Whether you prefer a seasonal or thorough clean, there are a few general tips for cleaning your closet. For the most part, closet decluttering should occur at least twice a year, ideally between the cooler fall and winter months and the warmer spring months. This allows you to donate out-of-season clothing or make room for new, on-trend pieces.
Marie Kondo’s method
Marie Kondo’s method for cleaning closets focuses on eliminating clutter and keeping things in a tidy state. It recommends placing like items together in a designated area, as well as minimizing items. Kondo also suggests having a dialogue with the home as you tidy.
The first step of this method is to clear out everything, including books and papers. Then, you can begin the process of evaluating items one by one and deciding whether they spark joy. This process can be uncomfortable at first, but it’s not as difficult as it sounds.
The next step is to remove items from the closet, starting with the clothes. Often, clothing is less sentimental than other possessions. Clothes can be divided into various categories, including tops, bottoms, jackets, socks, and shoes. This way, the clothes take up minimal space and are easy to access.
After sorting through everything, you can begin organizing them by category. Marie Kondo recommends that you discard or donate items that don’t spark joy. You should also sort items by location or type. This will help you get more organized and make better use of your time. If you don’t have time to sort through each item, you can always delegate the job to a professional.
Another tip for Marie Kondo’s method for cleaning closet is to visualize the life you want to live. By creating a visual, you can determine whether or not certain items are helping you reach those goals. This way, you can decide whether or not to keep some items and discard others.
Minimalism
One way to organize your closet is to practice minimalism. This approach has several advantages. Having fewer items can make you feel liberated, and you can spend less time scrambling in the mornings. It also keeps your space clean and organized. It also makes you less likely to buy things you don’t use.
To achieve minimalism, it’s important to pare down your closet items. You can start by making your closet look aesthetically pleasing by using coordinating hangers. You can also try keeping your items organized by using shelf dividers. Minimalism isn’t a one-time process. It’s something you’ll want to practice at least once a year, for instance during the transition from winter to summer.
Minimalism can also help you free up storage space in your home and mental clutter. It’s also easier to keep your closet clean when you own fewer things. You won’t be stressed out as much as before, since there’s less stuff to dust and maintain.
After completing your closet cleaning, you can organize the clothes in a minimalist fashion. First, you need to sort out your clothes by type. Then, you can decide what to do with the clothes you don’t wear. If you’re unsure, try out your clothes and make outfits using the items you want to keep. Afterwards, you can color-code your clothing and put items that you don’t wear into a separate bag.
Minimalism is not easy, and some people struggle to implement it. For people who collect things and wear them often, it’s a tough task. For these people, it’s best to start slowly. Try adopting the “one-item-out” philosophy and make small changes one at a time.
Mindful donations
A closet clean out can reveal more than just the clothes that you no longer wear. By sorting through your closet, you can also identify items to donate or recycle. Here are a few ideas for making this process a positive one. Let’s start with clothing. Don’t be afraid to donate things that are no longer in good condition.
To make this process sustainable, fill a donation box with items you no longer want or wear. You can choose to donate them to specific people or a local donation center. Getting rid of unnecessary items will also improve your mental clarity. When you declutter your closet, make sure to keep Habit 1 in mind: a new item isn’t necessary for a space in your closet.
Velvet hangers
Velvet hangers are a beautiful way to keep your closet neat and organized. However, they can be tricky to clean. They can get dusty very easily. Luckily, there are some ways to keep them dust-free. One way is to use a damp cloth that has been soaked in vinegar or water. This will saturate the surface of the hanger and will cause the lint to adhere to the cloth. This will make removing the lint from the hanger much easier.
Another tip for keeping your closet tidy is to use a consistent set of hangers. Using the same size of hanger will help your closet look more organized. You may also want to use velvet hangers rather than wooden hangers. These types of hangers are slim and help save space. Also, if your closet has open shelving, you may want to consider purchasing clear shelf dividers. These will help organize your clothing and make the space feel cleaner.
Lastly, when cleaning your closet, remember to always put hangers back. Even if you wear something twice, it is important to put it back in its place. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’ve worn and where it belongs. You may also want to consider getting a shoe shelf to contain your overflowing shoe collection.
Velvet hangers can also help to prevent wrinkles and creases. Another bonus is that they are incredibly stylish and can save space. Velvet hangers make your closet a more beautiful and organized place. You won’t have to spend hours trying to find the perfect outfit and it will be easier to keep everything in its right place.
Budgeting
If you have a small cleaning closet, there are a few things you can do to make your life easier. First, you can use collapsible items. These are perfect for keeping cleaning supplies handy. These items can be stored on a cabinet door or on low-profile hooks. Another great idea is to use clear stacking storage bins to hold miscellaneous items. You can use these to keep brooms and dustpans in one place. Binder clips can also help keep pairs of rubber gloves together.
You can also take advantage of textile recycling programs to keep your closet and your clothing sustainable. You can even turn worn-out clothes into rags for cleaning. If you want more eco-friendly tips, check out this list of 50 eco-friendly ideas. You can also try a “clutter bucket,” which is a convenient way to declutter a closet. You can buy a basket or bin and fill it with items you no longer wear.
When planning to clean your closet, make sure to set aside a designated time to do so. This will help keep you from procrastinating and quitting in the middle of the process. Additionally, make sure to prepare for seasonal changes, especially spring. If you live in a climate that’s inconsistent, your closet can be an obstacle.
