5 Easy Steps to Organize Your Closet in 2022

No intro jargon. You're here to change your closet game. Let's do this!

Step 1: Prepare to Declutter

Time, Space, Body and Mindset

Time: Make time to do the thing! You want it, you gotta prioritize to actually do it. Pick a time of day when your brain is fresh, rooster or night owl. Aim for no distractions, whatever that means for you, carve out the time to focus. It might take 2 or more sessions to get the job done, so plan for that by divvying up the task into categories, like "tanks", "dresses", "heels", etc. Have a stopping point mapped out so you don't climb the mountain in one day if it's massive.
Space: Prep your workspace. Typically a bed or folding table near the closet or room is great, especially for your back stamina as you work. "Workspace" in decluttering is a place used to move your items out in the open to see them. Prep box(es) or bag(s) for "Donate", "Trash" or "Textile Recycle", "Friends/Family", "Sell" (if that is worth it to you).
Body: Feed and Water yourself before you begin and have snacks and water at the ready as you work. Try to avoid late nights or heavy drinking the day before you declutter. You want clarity!
Mindset: Remember WHY you want to do this declutter. Envision the ease and pride of decluttering this space. It will be wonderful and you can do it. Prepare your mind to counter the thoughts that hold you back, thoughts like "I spent a lot of money on that" or "I would like to fit into that someday". The money was spent when you bought the item, not when you got rid of it. You deserve clothes that fit your body now.

Step 2: Release the Beast!

Take Everything out of the Closet

Can't tackle the task in one session? No worries. Pull out a chunk of items from one section to start. Some people work in order across the space, from left to right, top to bottom. Others need to start with the floor to even get into the space. Doesn't matter, JUST START somewhere. No wrong answers here.
Sort: Separate your items into categories to work. By item-type works best for many.
Take in the shame: It probably looks like a lot of stuff. You might feel overwhelmed. It's okay. We swim upstream in a culture that pushes us to buy, buy, buy. It's okay that the stuff is here, and it will feel even better when it is gone.

Step 3: Declutter

Be a ruthless editor of your stuff. No one else will be that for you.

Ask Questions: Be deeply honest! Trust that your home is so much calmer without excess.
What do I need in my closet to live my life?
Do I even like this?
Do I accept my body as it is now? If not, will my body change in the next few months due to medical changes or committed weight change? (Accepting where you are now is a gamechanger. Love yourself today.)
Is this 100% comfortable? No itching? Tugging? Bunching? Falling straps? No blisters? No skin irritation? Unplanned See-through?
Am I only keeping this to get the approval of others?
Do I feel beautiful in this?
What is "enough" for the quantity of this in my wardrobe? etc.

Toss items into your boxes/bags from prep based on donating, recycling, etc. "Keep" items can pile up cozy in a corner of the room or on the bed, away from the "Let Go" items.

Step 4: Let Go and Regroup

Simplify the room. Get those "Let Go" items out of your visual area so you can see your "Keeps".

Move the stuff to your car to donate(Lord, that could sit for a while), or to another room to deal with later. Just get it out of your workspace and closet area.
Regroup your "Keep" items by category (Tanks, shorts, pants, dresses, heels, gym pants, etc.)
Give your closets surfaces and floors a good clean.

Step 5: Place and Organize Items with Organization Tools.

Lots of techniques and options here. Customize based on your needs.

Declutter before you buy org items, to truly assess what you actually need.
Feel free to move items around in your closet to feel out what flow works best for your life.
Life changes, so do your needs. Edit out items and reassess to keep your closet clutter-free.
Prop Tip: Cutting out clothes shopping will change your life. Shop intentionally based on your needs, not as a hobby or stress-reliever.
Donate those unneeded items as soon as you can! It feels fabulous to get that stuff out of your house.

Top 5 Things to Organize a Closet

Images are linked for easier shopping

Clothes Hangers: Velvet or Wood

Matching hangers can transform the look of your closet. I like velvet hangers for a non-slip grip, gentleness on clothes, and they have a thin profile to save space. Wood hangers have a more refined look, last ages, and are excellent for heavier pieces like jackets.

Baskets!

Boundaries are great in personal life and closets. Set up some compartments to keep items grouped together without tumbling to the floor in stacks on shelves. Natural fibers are often the more sustainable material choice and they look clean and cozy.

Shoe Rack

Give your shoes a designated parking spot instead of a pile. Helps you see what you have and you'll utilize the vertical storage opportunity in your closet.

Drawer Organizers

The #1 tool to keep your smaller items tidy. Think socks in a section, underwear section, tights, bras, camis, scarves, belts, etc.

Garment Bags

To keep your seasonal coats or special occasion clothing dust-free and moth-free. I prefer to pair 2-3 similar items in a garment bag on their individual hangers. Garment bags are also travel-ready and they streamline the look in your closet.

You got this!

Rooting for you and I'm here if you have any questions.

- Michelle Gersten

Transparency: The items linked above are Amazon affiliate links, which means that I earn a tiny cash percent, at no additional cost to you, if you utilize and purchase through these links. I'm a conscientious consumer and a clutter coach. Not anti-stuff, just anti-stuff that you don't actually need. I've researched and tested specific items and found them to be supportive for my clients on a mission to declutter and simplify their homes.