In this article
After a year of lockdown, parts of your home like your kitchen and pantry may need some spring cleaning. Similarly, your bedroom may be in need of a deep clean, and your closet due for a refresh. It's easy to become overwhelmed just thinking about starting this daunting spring cleaning task. If this sounds familiar, here are some spring clean closet tips to help you clear the clutter and get organized once and for all.
How to spring clean your closet
Professional organizer Anna Bauer believes there's a distinct difference between cleaning your closet and organizing it.
1. Remove all items from the closet
Take everything out so you have a clean slate to work with. "To organize is to pull everything out, edit and be intentional with how you set it up in a way that makes sense for you," Bauer advised in a Buzzfeed instructional video. "You want to see space empty so that you can then be able to reimagine it."
2. If it doesn't fit, get rid of it
While you may know you're going to lose those last 10 pounds, it makes no sense to store items that you can't currently use. Get rid of anything that doesn't fit you, you can always repurchase the item or a similar one if you miss it later.
3. Separate your clothes into three piles
Before you begin to put items back into your closet, narrow down what you own by separating your clothes by creating Keep, Donate or Trash piles. The 'trash' pile can include stained items or ones with holes or snags; these items can make great rags for spring cleaning your home.
4. Try this trick if it applies to your lifestyle
Organization professionals suggest this method for cutting down your clothes clutter: Turn the coat hangers around the wrong way in your closet, then replace the items the right way only after you've worn them. After a period of time, everything still facing the wrong way are likely items you won't ever wear.
However, because of the pandemic many of us have been living in t-shirts and lounge pants these last few months, so this option may not work for some. For those preparing to go back to work after lockdown, it may be something to try in the near future.
Organize the closet with these storage solutions
Once you clear out closet shelves and get rid of clothes you no longer want, research closet organizing accessories for ideas to help you organize your closet in a way that fits your lifestyle.
5. Separate your clothing by season
If you live in a region with distinct seasons, it may make sense to rotate out your clothing seasonally. For example, you could store winter sweaters and turtlenecks in vacuum-sealed bags and stow them in an under-bed storage container.
6. Utilize empty wall space for jewelry and accessories
Wall-mounted jewelry armoirs and shelves work well to keep your favorite pieces easily accessible and they won't take up much space if displayed on the wall.
7. Clear dividers keep designer handbags and shoes clean and protected
Clear acrylic dividers help protect handbags by keeping them from scratching or rubbing against other items. Often leather colors transfer to other items — if you don't have the original dust covers for your handbag, shelf dividers can minimize this issue.
Mom Jen Potter swears by clear shoe boxes. "I like them because it keeps the shoes in pairs, dust-free and I don't have to open boxes to find the pair I need," she told Mom.com
Where to donate clothes
After your spring clean closet session, organize your 'keep' pile and repurpose your 'trash' pile. You'll then likely have clothes to donate to charity.
8. Donate your professional clothes to an organization that empowers women
If you're embarking on the work-from-home life permanently as a result of the global pandemic, that power pantsuit in your closet likely won't be seeing much use. Dress for Success is a worldwide charity committed to helping women work toward self-sufficiency. Find a Dress for Success affiliate location near you.
9. Donate clothes without leaving your home
Organizations like Zappos for Good allow you to pack up your unused items; up to 50 lbs. per box, print a prepaid label, and ship donations directly from the comfort of your home.
10. Get rid of clothes and bras to save women from sex-trafficking
Free the Girls collects bras and other clothing items to help survivors earn an income. Free the Girls provides start-up inventory to women in need in developing countries.
Once you've tackled the bedroom closet, it's time to branch out throughout your home. If you've been living in t-shirts and lounge pants for the last twelve months, check out these spring cleaning tips after a year of lockdown.
