5 Easy Steps to Deep Clean Your Closet
I have a hard time getting rid of things. I always think I may need it one day—but there comes a point in life where too much stuff becomes overwhelming and almost suffocating. I am at that point. Every closet in my home needs to be decluttered. I need to simplify and organize my life and since closets are little, I thought I’d start there.
It’s amazing how much stuff can accumulate in a small area. I had really let my closet go and my husband commented saying it had reached an all-time low. In my defense, it’s spring in Utah which means some days are warm and others are snowing. I never know what I am going to wear. Just this weekend, I had to pull out my long winter coat to watch a soccer game. Plus, the light bulbs had burned out and I can’t reach them. I knew my husband wouldn’t change them for me until I got rid of the chaos that was my closet.
Step 1—Pull Out Everything
Take every last thing out of your closet and I mean everything! Believe me, this has to be done. I tried just taking out half, but in order to really clean things out, you need to move everything. Take out every hanger, sock, bag and belt. Your room may look like a huge disaster but things are always worse before they get better, right?
Step 2—Wipe Down the Closet
It’s amazing how much dust and dirt can pile up in that little space. My closet has hardwood floors and the amount of dust bunnies was incredible. But before you worry about the floor, wipe down any shelves in your closet. Again, the amount of dust will amaze you if you don’t do this on a regular basis (which I don’t, so maybe that’s why mine was so bad). Next, vacuum or sweep the floor of your closet. This step is pretty easy especially when you remove everything.
Step 3—Only Put Back What You Love
As you start putting clothes and other items back, ask yourself “Do I really want this?” You can follow Marie Kondo’s advice and ask “Does this bring me joy?” Whatever question you choose to ask yourself, make sure you only put the item back into your closet if you honestly think you will use it. If you haven’t worn it in the last year, chances are you won’t wear it anytime soon. If you need to, try it on and see how it makes your feel. Be honest with yourself and only keep clothes you feel good in and clothes you think make you look cute.
Make piles of everything you don’t want to keep. Donate them or have a garage sale—but whatever you do, if you don’t love it, don’t put it back into your closet!
Step 4—Find Clever Ways to Use Your Space
Using your space wisely and creatively helps maximize organization. I have a lot of space to hang things (more space than I need) so I use that space for shoes. If you have some tall heels, consider hanging them on the bar or adding a piece of modeling to prop them on the wall. Boots can also be hung using skirt hangers.
Don’t forget to utilize that space on the back side of your door! I hang my jackets there, but it’s also a good place for hats, belts and shoes.
Step 5—Put Things Back Orderly
Having sections helps keep things orderly and makes them easy to find. Do whatever works for you. Some organize by color, I like to organize by sleeve length. Keeping skirts and dresses in one section makes sense to me. I have workout clothes on a shelf and my biking helmet with sunglasses and gloves in a spot that’s easy to grab before heading out for a ride.
Now that your closet is nice and clean, keep it that way by putting things away. I find myself in too much of a hurry often times just throwing things on the shelf. If I just took the minute it takes to hang a shirt back up where it belongs, or to put that pair of shoes back, then my closet wouldn’t get so out of control. That’s more than I can say about many things in life. It’s amazing how a thing as simple as a clean closet can help you feel like you can conquer the world—or at least the day.