Do you feel that a closet declutter is going to take too long and you are already stretched to the limit? You don’t have to do a full closet re-organize in one session, you can break this down and still manage to get something done. I will show you how to declutter your closet fast so that you have time to do the things you want to do.
Getting the right storage options for you and your clothes are just as important as spending time decluttering. These tips for clothes storage might just change your mind on how you organize your closet too.
I know we all have busy schedules and sometimes the last thing on your list is to sort out your clothes. But it doesn’t have to be like that, 10 minutes a few times a week in the beginning, especially if you have a lot of clothes. Then it’s just maintaining the space and ensuring you are decluttering your closet as you go about your normal weekly tidy.
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Set Time Limits, Not Loft Goals
When you have a goal, you often get this expectation that something great is going to happen between now and then to make this goal happen. Often, goals are left untouched because you haven’t put any plans in place on what you are going to do.
This causes procrastination and you get disheartened because you haven’t done anything towards your goal of decluttering your closet.
Instead, set a timer for 5 minutes and see what you can do, just starting is the main problem and once you start you will beat back any negative talk because you have started.
5 minutes isn’t going to cause you overwhelm and you have done something towards decluttering your closet. Look at your plans for the next few days and see when you can spend another 5 minutes on decluttering.
It’s more about building consistency into your day than planning the goal. Any time spent decluttering is important and those 5 minute sessions can add up over the week and you will actually get something done.
Quick Wins To Kickstart Your Closet Declutter
You know there are items in your closet that can fit in at least one of these categories and that means you don’t need time to think about anything and you can just get them out of your closet right now.
- Out-of-season clothing
- Items that don’t fit
- Stained, stretched or damaged items
- Clothes that are just so uncomfortable that you avoid them
Getting rid of any of these items out of your closet is a quick win and not only will you have more space in there but your will feel good about what you have done in a very short time.
Yes / No / Maybe: The Simplest Way To Decide
This isn’t about encouraging you to keep something, but more about the instincts that kick in with the yes and no categories.
You aren’t overthinking about the decisions and you are creating piles of clothes that you can go through in more detail. The no categories can either be sold or donated and this gets them out of your home fast you can even have a set donation bag in your closet.
The yes items are going back in your closet, but those maybe items are the place that you start next time. Maybe you have forgotten how they feel when you try them on, maybe they have sentimental value and you aren’t ready to let go just yet.
Don’t Turn Decluttering Into A Try-On Session
The sessions where you try everything on is going to take forever, and it will mean a massive mess that you need to sort out, often when you are exhausted.
It’s about asking simple questions when you look at an item.
- Would I wear this today, this week?
- Have I worn this in the last year?
- Would I buy this again?
Only once you have answered these questions and you are still unsure with if you want to keep the item then put this in your try on later pile.
I try on an item when I am not in a rush and I have a spare 5 minutes, normally at the beginning of the day. It’s simple, it’s quick and I have a clear mind.
One-Category Closet Declutter
When you are just randomly decluttering your closet it can lead to confusion as to where you are, but also it’s not going to give you those quick wins when you are completing one category at a time.
Categories also allow you to see when you have multiples and you can get rid of things easier if you know what you have.
Category based decluttering can make you feel more in control and actually getting somewhere.
Ideas of categories include:
- T-shirts
- Shirts
- Trousers
- Shoes
- Underwear
- Pullovers
Use a Donation Bag For Fast Results
A pile of clothes can easily end up back in your closet because you don’t know where else to put it.
If you have a donation bag there ready you can easily put things inside and you know what needs to happen to the bag, you either list items for sale or donate to a charity shop.
Don’t second guess yourself, even when you are listing things for sale, think of the extra money you can make rather than second guessing yourself if you are going to wear the item again.
Avoid Decluttering Burnout
When you are decluttering you really put a lot of effort into mentally making decisions and thinking about the items you own.
Maybe you feel:
- emotional attachment
- memories associated with items
- Decision fatigue from too many choices
- Feeling guilty about letting go
Setting a time limit is important, especially when you are just setting out, for a start you don’t want to empty your entire closet and then run out of steam. It also allows you to fit decluttering into a normal day, you don’t need to do everything in one go.
Decluttering can be mentally draining due to decision fatigue, which is why short, focused sessions are often more effective.
Celebrate when you have finished your session, don’t feel guilty that you ‘only did’ 10 minutes, celebrate because you did those 10 minutes.
5-Minute Closet Reset
It’s important, even after you have completed the decluttering that you take action each week to maintain your closet. It can be as simple as:
- Fix your hangers
- Remove and item that you’ve decided you don’t like
- Tidy a shelf
- Take an image of the item you are thinking of selling
These small tasks make a difference in your closet and it keeps the momentum going to take care of the decluttering just as frequently as you do your cleaning.
You Don’t Need A Free Weekend To Declutter Your Closet
Decluttering is a process, not a one-time project. Start with just one section or a 5-minute session today, that’s enough to make a difference. Celebrate your progress, not perfection, and keep the momentum going.
Need a little extra help? Grab a donation bag, pick one category, and commit to your first short session. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your closet starts to feel lighter and more organized.
Need more help with your closet or general decluttering check out these articles.