Introduction
Is your closet bursting with clothes you haven’t worn in years, shoes you can’t find, or random things you forgot you even owned? You’re not alone! Learning how to clean out your bedroom closet can feel overwhelming at first—but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for your bedroom, your mind, and your daily routine. A decluttered closet makes it easier to find what you love, reduces stress when getting dressed, and keeps your bedroom feeling peaceful and organized. This step-by-step guide will help you tackle your closet once and for all.
Why a Clean Closet Matters
Your bedroom closet is prime real estate. When it’s overflowing with unused clothes or clutter, it eats up valuable space and mental energy. A clean closet helps you see what you really have, makes getting dressed quicker, and creates a sense of calm every time you open the door. Plus, you’ll make room for the clothes and accessories you actually love—and maybe even rediscover forgotten favorites!
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Out Your Bedroom Closet
1. Set Aside Time and Gather Supplies
Decluttering your closet takes focus—don’t rush it.
- Pick a day or block out a few hours when you won’t be interrupted.
- Gather bins or bags for items you want to donate, sell, or toss.
- Have a cleaning cloth or vacuum handy to wipe shelves and floors as you go.
2. Take Everything Out
Yes, everything!
- Remove every piece of clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories from your closet.
- Lay items on your bed or a clean floor.
- Seeing it all at once helps you understand what you actually own—and what you never use.
3. Clean the Empty Closet
Now’s the perfect time to give your closet a refresh.
- Dust shelves, wipe down rods, and vacuum or sweep the floor.
- Check for any damage like broken hooks, bent rods, or loose shelves and fix them.
- Add a fresh scent sachet or cedar blocks to keep things smelling nice and discourage pests.
4. Sort Everything Into Categories
Sorting helps you see patterns in what you have.
- Make piles for tops, pants, dresses, shoes, bags, and accessories.
- This makes it easier to compare similar items and spot duplicates.
5. Use the Keep, Donate, Toss, or Sell Method
Now it’s decision time. For each item, ask: Do I wear this? Do I love it? Does it fit?
- Keep: Items you love, wear often, and feel great in.
- Donate: Gently used items you don’t wear but could make someone else happy.
- Toss: Anything worn out, stained, or damaged beyond repair.
- Sell: Trendy or valuable pieces you no longer want—consider resale apps or local consignment shops.
6. Be Honest About “Someday” Clothes
Be real with yourself!
- If you haven’t worn it in over a year, chances are you won’t.
- Keep sentimental pieces if they genuinely make you happy—but limit how many you store.
- For special occasion wear, keep what you truly need, not every “just in case” outfit.
7. Try the Hanger Trick (Optional)
Not ready to part with some pieces? Try this:
- Hang clothes backward on the rod.
- After wearing an item, rehang it facing the right way.
- After a few months, it’ll be clear which clothes you actually wear.
8. Put It Back in an Organized Way
Now for the fun part—putting your freshly edited wardrobe back beautifully!
- Group similar items together: tops with tops, dresses with dresses.
- Arrange by color or season if that helps you find things faster.
- Use slim, matching hangers to save space and give a uniform look.
9. Maximize Closet Space with Smart Storage
Make your closet work for you.
- Use bins or baskets for small accessories like scarves or belts.
- Add hooks or over-the-door organizers for bags, hats, or jewelry.
- Store off-season clothes in clear bins or vacuum bags on higher shelves.
10. Keep It Up with a Quick Monthly Tidy
A clean closet won’t stay that way on its own!
- Once a month, spend 10–15 minutes putting things back in order.
- Check for clothes you haven’t worn recently and consider letting them go.
- Do a bigger seasonal clean-out every few months to stay clutter-free.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Trying to Rush It
Solution: Give yourself enough time—closet decluttering always takes longer than you think.
Mistake 2: Keeping Clothes That Don’t Fit
Solution: If it doesn’t fit now, let it go. Keep clothes that make you feel confident today.
Mistake 3: Not Having a Plan for Donations
Solution: Bag donations immediately and put them in your car or schedule a pickup so they don’t linger in your hallway.
Mistake 4: Buying New Organizers Too Soon
Solution: Wait until you see what you’re actually keeping before buying storage bins or hangers.
Mistake 5: Forgetting the Floor or High Shelves
Solution: Clean all corners—under hanging clothes and up high. Use that space wisely!
Extra Tips & Bedroom Hacks
- Use the “One In, One Out” Rule: When you buy something new, let go of something old to keep your closet balanced.
- Keep a Donation Bag Handy: Hang a tote in your closet for items you’re ready to part with—when it’s full, it’s time to donate.
- Related Guide: Want to tackle the rest of your bedroom? Read our article on how to organize a weekly bedroom cleaning routine to keep your whole space feeling fresh!
Conclusion
When you know how to clean out your bedroom closet, you gain more than just extra space—you gain time, calm, and clarity every single morning. By decluttering, cleaning, and organizing your closet with intention, you’ll only keep the clothes you truly love and wear.
Remember: your closet should make you feel good, not stressed! Bookmark this guide and come back to it whenever your wardrobe starts to overflow—your future self will thank you.