize Your Closet
Now that you’ve sorted through your clothes, it’s time to tackle the organization of your closet. Did you know that a well-organized closet can save you time, reduce stress, and even save you money? Here are some tips to help you organize your closet effectively:
Start by hanging up your keep pile, making sure to group similar items together. This will help you see everything you own and make it easier to find what you need.
Did you know that organizing your clothes by color can help you put together outfits more easily? It’s also visually appealing and adds a pop of color to your closet.
Invest in good hangers. Using the right hangers can help you save space and keep your clothes in good condition. For example, using velvet hangers can prevent clothes from slipping off and ending up on the floor. Wooden hangers are a great option for heavy items like coats and jackets.
Make use of vertical space. If you have limited closet space, consider using hanging organizers or shelves to maximize your space.
Did you know that hanging organizers are perfect for storing accessories like scarves, belts, and hats? They keep everything in one place and make it easy to find what you’re looking for.
Label your bags or boxes for donate, sell, and trash. This will help you keep everything organized and make it easier to dispose of or sell your unwanted items. Did you know that some thrift stores offer discounts or coupons for donations? This is a great incentive to donate your gently used clothes.
If you’re planning to sell your clothes online, take some time to research different platforms and choose the one that works best for you. Did you know that some platforms like Poshmark and ThredUp offer free shipping labels and take care of the selling process for you? All you have to do is upload pictures and descriptions of your items.
Step Four – Maintain Your Closet
Congratulations! You have successfully decluttered and organized your closet. But the work doesn’t end there. To keep your closet in top condition, you need to maintain it regularly. Here are some tips to help you maintain your closet:
- Make it a habit to put things away properly: It only takes a few minutes to hang up your clothes, fold your sweaters, and put your shoes away in their designated spot. By making it a habit to put things away properly, you can prevent your closet from becoming messy again.
- Regularly go through your clothes: You should take some time every few months to go through your clothes and decide which items you no longer need. This will prevent clutter from building up in your closet and allow you to sell or donate clothes that no longer fit your style or lifestyle.
- Invest in storage solutions: Storage solutions like hanging organizers and bins can help keep your closet organized and clutter-free. Hanging organizers are great for shoes, belts, and accessories, while bins and shelves are perfect for folded clothes.
- Use natural moth repellents: Moths can wreak havoc on your clothes if they are not kept in check. Consider using natural moth repellents like cedar chips or lavender sachets to keep your clothes safe.
- Stay on top of laundry: Dirty clothes left on the floor can quickly turn into a pile of clutter. Make sure to stay on top of your laundry to keep your closet tidy.
Step 5 – Enjoy Your New Closet
Congratulations! You have successfully decluttered and organized your closet, and now it’s time to reap the benefits of your hard work. Here are some ways to enjoy your new closet:
- Save time getting ready: With a clutter-free and organized closet, you’ll save time getting ready in the morning. No more digging through piles of clothes to find your favorite shirt or pair of jeans. Everything is in its place, making it easy to grab what you need and go.
- Feel less stressed: A cluttered and disorganized closet can cause stress and anxiety. By creating a peaceful and organized space, you’ll feel calmer and more relaxed when getting ready for the day.
- Experiment with new outfits: With everything sorted and organized, you may discover items you forgot you had or find new ways to style your clothes. Experiment with new outfits and try out different combinations to create fresh looks.
- Donate or sell your old clothes: Donating or selling clothes that no longer fit your style or lifestyle is not only good for your closet but also for the environment. You can feel good about giving back and reducing waste.
- Keep it up: Maintaining a clutter-free and organized closet is a lifelong process. By keeping up with it regularly, you can enjoy the benefits for years to come.
Remember, your newly organized closet is a space to be proud of. Take some time to appreciate your hard work and enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free life.
Decluttering FAQs
Q: Why should I declutter my closet?
A: Decluttering your closet can help you save time, reduce stress, and make it easier to get dressed in the morning. It also allows you to focus on the clothes that you love and wear regularly, and it can make your closet feel more spacious and organized.
Q: How often should I declutter my closet?
A: It’s recommended that you declutter your closet at least once a year. However, if you find that your closet is becoming cluttered and disorganized before then, it’s a good idea to declutter and organize as needed.
Q: What should I do with the clothes I don’t want to keep?
A: Clothes that are still in good condition but no longer fit your style or lifestyle can be donated to a local charity or thrift store. Clothes that are in good condition and can be sold can be sold online or at a consignment store. Clothes that are worn out, stained, or damaged beyond repair should be thrown away or recycled.
Q: How can I make sure I don’t declutter too much?
A: It’s important to keep in mind the clothes that you love and wear regularly. If you’re unsure about an item, ask yourself if you’ve worn it in the last year or if it brings you joy. If the answer is no, it may be time to donate or sell it.
Q: How can I maintain my newly decluttered closet?
A: Maintaining a clutter-free and organized closet is a lifelong process. It’s important to take a few minutes each day to put your clothes away properly and keep your closet tidy. You can also make a habit of regularly going through your clothes and donating or selling items that no longer fit your style or lifestyle. Investing in storage solutions like hanging organizers or shelves can also help keep your closet organized.
Decluttering your closet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these five easy steps, you can simplify your life and create a closet that works for you. Remember to set aside time, sort your clothes, organize your closet, maintain your space, and enjoy the results. Good luck!