Opening my closet used to feel like a battle I had already lost.
It was a chaotic mix of clothes from different stages of my life. There were things I hadn't worn in years, things that didn't fit, and things that just didn't feel like "me" anymore. Honestly, it was more than just a mess. It was a physical reminder of the clutter in my own life—the bad habits, the lack of discipline, and the feeling of being stuck.
A huge part of that mess was the wardrobe I kept from when I was over 110 pounds heavier. Every time I saw those old clothes, it was a strange mix of emotions. Part of me held onto them out of fear. What if I gained the weight back? But another part of me knew that holding onto them was holding me back. Letting go of those clothes wasn't just about making space. It was about closing a chapter and fully embracing the new life I was building. It was a small win, but it was powerful.
Taking control of that small, cluttered space became a symbol for taking control of my life. If I could bring order to this closet, I could bring order to other things too. It all starts with one small step.
The First Step: The Great Purge
Before you can organize anything, you have to be honest about what you actually own. This is the hardest part, but it’s the most important. Set aside a couple of hours, put on some music, and pull everything out. Yes, everything. Create three piles: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Trash.
Be ruthless. Ask yourself:
- Have I worn this in the last year?
- Does it fit me right now?
- Does it make me feel good?
- If I saw this in a store today, would I buy it?
If the answer to most of these is no, it’s time to let it go. Don’t keep things out of guilt or for a "someday" that never comes. Freeing up that space is freeing up your mind.
12 Hacks for Lasting Closet Efficiency
Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, you can start building a system that actually works. Here are the simple hacks that changed everything for me.
-
The One-Year Rule. This is your new best friend. If you haven't worn an item in a full calendar year, it’s time for it to find a new home. Seasons change, and if it didn’t make the cut in a whole year, it probably won’t next year either.
-
The Hanger Trick. This is genius. At the beginning of the year, turn all the hangers in your closet so the hook faces outward (the wrong way). When you wear an item, put it back with the hanger facing the correct way. After six months or a year, you’ll have a clear visual of what you never touch.
-
One In, One Out. To prevent future clutter, adopt this simple rule. Every time you buy a new piece of clothing, one old piece has to go. This keeps your closet at a manageable level and forces you to be more intentional with your purchases.
-
Use Matching Hangers. This sounds small, but it makes a huge difference. Using uniform, slim hangers (I like the velvet ones) instantly makes your closet look organized and cohesive. They also save a surprising amount of space compared to bulky plastic or wooden ones.
-
Group Like with Like. Don’t just throw things in there. Create categories. All your T-shirts go together. All your jeans go together. You can even take it a step further and organize by color within each category. You’ll find what you need in seconds.
-
Fold Sweaters and Heavy Items. Hanging heavy sweaters can stretch them out and ruin their shape. Fold them and place them on a shelf instead. It’s better for the clothes and frees up valuable hanging space.
-
Think Vertically. Most of us have unused space above our hanging rods or below our clothes. Install an extra shelf or use hanging closet organizers with cubbies. These are perfect for shoes, bags, or folded clothes.
-
Use the Back of the Door. That door is prime real estate. Install an over-the-door shoe rack or a set of hooks. It’s a great spot for scarves, belts, bags, or the outfit you’re planning to wear the next day.
-
The Seasonal Swap. If you have limited space, don’t let your winter coats take over in July. Get some under-bed storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags and store your off-season clothes. This will give your current wardrobe room to breathe.
-
Give Everything a Home. Your closet isn't a storage unit. Belts should have a hook. Scarves should have a rack. Don’t just toss accessories on the floor or a chair. When everything has a designated spot, cleaning up is quick and easy.
-
Create a "Fix It" Box. We all have that shirt with a missing button or pants that need to be hemmed. Instead of letting them take up space in your closet, put them in a designated box or basket. Once a month, go through the box and either fix the items or get rid of them.
-
The 5-Minute Reset. You don’t need to deep clean your closet every week. Just take five minutes at the end of the day to put things back where they belong. Hang up the jacket you wore. Put your shoes on the rack. This tiny habit prevents the mess from ever getting out of control again.
Creating an efficient closet isn’t about having a perfect, magazine-worthy space. It’s about creating a small pocket of peace in your home. It’s about honoring the things you have by taking care of them. And it’s about making your daily life just a little bit easier so you can focus on the things that truly matter.
So, what’s one small part of your closet you can tackle today? Just one shelf? One drawer? Start there. You’ll be amazed at how one small win can build into something much bigger.
