How to Effectively Spring Clean Your Closet

Spring calls for a house-wide deep clean—and that starts with our closets. It’s time to get rid of those old, bulky winter coats and create space for clothes you actually wear. A cluttered closet will likely only cause stress and anxiety.

Once your closet is cleared, you’ll have an organized, attractive space that begs for a new wardrobe. Take a look at these tips on how to clean your closet effectively.

Keep, donate and toss clothes.

It’s essential to have a complete overview of what’s in your closet. Create a workspace and lay out every article of clothing. Then, create three distinct piles—one for keeps, one for donations and one for tosses. Don’t spend too much time on any given piece, either. You may not be a hoarder, but emotional attachments can cause a lot of unnecessary clutter in your space.

Emotional attachments can cause a lot of unnecessary clutter in your space.

Be as realistic as possible. Do you really need your old prom dress? Probably not. In fact, a high school senior would love to see it at a thrift store. After you’ve settled on these piles, it’s time to find ways to purge your donations and tosses properly. You could recycle your old bras or sell specific designer items. Either way, set aside time to find out what options you have.

Vacuum and dust every surface.

When was the last time you cleaned your closet? If the answer is not in a really long time or never, then you’re not alone. Once you’ve established your keep pile, it’s time to give your wardrobe a little attention. Use multi-surface sprays to wipe down every object like your shelves, dressers and mirrors. You should also clean your walls and baseboards. With a little TLC, you can make them look brand new.

After you’ve completed those steps, be sure to vacuum or mop the floors. You can use a broom to pick up any dust beforehand. That way, it’s a lot easier to tackle especially dirty spaces. Then, feel free to repair chipped paint spots and other potential damage. If you want to add a fresh coat of paint, then now’s the time to do so.

According to organizing expert Donna Smallin Kuper, your closet shouldn’t be more than 75 percent full at any given time. It’s important to implement an organization plan. Add racks and shelves to create a more orderly space. Then, you can try a few different systems to make the most of your area.

Try a new organization system.

Now that you’ve successfully purged every shirt and shoe, it’s time to try a new organization system. If you already use a particular approach, then there’s a chance you could improve it. Here are a few different solutions to consider:

At the space above your hangers, install some extended shelves to add more storage. You could also create a display outside your closet to show off your cutest bags and other fun accessories.

Try a set of wire or cloth baskets to stow articles like underwear and swimsuits subtly.

Choose a way to separate your clothes, whether by color or type. This way, it’s easier to find whatever you want to wear.

When it comes to T-shirts and leggings, use a roll-up method to maximize drawer space.

Your approach depends on your closet’s size. You may need to get creative if there’s not enough square footage. After you settle on a system that works, it’s time to return each item to its new home. Feel free to play with various approaches until you decide on one that makes sense for you.

Use these ideas for a clean, orderly closet. When your closet reaches unsightly levels of clutter, it’s time for a deep clean. Use a few simple tips to purge old clothes, clean your closet and try a new organizational approach. Your morning routine will thank you!