It started innocently enough. I opened my closet to grab a shirt, and—boom—an avalanche of clothes rained down like my wardrobe was personally offended. That’s when I knew: it was time. Time to declutter the beast.
What followed was a weekend of chaos, questionable fashion choices, and eventually, a closet that actually made sense. If you’ve been putting off your own closet purge, let me walk you through what I learned (and yes, I survived to tell the tale).
Step 1: The Brutal Emptying
I took everything out. Every. Single. Thing. The pile on my bed looked like a thrift store exploded. My first reaction was: Do I really own this much stuff? My second: No wonder I can never find anything.
👉 Tip: You can’t organize what you don’t see. Pulling it all out forces you to face reality.
Step 2: The “Why Do I Own This?” Pile
There was a sequined shirt I wore once (to a karaoke night in 2017). Jeans that hadn’t fit since before the pandemic. Shoes so uncomfortable I’d rather walk barefoot on gravel.
👉 Tip: If you haven’t worn it in a year, or if the thought of wearing it makes you cringe, it’s time to let go.
Step 3: Sorting with Rules (Not Feelings)
I made four piles:
- Keep (I love it, I wear it, it fits).
- Donate (still in good condition, but not for me).
- Sell (items with real resale value).
- Trash (worn-out socks, shirts with armpit holes… you get it).
👉 Tip: Feelings are sneaky. Stick to rules instead of “maybe someday” excuses.
Step 4: Organizing What’s Left
When the dust settled, I had about half my original wardrobe. I folded, hung, and organized by type (shirts, pants, jackets). Suddenly, I could see everything without digging.
👉 Tip: Matching hangers and clear bins make even a small closet feel luxe.
Step 5: The Aftermath
Here’s the funny thing: I didn’t miss the clothes I got rid of. In fact, I felt lighter—like I’d just dropped 20 pounds of stress. Getting dressed in the morning became… easy.
Decluttering your closet isn’t just about clothes. It’s about letting go of old versions of yourself, freeing up mental space, and actually enjoying the things you do keep.
So, if your closet is groaning under the weight of “someday outfits,” take a weekend and tackle it. You’ll survive. And your mornings will thank you.
