A tidy, organized closet may seem like a distant dream, especially when home design shows make it look so effortless! In reality, creating a functional and clutter-free space takes a bit of time and elbow grease, but the payoff is worth it—a streamlined closet that works for your lifestyle and feels satisfying every time you open the door.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to transform your closet from chaotic to calm.

Step 1: Empty Your Closet

Start by taking everything out—clothes, shoes, hangers, bins, and anything lingering on the shelves or floor. Completely emptying your closet is the best way to evaluate what you own and envision an organization system that suits your needs.

Pro Tip: Use a “catch-all” basket for random items like coins, hair ties, or old receipts. Don’t stop to deal with these just yet—you’ll handle them later.

When I tackled my closet last year, I found a long-lost scarf and a few mismatched socks hiding in the corner. Pulling everything out was key to uncovering those forgotten items.

Step 2: Clean Every Corner

With your closet completely empty, take this opportunity to give it a deep clean. Dust the shelving, vacuum or mop the floor, and wipe down hanging rods, baseboards, and walls with an all-purpose cleaner. If you’re using bins or baskets, clean those too—they’re likely to have collected their fair share of dust.

Step 3: Declutter and Donate

Now that your closet is clean, it’s time to make some decisions. Sort your belongings into two piles: “keep” and “donate/discard.”

Use the KonMari Method to guide your choices: hold each item and ask, “Does this spark joy?” If it doesn’t, it’s time to let it go.

Struggling to decide? Create a “maybe” bin. Revisit it in a few weeks or months, and if you haven’t missed those items, you can confidently donate or discard them.

A friend of mine created a “maybe” bin for clothes she wasn’t sure about. Three months later, she realized she hadn’t even thought about those items and happily donated them.

Step 4: Sort by Category

With only your joy-sparking items left, sort them into categories like shoes, outerwear, casual clothes, and special occasion items. This step helps you visualize how much space you’ll need for each group. It can also give you one last chance to part with items you no longer love or need.

If your “sweater” pile looks more like a mountain, it might be time to let go of the ones that no longer fit or haven’t been worn in years.

Step 5: Assess Your Storage System

Once your items are categorized, consider whether your current storage system works for you. You don’t need to buy a full custom closet system—a few clever additions like shelf dividers, hooks, or specialty hangers can make a big difference.

Ideas to try:

• Add hooks for bags and scarves.
• Use dividers to keep sweaters from toppling over.
• Invest in over-the-door organizers for accessories.

Step 6: Put Everything Away

Finally, it’s time to put everything back in its rightful place. Arrange your items in a way that makes sense for your daily routine. Keep frequently used pieces within easy reach and store seasonal or special occasion items in labeled bins or storage bags.

Leave some breathing room in your closet to avoid overcrowding. A little negative space keeps things visually organized and easier to maintain.

Bonus Tips to Keep Your Closet Organized

1. Sort by Color or Length: Group similar colours or lengths together for a visually pleasing and easy-to-navigate setup.
2. Revisit How You Fold: Try the file folding method popularized by Marie Kondo—this lets you see all your clothes at a glance when you open a drawer.
3. Invest in Organizers: Use rack tags, vacuum-seal storage bags, and labeled bins to keep everything in its place.
4. Take Advantage of Wall Space: Hang jewelry, belts, or scarves on wall-mounted hooks for easy access.
5. Tidy Often: Prevent clutter buildup by revisiting your closet every month and doing a full organization refresh twice a year.

Quick Decluttering Hacks

• The 12-12-12 Rule: Find 12 items to keep, 12 to donate, and 12 to toss.
• Set a Timer: If you’re short on time, spend 15 minutes focusing on one section of your closet rather than trying to tackle it all at once.
• Clear Your Bedroom First: Ensure your bedroom is clutter-free before you start on your closet. It helps you stay focused and keeps the process organized.

The Reward of a Clutter-Free Closet

An organized closet isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that serves you. Whether it’s rediscovering a favorite pair of boots or finally having enough room to see all your options, a little effort goes a long way.

By following these six steps and maintaining the habit of tidying, you’ll not only enjoy a more functional space but also start each day with a sense of calm and clarity.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab a donation box, and start creating a closet you’ll love opening every single day!