If you’ve seen the new Netflix hit ‘Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,’ you may be feeling an urge to purge.  But even if you have the desire to declutter, it’s not always clear how you should proceed.

So, here at Modular Closets, we’ve put together this helpful guide to help you break down the decluttering process into 5 simple steps:

1. Put it in your schedule

One of the best ways to make sure you will finally get organized is to set aside time in your schedule.

Ideally, you will want to block out 5 hours for this task.  It probably won’t take that long, but it’s better to give yourself extra time if needed.  Let everyone know that you will be unavailable for anything else during these 5 hours.   And don’t forget to put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode so there will be no distractions and no excuses.

2. Remove everything from the closet and pile it on the bed

You’ll want to begin the decluttering process by taking every item out of your closet.  Yes, every item.

As you’ll be sorting through your wardrobe, you also want to make sure to gather up any other clothing you may be stored elsewhere.  So, if you have coats in an entryway closet or seasonal wear packed up in an attic, add them to the pile so they will also go through the sorting process. Now is also a good time to make sure all your items are washed.  Unless you’re going to throw an item in the trash, make sure it is clean.

3. Sort your wardrobe

Divide your wardrobe into broad categories that make sense for what you own.

For example, you may put together: Suits, Dress Tops, T-Shirts, Skirts, Pajamas, etc. At this point, you don’t yet have to worry about what to keep. Just focus on sorting what you own.

4. Make a decision on every item

Once you’ve sorted through your entire wardrobe, it’s time to make a decision to Keep, Sell, Donate, or Toss each item. 

In order to decide, consider how each item makes you feel.  Do you feel beautiful, strong, or sexy in that outfit?  Are you excited to wear it?  If an item brings back bad memories, makes you feel frumpy, or “needs work” in order for you to wear it, now is the time to just let it go. 

Pro Tip: start the decision process with the category containing the smallest number of items so you get a quick win and sense of momentum.  Also, don’t forget to take a 15-minute snack break midway through so you can re-charge.

5. Sell or donate unwanted items right away

Once you’ve decided which items you will sell or donate, you don’t want to leave them hanging around the house. It will be too easy for them to end up back in your closet.

So, put the items you will donate in your car right away so you can bring them to a local goodwill or donation center tomorrow if not today.  If you’ll be selling items online, leave them in a different room for now and put up your listings ASAP.

Now, you have a streamlined wardrobe, ideally made up of only items you love and will wear. As you get ready to put everything back, now is the time to consider your closet layout.  Do you have enough shelves, drawers, and hanging rods so that your wardrobe can be beautifully displayed and easily kept organized?

If not, you may want to consider a custom closet system. Here at Modular Closets, our modular solution to the custom closet allows us to offer quality plywood closet systems at an affordable price.  We’ll even give you a free closet design!

Check us out online!