12 New Year Closet Cleanout Tips That Don’t Feel Overwhelming

A closet cleanout can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few simple strategies, you can refresh your wardrobe and create a more organized space for the year ahead. By breaking the process into manageable steps and focusing on practical tips, you can tackle your closet with ease and enjoy a clutter-free start to the new year.

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Start with a Plan

A successful closet cleanout begins with a clear plan. Identify the areas of your closet that need attention, such as shoes, clothes, or accessories. Break the task into smaller sections, perhaps focusing on one clothing category or one section of the closet at a time. By setting small goals, you can avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed and make the process feel more achievable.

As you plan, set aside a specific time for your cleanout, whether it is a weekend afternoon or a few spare hours after work. Schedule it as you would any other task, ensuring you can give it your full attention. Starting with a plan allows you to approach the cleanout in a calm, organized manner, helping you to make more intentional decisions about what to keep and what to donate.

Tackle One Category at a Time

Focusing on one category at a time, such as shoes, jackets, or sweaters, makes the cleanout feel less daunting. Begin by removing the items from your closet and laying them out in front of you. This gives you the chance to see everything in that category and assess each piece individually. By narrowing your focus to one category, you reduce decision fatigue, making it easier to let go of items that no longer serve you.

Once you’ve gone through the category, consider sorting items into keep, donate, and discard piles. Be realistic about what you wear regularly and what no longer fits your lifestyle or body. This methodical approach allows you to maintain focus, helping to eliminate any overwhelming feelings and turning a big task into manageable steps.

Donate Items You Haven’t Worn in a Year

A great rule of thumb for decluttering is to part with clothes you haven’t worn in the past year. If an item has been sitting untouched, it’s often a sign that it no longer fits your style or needs. Donating these items can create space for pieces you actually wear and love, bringing a sense of refreshment to your closet.

You can donate clothes to charities or give them to friends and family, knowing they will go to a good home. The act of donating not only declutters your closet but also provides the benefit of helping others. This will make the cleanout feel like a positive change, both for your space and for someone in need.

Fold Instead of Hanging Items

Sometimes, the way you organize your closet can help minimize clutter. Consider folding clothes, such as sweaters and jeans, instead of hanging them. This can free up valuable hanging space and make it easier to find the items you wear most often. You’ll also reduce the number of clothes that hang loosely in your closet, creating a cleaner, more organized appearance.

Folding your clothes neatly also helps to preserve their shape, especially for more delicate items like knitwear. In addition, it allows for better visibility, so you’re more likely to wear pieces that might otherwise be hidden away. This simple change can make a big difference without requiring a complete overhaul of your closet.

Use Slim Hangers to Maximize Space

If your closet feels cramped, switching to slim hangers can be a game-changer. These hangers take up less space than traditional ones, allowing you to fit more clothes in your closet without overcrowding. With more space to hang items, your closet will feel less cluttered, and you’ll be able to see all your options clearly, making it easier to select an outfit each day.

Slim hangers also create a uniform look in your closet, contributing to an overall cleaner aesthetic. This small change can have a big impact on your closet’s organization, making it feel more spacious and well-arranged. You may be surprised by how much more functional your closet becomes with this simple tweak.

Keep Only Versatile, Timeless Pieces

As you go through your clothes, focus on keeping pieces that are versatile and timeless. Think of items that can be mixed and matched with other pieces, providing maximum outfit combinations. By choosing classic items that never go out of style, you’ll create a wardrobe that is functional and easy to manage, reducing the stress of having too many “one-time wear” items.

When you own versatile pieces, your wardrobe feels more cohesive and intentional. Instead of having a closet full of items that you wear only occasionally, you’ll build a collection that works for all seasons and occasions. Keeping only the essentials means you’ll have less to sift through, making it easier to get dressed without feeling overwhelmed.

Set a Time Limit for Each Category

Set a specific time limit for each category or section you clean out to avoid dragging out the process. For example, give yourself an hour to go through your shoes or a set amount of time for each section of your closet. Knowing you have a limited amount of time encourages you to make quick, efficient decisions, without second-guessing every item.

By setting a time limit, you can maintain momentum throughout the cleanout process. This strategy helps you avoid the paralysis that often comes with indecision and ensures that you move through your closet in a way that feels productive rather than overwhelming. It also leaves you with plenty of time to relax once the task is done.

Consider Seasonal Rotation

One effective way to keep your closet feeling fresh without a major overhaul is to rotate clothes seasonally. Store off-season clothes in bins or under-bed storage to make space for the current season’s pieces. This reduces the clutter in your closet while keeping the items you need easily accessible.

Seasonal rotation ensures you always have appropriate clothing on hand for the weather. It also helps you assess what you have and what you may need to update or replace. By simplifying the wardrobe options based on the season, you’ll make the cleanout feel less overwhelming and keep your closet organized year-round.

Repurpose Clothes You No Longer Wear

If you have items you no longer wear, consider repurposing them into something new. Old t-shirts can be turned into cleaning rags, and mismatched socks can become craft projects. Repurposing clothes not only clears up space in your closet but also gives these items a second life instead of simply discarding them.

If you’re not feeling crafty, consider turning your old clothes into something useful, like a bag for groceries or a pillowcase. This creative approach gives your items new purpose, making the process of decluttering more enjoyable and fulfilling. You’ll feel less wasteful while clearing out your closet.

Invest in Quality Storage Solutions

Having the right storage solutions can make a huge difference in organizing your closet. Invest in bins, baskets, or drawer organizers to help keep everything in its place. Not only will these items help maintain order, but they’ll also make it easier to see what you have, reducing the chance of unnecessary clutter.

Quality storage solutions can turn a messy closet into a functional space. They allow you to keep things organized without adding extra stress to your cleaning process. By having a designated place for every item, you’ll find it easier to stay on top of your closet cleanout.

Use the One-In-One-Out Rule

To maintain a clutter-free closet year-round, consider implementing the one-in-one-out rule. For every new item you purchase, donate or discard an item you no longer wear. This rule helps you maintain a manageable wardrobe and prevents clutter from accumulating over time.

The one-in-one-out rule creates a balanced approach to closet organization, ensuring that your closet remains refreshed without ever feeling overwhelming. By committing to this simple rule, you’ll stay on top of your closet’s contents and make cleanout a less frequent task in the future.

Take Before-and-After Photos

Sometimes, a visual reminder can make the process feel more rewarding. Take before-and-after photos of your closet to track your progress. Seeing how much you’ve improved the space can help you stay motivated and give you a sense of accomplishment.

These photos also allow you to see the full transformation, which may make you feel more satisfied with the cleanout. Sharing the transformation with friends or family can inspire them to do the same, turning your closet cleanout into a fun, collaborative task.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.