This Simple Hanger Trick Helps You Clear Out Clothes You Don’t Wear

No matter how thoughtfully you shop, closets have a way of accumulating items that don’t (or are no longer) earning their place. But how do you know what to keep and what to let go? Enter the reverse hanger method—a surprisingly simple, nearly effortless trick that has become a tired-and-true way to identify and differentiate between the clothes you actually wear and the ones you don’t. It requires no complicated systems, just a small adjustment in how you put away your laundry. Over time, it’ll reveal exactly what belongs in your wardrobe and what’s ready for a second life at the thrift shop.

What Is the Reverse Hanger Trick?

That jacket you swore would be perfect for that in-between slightly chilly weather, the dress you bought for a single event, the pair of jeans you’re hoping go back in style—they all take up valuable real estate in your closet. The reverse hanger trick is an easy way to make these outliers stand out.

The concept is straightforward: Instead of hanging your clothes the usual way, hang them backwards. (For most, this means with the open end of the hanger facing you.) Each time you wear an item and return it to your closet, hang it the “normal” way.

After a set amount of time—say, three or six months—you’ll have a clear visual of which clothes you’ve actually worn and which have gone untouched. There’s no need to rely on memory or gut instinct about what you last wore. Your hangers tell the story for you.

Why It Works

A tired-and-true decluttering trick, the reverse hanger method has been gaining a renewed following on TikTok and other social media, where users applaud how it can streamline the process of clearing out your closet. "This will help you see what you're wearing and help you decide what items go," home organizing TikToker @thisgirlcanorganise says of the method. And @ chelseyhome_ particularly recommends it to visual learners.

The question of exactly what to declutter is typically the most overwhelming aspect of the practice: Pondering whether you’ll eventually wear a particular garment can seriously derail closet clean-outs. But the reverse hanger method removes that mental tug-of-war. Instead of asking yourself, “Will I wear this?” you’re showing yourself, over time, whether you really do.

It also builds accountability. Clothes that remain stubbornly hung backward serve as a gentle nudge and reminder that they aren’t serving much of a purpose. And when you see just how many garments fall into that category, it’s easier to part ways.

How to Use the Reverse Hanger Method in Your Closet

The reverse hanger method is a low-effort, high-reward way to cut through closet clutter and streamline your wardrobe. So the next time you open your closet, bracing for an hours-long clean-out, don’t start by emptying it out onto your bed. Instead, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Start Fresh

Start by flipping all your hangers backward. This act resets your closet, giving every garment a fair chance at making it as a permanent member of your wardrobe. Decide how long you want to wait before you evaluate the results—you'll want to give it at least 60 days.

Step 2: Wear and Flip

Each time you wear, launder, and return an item to your closet, re-hang it the "right" way. Over time, your closet will visually separate into two categories: clothes you wear regularly and clothes that never make the cut (the ones with hangers still flipped backwards).

Step 3: Take Stock

At the end of the timeline you've set for yourself, take stock. Items still hanging backward are pieces you likely don’t need to keep.

Meanwhile, the clothes that are hung “correctly” are the staples you feel most comfortable in and have reached for time and again. This can give some helpful insight on your personal style moving forward!

Step 4: Make Thoughtful Decisions

Go through the unworn items. Some may be formal attire that serves a purpose but doesn’t get frequent wear—but most will be everyday pieces that simply aren’t part of your rotation anymore. These are the ones ready to be decluttered.

It's best to get them out of the closet ASAP. Resist the urge to continue hanging onto them “just in case.” Instead, give them a thoughtful second life. Donate gently worn items to local charities, resell higher-end pieces, or recycle textiles that are past their prime.