How to Declutter Your Closet in Just One Afternoon

Have you ever opened your closet and felt like it’s bursting at the seams? I’ve been there...

Wading through piles of clothes, shoes, and forgotten accessories, wondering how it got this bad. It’s frustrating when you can’t find what you need, even though you know it’s in there somewhere.

A few months ago, I realized my cluttered closet was wasting my time and stressing me out.

I’d spend 10 minutes looking for an outfit and still end up feeling like I had “nothing to wear.” That’s when I decided to take control and transform my closet into a space that works for me.

If you’re ready to ditch the chaos and create a closet you actually enjoy using, you’re in the right place.

I’ll share the steps I took, practical tips I learned along the way, and even some mistakes I made so you can avoid them.

Let’s dig in!

Things You Need to Know Before Decluttering the Closet

Before diving into decluttering, there are a few things you need to prepare for to make the process smoother and less overwhelming.

Trust me, I’ve learned these lessons the hard way.

  1. Set Aside Enough Time
    Don’t rush this. Depending on the size of your closet, plan for 1-3 hours. Once, I tried to “quickly” declutter before dinner and ended up with a bigger mess that took me two extra days to fix. Give yourself enough time to do it right.
  2. Have a Sorting System Ready
    Use three categories: keep, donate, and toss. I personally grab three big boxes or laundry baskets for this. It makes the process faster and stops me from second-guessing myself.
  3. Prepare Emotionally
    Decluttering can be surprisingly emotional, especially when you come across sentimental items. I still remember finding an old shirt from a family trip that I hadn’t worn in 5 years. Be ready to make tough decisions, but also allow yourself to keep truly meaningful pieces.
  4. Dress Comfortably
    You’ll be moving a lot—reaching, bending, and sorting—so wear comfy clothes. One time, I started in jeans, and trust me, it wasn’t the smartest move. Think of this as your workout for the day.
  5. Have Donation Options Planned
    Research where you’ll donate your clothes beforehand. Knowing your items are going to someone who needs them makes parting with them so much easier.

Taking these simple steps before you start will save you from frustration and make the entire process more enjoyable.

When I started planning my decluttering sessions like this, I finished faster and felt more accomplished.

Watch, 20 Space-Saving Small Linen Closet Organization Ideas

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How to Declutter Your Closet?

Let me explain you the exact method and rules I followed when decluttering my closet.

1. Visualize Your Ideal Closet Space

Before you start pulling clothes out and making piles, take a moment to imagine what you want your closet to look like.

This step might feel unnecessary, but trust me, it sets the tone for the entire decluttering process.

When I first tried this, I closed my eyes and thought about how I wanted my closet to function. I pictured neatly hung shirts, shoes lined up where I could see them, and no random items crammed into corners.

Having this vision in mind helped me stay focused and motivated as I worked through the mess.

Ask yourself:

  • Do I want my closet to be organized by color, type of clothing, or season?
  • Do I want everything visible or stored in bins for a cleaner look?
  • How do I want to feel every time I open my closet—calm, inspired, or ready to take on the day?

You don’t need to overthink it, but having a clear idea makes it easier to let go of items that don’t fit your vision.

For example, I realized my “ideal” closet didn’t include old college hoodies I hadn’t worn in years. That simple realization made it easier to say goodbye to them.

By taking just 5 minutes to visualize your ideal closet, you’ll create a goal to work toward, making the process more intentional and rewarding.

Think of it as setting the foundation for your decluttering success.

See, 21 Space-Saving Shoe Organization Ideas for Small Closets

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2. Declutter Ruthlessly and Remove Non-Joyful Items

This step is where the real work begins, and it’s all about being honest with yourself.

If an item doesn’t spark joy, serve a purpose, or fit your life right now, it’s time to let it go.

I once held onto a jacket for two years, hoping I’d wear it “someday,” but I never did. Letting it go felt freeing.

As you go through each item, ask yourself simple questions:

  • Have I worn this in the past 6-12 months?
  • Does it fit me well, or am I holding onto it “just in case”?
  • Does this item make me happy when I see or wear it?
    These questions helped me cut down my closet by almost 30%.

Don’t let guilt hold you back. It’s easy to keep something because it was expensive or a gift, but keeping it only adds to the clutter.

I once held onto a pair of shoes that pinched my feet just because they cost a lot, but they never got worn.

Remember, you deserve a space filled with items that truly work for you.

Once you’ve decided to let something go, immediately place it in your donate or toss pile. Don’t second-guess your decisions—you’ve already done the hard part by being honest with yourself.

The more ruthless you are, the closer you’ll get to a closet that feels light, functional, and joyful.

See, 21 Simple Walk In Closet Organization Ideas You’ll Love

3. Organize by Category and Group Similar Items Together

Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to put everything back in a way that makes sense.

Start by grouping similar items together—shirts with shirts, pants with pants, and so on.

When I first tried this, I realized I had six pairs of jeans buried under a pile of sweaters because I never grouped them properly.

Organizing by category makes it easier to see what you have and grab what you need quickly.

For example, I hang all my work shirts in one section and casual T-shirts in another. This saves me at least 5 minutes every morning because I know exactly where to look.

Within each category, consider arranging items by color or frequency of use.

I keep lighter clothes like whites and pastels on one end and darker ones on the other—it feels visually pleasing and makes it easier to coordinate outfits.

My frequently worn jackets are always at arm’s reach, while seasonal items are stored higher up.

Using bins, dividers, or clear containers can help keep smaller items like accessories or socks neat and easy to find.

I started using small storage boxes for belts and scarves, and it instantly made my closet feel more organized.

Trust me, once everything has its own place, your closet will feel like a completely different space.

Watch, How to Declutter Your Attic When It Feels Impossible

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4. Use Matching Hangers and Proper Folding Techniques

Matching hangers might seem like a small detail, but they can make a huge difference.

When I switched to using all the same type of hanger, my closet immediately looked more organized and cohesive.

Plus, slim, non-slip hangers save space and prevent clothes from slipping onto the floor.

Proper folding techniques are just as important, especially for items like sweaters, jeans, and T-shirts.

I started folding my T-shirts using the “file folding” method, where you stack them vertically in a drawer.

This made it easy to see every shirt at a glance and stopped me from digging through piles.

Using hangers for the right items can also help keep your clothes in better shape.

For example, I hang dress shirts and jackets to prevent wrinkles, but I fold heavy knits to avoid stretching them out.

Once I made this adjustment, I noticed my clothes lasted longer and looked better.

If you want an extra polished look, arrange your hangers so all the hooks face the same direction. It’s a small touch, but it makes your closet feel more intentional and organized.

Trust me, these little upgrades can make a big impact on how you feel every time you open your closet.

See, How to Declutter Your Dresser Top in 5 Simple Steps

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Watch, How to Declutter Your Bedroom to Create a Peaceful Space

5. Assign Designated Places for Every Item and Maintain Daily Order

To keep your closet organized long-term, assign a specific spot for every item. When I started doing this, I made sure shoes always went on the rack, belts in a small bin, and folded clothes stayed in their assigned drawers.

This simple habit eliminated the daily guesswork and kept clutter from creeping back in.

Make sure frequently used items are easy to access, while rarely used or seasonal items can go on higher shelves or in storage bins.

For example, I keep my everyday jackets at eye level and store bulky winter coats in a vacuum-sealed bag during warmer months. This setup saves me time every single day.

Maintaining order is all about small, consistent actions. Spend just 2-3 minutes every evening putting things back in their designated spots.

I’ve found that this quick habit is much easier than letting the mess pile up and tackling it later.

By giving everything a home and sticking to a simple maintenance routine, you’ll avoid the frustration of a messy closet returning.

It’s a small effort that ensures your hard work pays off in the long run—and keeps your closet a space you actually enjoy using.

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Watch, How to Declutter Your Kids Room and Keep It Organized

Why Should You Declutter Your Closet?

Opening my closet used to feel like a daily battle. I’d spend 10 minutes digging for my favorite shirt, only to find it wrinkled and buried under a pile of “maybes” and “somedays.

The frustration hit hard one morning when I couldn’t find a jacket I needed for an event.

After 15 frantic minutes and a small mountain of clothes on my bed, I gave up and left wearing something that didn’t even match.

Decluttering isn’t just about tidiness. It’s about making your life easier.

Imagine cutting your morning routine in half because you can actually see what you own and reach it in seconds.

Plus, letting go of what no longer fits or serves you clears more than just space. It clears stress.

Trust me, after I donated 12 unused items last month, I felt lighter and more at peace every time I opened my closet.

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What is the 90/90 Rule?

The 90/90 rule is a simple but powerful guideline to help you decide whether to keep or let go of an item.

It works like this: ask yourself two questions about each item in your closet—have I used or worn this in the last 90 days, and will I use or wear it in the next 90 days?

This rule has been a game-changer for me. I once held onto a blazer for years, thinking I’d wear it “someday,” but when I applied the 90/90 rule, I realized it hadn’t seen the light of day in over a year.

It was taking up valuable space for no reason, so I let it go.

The beauty of the 90/90 rule is that it forces you to think practically instead of emotionally.

If you haven’t used an item in 3 months and don’t plan to use it in the next 3, it’s probably not serving a purpose in your life. This mindset has helped me declutter faster and with less guilt.

Try using this rule as you go through your closet—it simplifies decision-making and ensures you’re only keeping what truly fits your life.

It’s a small change, but it can make a huge impact on how much lighter and more functional your closet feels.

Things That Make Your Closet Look Cluttered

Even after decluttering, certain habits or items can make your closet feel chaotic. Identifying these clutter culprits is key to maintaining a tidy space.

  1. Mismatched Hangers
    Using different types of hangers can make your closet look visually messy. When I switched to all matching hangers, my closet instantly felt more streamlined and organized.
  2. Overstuffed Rods and Shelves
    Packing too many clothes onto hangers or shelves not only looks untidy but also makes it harder to find what you need. I used to jam everything into my closet, but creating some breathing space between items made a huge difference.
  3. Piles of Unfolded Clothes
    Whether it’s in drawers or on shelves, piles of clothes that aren’t properly folded can create visual clutter. Once I started file-folding my T-shirts and neatly stacking my sweaters, everything looked more put-together.
  4. Unorganized Accessories
    Loose scarves, belts, or bags tossed into random corners of the closet can make it feel chaotic. I added a small bin for scarves and hooks for belts, and now they’re always in their place.

By tackling these common issues, you’ll create a closet that feels clean, functional, and easy to maintain.

A little attention to detail goes a long way in keeping clutter at bay.

Decluttering your closet isn’t just about tidying up. It’s about creating a space that feels simple, functional, and stress-free.

I can’t tell you how much lighter I felt after letting go of things I didn’t need and organizing what truly mattered.

Also watch, How to Declutter Your Kitchen Quickly and Effectively

What’s the first step you’re excited to tackle? Whether it’s clearing out those “just in case” items or finally organizing by category, start small and see how quickly the changes add up.

Trust me, your future self will thank you every time you open that closet door!

I'm the author of Happy Home Hour. This is where I provide the latest modern and classic interior designs that will take the appearence of your home to the next level. Happy Home Hour provide you with knowledge about the latest expert interior design tips, room design ideas, storage ideas, home decor and holiday decor ideas. Read More...

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