Your closet is likely one of the most overlooked spaces in your home. If you don’t stay on top of it, it can quickly become chaotic, overflowing with piles of clothes, unworn shoes, mismatched socks, the list goes on.
“The closet is the root of why your home is cluttered in the first place,” says professional organizer Shaniece Jones. “It’s the space that holds our insecurities. If you’re trying to change something in your life or want to figure out your shopping habits, take a look at your closet.”
To address a disorganized closet, create a setup that complements your current lifestyle. “Choose a system that works for your routine, whether by type, season, occasion or color,” says Lisa Adams of LA Closet Design. “A thoughtful organizational structure makes getting dressed seamless and maximizes the visibility of your wardrobe.”
Here, Jones and Adams break down how to declutter your closet in a day, so you can start your mornings off right.
Consider the MVP method.
Jones likes the MVP approach, which involves decluttering in three steps. M is for mindset, V is for vision and P is for plan.
- M: The first step is to adopt the right mindset before you begin decluttering. “This step allows you to become aware of the emotional factors and habits contributing to the clutter,” says Jones.
- V: Next, be clear on your vision for your closet. Before decluttering, Jones recommends stepping into your closet, closing your eyes and taking a moment to recognize how you feel in the space. “Envision the desired state of each space and develop your vision statement — the why — to help motivate and guide you through the decluttering process,” she says. She suggests asking yourself questions like: “What is my daily routine? What do I want to change in my closet? How do I want to feel when I walk into my closet? What is the actual cost of not decluttering? Is it more tension in your relationship? Is it lost time? Is it increased anxiety?”
Pinterest is a great resource to explore for closet design inspiration. “Think about how you want to feel when you open your closet doors,” Jones says.
- P: The final step is to plan. “This is where you implement the intentional steps to declutter,” says Jones. There are ways to add a dose of fun, too. Find your favorite playlist, grab some snacks and your drink of choice to enjoy while decluttering.
To make it manageable, Jones recommends organizing your items by categories and subcategories. Start with tops, bottoms, dresses and shoes, for example. Then, take it a step further with subcategories. For example, if you’re working on shoes, you can handle boots first, then sneakers and sandals to help make the process less overwhelming. “When reviewing each piece, ask yourself: ‘How does this item support my life right now?'” Jones says.
Be honest when purging.
Every item in your closet needs attention at this stage. While it might seem nerve-wracking, it will make your space more organized and easier to navigate on a day-to-day basis if you only keep pieces you love and use. “If you haven’t worn it in the past year, it doesn’t fit or it feels outdated, let it go,” Adams says. “Sort into two piles—one for selling and one for donation.
Have the right storage containers on hand.
But before you purchase organizing products, first understand exactly what works for your space. Jones suggests having a tape measure to measure shelves so you’re not buying unnecessary products that don’t fit your layout. “The whole goal is to find solutions to make your closet look organized and streamlined,” Jones says.
Pay special attention to the hangers in your closet, Adams says: “Swap mismatched hangers for uniform ones, velvet options keep clothes from slipping. Use specialized hangers for belts, scarves and bags to free up space and maintain order.”
Try the 72-hour rule.
Jones swears by the 72-hour rule to make sure you’re not holding on to items for too long. “You have three days to get it out of your house. If you do not consign it or donate it, you have to find a way to get rid of it,” she says.
Don’t overlook decorative accents.
Function is key for any closet, but Adams says it pays to focus on refreshing and enhancing the space, too. For instance, small accents like scented liners can help keep clothes fresh. “A seasonal update, like floral or cedar, adds an understated yet lasting detail,” Adams says.
Aim to show off a bit of your interior design style as well: “Introduce a finishing touch with a mirror, small plant or framed photo,” Adams says. “A simple accent refines the space and brings a sense of order and style.”
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
