The ‘Why’

Your bedroom should be an oasis, but it’s hard to achieve that when you open your closet door and are met with a chaotic avalanche of clothes, shoes, and accessories. And, of course, guilt. If you’ve been putting off decluttering your bedroom closet, it’s time to take action. Let’s look at 7 steps to help you declutter your bedroom closet and create a more organized and functional space. And NO guilt!

The How-To

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

Before diving headfirst into your closet, take a moment to establish clear goals for the decluttering process. What do you want to achieve? Do you want to make more space, streamline your wardrobe, or simply find things more easily? Having a clear purpose will help you stay on track throughout the process.

Step 2: Gather Supplies

To make the decluttering process more efficient, gather the necessary supplies:

• Large trash bags or boxes for sorting items
• Labels or sticky notes
• Hangers, if needed
• Cleaning supplies (broom, vacuum, dusting cloth)

Step 3: Empty Your Closet

Start by completely emptying your closet. This step can be a bit overwhelming, but it’s essential to see everything you have and assess the space properly. Lay everything out in a designated area, like your bed or a cleared-out space on the floor. (Pro tip: Don’t let this step be your roadblock! Yes, it’s more efficient to take everything out at once. But if that seems overwhelming, break the “rule”. Take out just one category of clothing at a time. For instance, take out all the shirts and work on them at one time. And then, the dresses. And then, your slacks. You get the idea.)

Step 4: Sort and Categorize

Now comes the sorting phase. Create categories for your clothing, such as:

Keep: Items you love, wear regularly, and are in good condition.

Donate: Clothing and accessories that no longer fit, you haven’t worn in a long time, never really feel good when you put them on, or out of style.

Repurpose: Items with sentimental value that can be upcycled or repurposed into something else.

Toss: Damaged, stained, or worn-out items beyond repair.

As you go through each item, be honest with yourself. Ask questions like, “Have I worn this in the past year?” and “Does it still fit?” to make decisions easier.

Step 5: Clean and Declutter

While your closet is empty, take the opportunity to clean it thoroughly. Dust the shelves, wipe down surfaces, and vacuum the floor. This will give you a fresh start. In fact, this MIGHT be the part of the job you enjoy the most. Based on how my clients typically react at this point, it feels life-changing!

Step 6: Organize and Store

Now that you’ve sorted everything, it’s time to organize and store your items efficiently. Here are some tips:

• Use matching hangers for a uniform look. (Skip the wire hangers!)
• Arrange clothing by type (e.g., tops, bottoms, dresses) and then by color for easy access.
• Use storage bins or baskets for accessories, shoes, and small items.
• Utilize shelf dividers to keep stacks of clothing neat.
• Install hooks or pegs for bags, scarves, and belts.
• Store out-of-season items in clear bins, in under-bed storage, in a guest room closet, or some place that doesn’t use prime real estate (the items you’re accessing most frequently).

Step 7: Maintain Regularly

To prevent your closet from becoming cluttered again, make a commitment to maintain it regularly. A good idea is to revisit your closet and repeat the decluttering process, keeping your wardrobe fresh and organized at the start of Spring and the start of Fall.

The Take-Away

A clutter-free bedroom closet not only makes your mornings smoother but also promotes a sense of calm and order in your daily life. Decluttering your bedroom closet may seem like a daunting task, but with a well-structured plan and determination, you can transform it into a functional and organized space that adds to your daily comfort. If you still feel overwhelmed or aren’t sure you’ll start and stick with it, that’s what I’m here for. I’ve had over 20 years of helping people succeed at decluttering and organizing the stuff and stress out of their lives. I’d love to walk with you and show you a new-found freedom.