Overwhelmed with clutter? Too much stuff everywhere!? Where to begin? I often suggest clients start with their clothing closet. Here are some tips and a video for how to simplify and organize your closet.
If you’re new to the decluttering game, remember:
- Start With Your Own Stuff
- Start Small – You didn’t acquire this stuff overnight, so…
- Daily Spaces – Declutter everyday spaces. Enjoy the immediate freedom of less.
Start with your own stuff
Your purse, briefcase, or car are all great options. If this isn’t enough of a challenge, then move on to your clothing closet. Below is a video of how I organize my clothing closet. All my clothes are in this regular sized master closet, including coats.
I use one hanger style to maintain a cohesive, clean look. Like-colored items hang together while casual clothing rolls neatly in the drawers. You can achieve this same result with bins. But be sure to downsize your wardrobe before purchasing any organizing tools.
Remember the goal is to reduce clutter not add more. Most organizing problems occur from volume not the type of storage. My closet even houses a few sentimental stuffed animals because “some not none” is my philosophy for these items.
Start Small (Build a capsule wardrobe)
Not sure that you’re ready to tackle the entire closet? Then consider streamlining one season at a time. Project 333 created a fantastic system for establishing a capsule wardrobe by season. Essentially, you choose 33 items for the season, hang them in your closet and box up the rest.
I follow a modified version of this because there are just 2 seasons in the mid-Atlantic. Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer I have approximately 40 items per season. Twice a year, I rearrange the closet, pushing the offseason to the back. Some staple items like black and white t-shirts count for both seasons which further reduces the amount of clothing that I have.
Each year, I donate the items I didn’t wear. As a result, I LOVE my entire closet. Laundry is a breeze to put away. I’m rarely stressed getting ready for a speaking engagement. The space brings peace and calm to my bedroom which in turn helps me sleep better.
Start with spaces you use daily
Nothing feels better than standing in front of your closet to see only the items you love. Not to mention open space for clothes to hang wrinkle-free. Simplified wardrobes make getting ready easier because the clothing you wear most often is not buried under the stuff that you don’t. Since downsizing, I upgraded my wardrobe and dress better.
I’m judicious about what I buy and only if it serves a specific purpose. Certain colors no longer live in my closet which eliminated accessories like jewelry, shoes, and purses. Having a closet full of clothing I already love keeps impulse buys at bay too. No more “retail therapy” and unnecessary spending
Still need some incentive or help to get started? Check out my Facebook or Instagram for inspiration. Once you’ve created a beautiful capsule wardrobe and organized closet, you’ll never go back!
Thanks for reading and watching the video. I’d love to hear what you thought! And sign up below to receive more organizing and decluttering tips from Simply Enough.
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