9 Simple Steps for Paring Down Your Clothes for a Clutter-Free Closet

You deserve to live an unburdened life, and decluttering your closet is a big step in that direction. But the decluttering process has its own unique brand of overwhelm. To make it all more manageable, we asked organizing experts to break it down into just a handful of steps.

"A well-organized closet is like a supportive best friend," shares Katy Wells, host of The Maximized Minimalist podcast. "It makes your life easier and boosts your confidence every single day." Here's how to get rid of clothes and declutter your closet for streamlined space that stays that way. (It's all easier than it sounds—promise.)

How to Declutter Your Closet

A freshly organized closet can be an incredible time-saver. With everything in its place and space to breathe, you'll be able to quickly grab whatever you need and head out the door.

Follow these expert tips to declutter (and maintain) all of your home's closets.

1. Gather your supplies. Set in place four receptacles (boxes, trash bags, or bins) for four categories: donate, trash, store, and maybe. Label them to streamline the process. Reserve a spot for your 'keep' pile of items that'll go back into your closet.
2. Set a time limit. This will provide motivation, helping ensure the task gets completed, says professional organizer Barbara Brock.
3. Empty your closet. Pull everything out, working section by section (tops, bottoms, shoes, etc.). You need to know what you have, so it's helpful to have everything removed and laid out.
4. Set category limits. Assign space for items (like one shelf for loungewear) and use that as your guideline to prevent overflow.
5. Review each item. Do not belabor the decision. Lift, look, assess, and place each garment or item quickly into its appropriate destination. Then move on to the next. Repeat until each item from each section has been evaluated. (To simplify decision-making, we've listed a series of questions to ask yourself below.)
6. Reconsider your 'maybe' pile. Go item by item, and swiftly place each one into its appropriate spot.
7. Fill your closet. While still empty, clean the space of any accumulated dust and debris. Then, add your remaining wardrobe pieces back into the closet in their appropriate section, organizing by color, category, or style as you go. 
8. Don't let your rejects linger. Donate or toss whatever didn't make the cut ASAP. Move the items you're storing, including seasonal items. "Edit and remove your out-of-season wardrobe when it is time, including shoes, belts, and other small accessories," advises Brock. "This will help you in dressing for the season."
9. Do regular clutter audits. When getting dressed, use that moment to identify just one item that no longer serves you, recommends Wells. Use a visual reminder, like a small note or prompt inside your closet, reading "Does this item support the life I’m living now?"

How to Get Rid of Clothes: Questions to Ask Yourself When Decluttering

A decluttered closet provides not only ample space to store your clothes, but peace of mind. “It’s like stepping into your own personal boutique: curated, intentional, and uniquely yours,” says Wells. “Just clothes that work for you and the life you’re living now.”

Avoid decision fatigue by asking yourself this series of easy questions each time you're deciding whether to toss or keep an item.

1. Have I had the opportunity to wear this in the past six months? (If you’ve had the chance but chose not to, that’s a strong signal to let it go, says Wells.)
2. Would I be excited to wear this tomorrow?
3. Does this reflect the season of life I’m in right now? Or am I keeping it for a past or "someday" version of me? 
4. Should this item be stored for next season?
5. Is this item too worn and beat up to wear comfortably or appropriately?
6. Do I feel good—physically and emotionally—when I wear this?
7. If I saw this in a store today, would I buy it again?
8. Am I ever really going to wear this again?

Common Items to Get Rid of

With all of the sentimental attachments we accrue to material possessions, it’s no wonder it's hard to let things go. Ahead are items you can get rid of without any mental heavy-lifting. 

• Anything ripped, torn, or just a little too loved (especially shoes, socks, and t-shirts)
• Heavily knotted jewelry that isn't worth detangling
• Out-of-style items you know you will never wear again
• Items that no longer fit or feel flattering
• Single socks
• Anything that brings negative emotions
• Items that carry a strong unpleasant smell
• Empty boxes