Declutter Your Closet: The Minimalist Approach

Do you feel overwhelmed when you have to select what to wear? Do you feel like you have so many clothes and yet nothing to wear? Welcome to the era of over-consumerism. The ease of buying merchandise as and when we like it, even from the comfort of our beds, while scrolling through the countless apps and social media has made it impossible to avoid the lure of buying excess. Ironically, we don’t even realize how much we have until we have nothing to wear.

Most of us are aware of the 80/20 rule, which states that we only use 20% of our wardrobe. Why then have we blown our hard-earned money on the remaining 80% is a question beyond the scope of this article. Let’s focus on the 20%. How big is the 20% in your wardrobe? Does the notion of emptying out your wardrobe on to your bed and rearranging it fill you with dread? Are you terrified of putting your laundered clothes in your closet for the fear of something toppling over or causing an avalanche of clothes? It might be time to reassess your closet.

Minimalism is not for the faint of the heart, and yet, once you’ve taken a few steps into this journey, the idea of reverting to anything else will make you shudder. The freedom gained from seeing “negative” or empty spaces in your closet will fill you with a sense of lightness like no other. Packing for trips becomes easier, traveling becomes lighter (more on that later), even dressing up becomes the glam-up play it is supposed to be. If you’ve ever read the poem, “The Dressing Room,” you will know exactly how arduous the task is of putting oneself together, and then putting the room back together after you’ve returned from playing dress-up. Minimalism helps reduce (not eliminate) the scene portrayed in the poem.

A messy closet can feel overwhelming, but it’s a common problem with a straightforward solution. If your closet feels disorganized or overcrowded, it might be time for a reset. Here’s how to tackle it step by step:

1. Assess the Situation

  • Take Inventory: Open your closet and take a good look. Are items crammed together? Are there clothes you forgot you owned?
  • Identify the Problem Areas: Is it an issue of too much stuff, poor organization, or a combination of both?

2. Empty Your Closet

  • Clear Everything Out: Remove all items from your closet. Seeing the empty space can give you a fresh perspective.
  • Categorize Items: Sort clothing into categories like tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and accessories.

3. Declutter Ruthlessly

  • Use the 80/20 Rule: Most people wear only 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time. Focus on keeping items you love and wear regularly.
  • Ask Key Questions:
    • Does this fit me well?
    • Do I feel good wearing it?
    • Have I worn this in the past year?
    • Does this align with my current lifestyle?
  • Create Piles: Separate items into keep, donate, sell, and recycle piles.

4. Clean the Closet Space

  • Wipe Down Surfaces: Dust shelves, vacuum the floor, and clean any mirrors.
  • Check Lighting: Replace bulbs or install better lighting to make your closet feel brighter and more inviting.

5. Organize Strategically

  • Use Matching Hangers: Uniform hangers create a tidy and cohesive look.
  • Group Similar Items Together: Arrange clothing by category, color, or season for easy access.
  • Maximize Space: Use organizers, bins, and hooks for items like shoes, scarves, and bags. Consider space-saving tools like under-bed storage for off-season items.

6. Rotate Seasonally

  • Store Off-Season Clothing: Pack away items not suited for the current season to keep your closet clutter-free.
  • Reevaluate Regularly: At the start of each season, assess your wardrobe to ensure it still fits your needs.

7. Maintain the System

  • Adopt a One-In, One-Out Rule: For every new item you bring in, remove one to avoid overcrowding.
  • Commit to Weekly Tidying: Spend a few minutes each week straightening your closet to keep it organized.

A clean and organized closet isn’t just visually pleasing—it makes dressing up faster and more enjoyable. Plus, it ensures that every piece you own truly adds value to your wardrobe. Ready to transform your closet?