Let’s face it, we all have that closet that we fear to open. The one that’s so full, items threaten to spill out the moment the door is unlatched. When we finally gather the courage to tackle the mess, we often focus on the glaringly obvious items – clothes that no longer fit, or the dress you wore once and never again.
However, there are other items lurking in the depths that often get overlooked. Let’s take a look at some of those forgotten items that need your decluttering attention.
1. Overstuffed Shoe Boxes
Shoe boxes often double as storage units for things we don’t know where else to put. Over time, these boxes become cluttered with an array of items, from old receipts to expired cosmetics. If you haven’t opened a shoe box in your closet in over a year, it’s time to take a peek inside and declutter. You might be surprised at how many things you’ve forgotten about.
Additionally, consider getting rid of the box itself. Shoe boxes take up unnecessary space. Instead, try using a shoe rack or hanging shoe organizer to save space and keep your shoes easily accessible.
2. Long-Forgotten Belts
Belts are another item that tend to accumulate in our closets. Unless you wear belts frequently, you probably have a few that you’ve forgotten about. Now is a good time to go through them. Donate any that you no longer need, and organize the ones you decide to keep. A simple belt hanger can do wonders for keeping your belts in order and easy to find.
Belts that are worn out, damaged, or no longer fit should be tossed. Remember, decluttering is not just about creating space, it’s also about getting rid of items that no longer serve a purpose in your life.
3. Outdated Seasonal Clothing
Many of us have a habit of storing seasonal clothing in our closets year-round. This is not a problem until your collection of winter sweaters starts to take over your closet space. It’s time to ask yourself, “Do I still wear all of these?” It’s easy to forget about seasonal clothes because we don’t see them every day. However, they can take up a significant amount of space.
Consider storing your seasonal clothing elsewhere when it’s not in use. There are many storage solutions available that can help you save space in your closet.
4. Unmatched Socks and Gloves
We’ve all been there – rooting around in the sock drawer trying to find a match. But what happens to all those singleton socks and gloves? More often than not, they end up at the back of the drawer or the bottom of the closet. It’s time to gather up all those lonely socks and gloves and give them a new purpose.
If you can’t find their mates, consider repurposing them. Socks can be used for dusting or as packing material, and gloves can be used for cleaning. If they’re in good condition and you simply don’t need them anymore, consider donating them.
5. Old Party Outfits
Most of us have at least one outfit in our closet that we bought for a special occasion and never wore again. These outfits take up space and serve no purpose other than to remind us of that one fun night. It’s time to let go of these outfits and make room for clothes we actually wear.
Consider donating these outfits to a local charity. You could also sell them online or at a consignment store. You’ll be freeing up closet space and potentially making a little extra money in the process.
6. Unused Sports Equipment and Gear
Sports equipment and gear can take up a lot of space in your closet, especially if you’re no longer using it. If you have equipment from a sport you no longer play, or gear that no longer fits, it’s time to declutter. Sell them online or donate to a local school or community center.
Remember, decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things. It’s also about organizing what you decide to keep. Store your sports equipment and gear in a way that makes it easy to access and use.
7. Hidden Jewelry and Accessories
Over time, jewelry and accessories can become tangled and forgotten about. If it’s been a while since you’ve gone through your jewelry box or accessory drawer, now is a good time to do so. You might find items you forgot you had, and you can declutter any pieces you no longer wear.
Organize your jewelry and accessories in a way that makes them easy to see and access. Consider using a jewelry organizer or drawer divider for this task. Remember, decluttering is also about creating a space that allows you to easily find and use your items.
8. Childhood Memorabilia
Many of us have boxes of childhood memorabilia stored in our closets. While these items can hold sentimental value, they also take up a lot of space. It’s time to go through these boxes and decide what you truly want to keep.
Consider digitizing photos and papers to save space. Items that hold a lot of sentimental value can be displayed in your home, rather than hidden away in a box. Remember, decluttering isn’t about getting rid of everything, it’s about making space for the things that truly matter to you.
9. Unused Bags and Purses
Bags and purses can accumulate over time, especially if you have a habit of buying new ones without getting rid of the old ones. If you have bags or purses you haven’t used in over a year, it’s time to declutter. Donate or sell any bags you no longer use.
Organize your bags and purses in a way that makes them easy to see and access. You might consider using a hanging organizer or shelf divider for this task. Remember, decluttering is also about creating a space that allows you to easily find and use your items.
10. Excess Hangers
Excess hangers can take up a lot of space in your closet. If you have more hangers than you need, it’s time to declutter. Consider donating your excess hangers to a local charity or thrift store.
Organize your hangers in a way that makes them easy to access. Keep similar hangers together and try to use hangers that are the same size and shape. This will make your closet look more organized and it will be easier to find the hanger you need.
11. Old Event T-Shirts
Many of us have a collection of t-shirts from events or concerts we’ve attended. While these shirts can hold sentimental value, they also take up a lot of space in our closets. It’s time to go through these shirts and decide which ones you truly want to keep.
If you have shirts you no longer wear but want to keep for the memories, consider turning them into a quilt or wall art. You could also donate them to a local charity. Remember, decluttering is about making space for the items that you truly value and use.
12. Clothes with Tags Still On
Many of us have items in our closets with the tags still on. These are usually impulse buys or items we bought with the intention of returning but never did. If you have items like this in your closet, it’s time to make a decision. Either start wearing them, return them, or donate them.
Remember, the goal of decluttering is to create a closet filled with items you love and use. Don’t let guilt or the thought of wasted money keep you from decluttering. You’ll feel much better once these items are out of your closet and space is freed up.
13. Ill-Fitting Clothes and Shoes
Finally, don’t forget to declutter any clothes or shoes that no longer fit. It’s easy to hold onto these items in the hope that they’ll fit again one day. However, they’re just taking up valuable space in your closet.
If you’re not sure whether an item fits, try it on. If it doesn’t fit or you don’t feel comfortable in it, it’s time to let it go. Remember, your closet should be filled with items that make you feel good about yourself.
