Closets: the original junk drawer, but with hangers.

They’re full of clothes you don’t want, can’t fit, or don’t need. You know, the shirts, pants, shoes, jackets you forgot existed.

It’s clutter—it’s visual stress.

But you don’t have to live like that. A decluttered closet is easier to maintain, easier to dress from, and a whole lot easier on your mind. This is your no-fuss guide to finally getting that closet under control.

Table of Contents

Step 1: Mentally Prepare

Decluttering is as much mental as it is physical. It’s hard to let go of things that once brought you joy—or things you wish had brought you joy.

Start with intention. Ask yourself:

What do I want my closet to feel like when I’m done?
How will I reward myself when it’s complete?

You might even call or text a friend who’s done it before for encouragement. Or read a chapter from a decluttering book and watch a minimalist YouTuber for a burst of motivation.

Whatever you decide to do, take a moment to prepare yourself for the challenge of decluttering before you get started.

Step 2: Make a Plan

Randomly pulling items out won’t cut it. Make a few decisions before you start:

Set a goal number of clothing items you want to keep (e.g., 30 hangers max)
Decide what categories matter most (do you really need six hoodies)
Keep only items that: fit well, make you feel good, and match your lifestyle
Remove duplicates—especially in neutrals. You probably don’t need three similar black sweaters. Pick your favorite and donate the rest.

Step 3: Set-up Three Bins

Get three bins or boxes ready before you even touch a hanger. Label them:

Keep – Items you wear and love regularly.
Maybe – You’re unsure. That’s okay. Revisit this pile at the end.
Let Go – Donate, sell, or recycle. These are clothes you haven’t worn in a year, don’t fit, or don’t suit you anymore.

Step 4: Remove Everything and Begin Fresh

Take everything out of your closet. Yes, everything.

Lay it out, sort it into your three bins, and only put the keeper items back in your closet. As you go, ask yourself these key questions:

When’s the last time I wore this?
Do I feel good when I wear it?
Does it fit well?
Is it a duplicate?
Would I buy it again today?

Be honest with yourself..if it doesn’t fit right now, it probably won’t later. Just let it go now…it’s really better this way.

Don’t keep things just in case. Trust your gut. If it is going to get lost again, it doesn’t belong.

Bonus: What to Do with the “Let Go” Pile

Once you’ve decluttered, don’t let the pile linger.

Donate to local shelters, churches, or community organizations. Sell on Poshmark, eBay, or at a garage sale. Recycle worn-out clothes through H&M or other fabric recycling programs.

The money is gone the moment you bought the item. Keeping it won’t bring it back—but letting it go might bring someone else joy.

Final Thoughts

A decluttered closet isn’t just nice to look at—it’s a daily mood booster. It makes mornings easier, outfits simpler, and your space more peaceful.

You don’t need more clothes. You need fewer clothes you actually wear and love.

Theresa Bedford

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Theresa Bedford is a minimal-ish advocate, storyteller, and wellness enthusiast who believes that simplicity is the key to wellness and a more intentional, fulfilling life. After realizing she was spending too much time searching for things—both physically and mentally—she embraced minimalism, not as a rigid rule, but as a way to create space for what truly matters.