7 Things Cluttering Your Hall Closet That You Should Finally Let Go Of

Reusable Bags (That You'll Never Use)

Those reusable bags that you pick up at every pop-up? They’re cluttering up your closet (big time). “Reusable bags are probably the item that gets most out of hand,” shares Rebecca Sembrano, organizer and owner of the White Label NYC. “People tend to buy them when they're shopping because they always forget them at home or in their car. Bags are so small, but you'd be surprised to learn how many totes people have in their closet and how much space they take.”

Sort through your surplus of bags and choose only to keep the ones you use regularly. Throw away any that are ripped or stained, and donate the others to a local thrift store. Food pantries and community kitchens may also take them as donations to help folks easily transport their goods home.

Outerwear That Hasn't Been Worn in Two Years

It’s time for an outerwear audit. "If it hasn’t been worn in two years or through two full seasons of that item," says professional organizer Kimberly Cheesman, "it's time to let it go."

And for those with kids, pay close attention to the sizing of the items hanging in your hall closet. "If you’re the parent of a growing child, anything more than two years old probably doesn’t fit anymore," points out Kenna Lee, founder of Calm Spaces. "Check shoes, sports equipment, and outerwear for sizing and donate anything that doesn’t fit."

Single Gloves, Socks, and Shoes

If you reached for a pair of gloves but only came back with one in your hand, you’re amongst good company. Priestly says she sees mismatched gloves frequently during client closet clean-outs (say that three times fast), and there isn't much reason to hold on to the stags. The same goes for lonely socks and shoes: If there’s just one in the closet—and you can’t find the other for the life of you—it’s time to toss. 

"Someday" Items

Hall closets seem to be the frequent drop zone for "someday" items (AKA the things you hold onto just in case). "There is something called the 'Someday Syndrome' that keeps people from being able to let go of items they no longer need," explains Cathy Orr, organizer and cofounder of The Uncluttered Life. "They worry that they will need something, but as they say, 'someday never comes.'"

Orr suggests following the 20-20 rule: "If you can replace an item in twenty minutes and/or for under $20, then it’s okay to let it go if you no longer need it."

Flimsy Hangers

Your plastic hangers might be creating clutter without you realizing it. “Another thing to remember is that coats are heavy and it’s important to use hangers that can support their weight,” notes Orr.

Swap out weak wire or plastic hangers for matching sturdy wooden or velvet options that maintain structure and prevent coats from slipping. Not only will your closet look neater and more cohesive, but your outerwear will also stay in better condition.

Frayed Linens Past Their Prime

If your hallway closet contains your household linens, take stock of your inventory. Eliminate the frayed tablecloths, sheets, and linen napkins that no longer look presentable and recycle them elsewhere around the house. (Find creative ideas here!) You can also donate duplicate bedding sets and extra blankets, keeping only what your family and any overnight guests realistically need.

Excess Umbrellas

You never have an umbrella when you need one, and always seem to have too many when organizing your hall closet. If you have an excess of umbrellas, edit your collection down to just one or two—ideally, a larger, sturdy umbrella and another that's compact and can easily fit in a bag when collapsed. Other working umbrellas can be donated, and any that are broken or mangled should be thrown out ASAP.