NEN’s Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Closet
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NEN’s Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Closet

Hey NEN Fam! It’s Tiffany from Not Enough Nelsons, and today I’m sharing our ultimate guide to cleaning out your closet. I know it can feel overwhelming, but trust me, with a good plan, it can be super rewarding! Whether you’re prepping for a new season or just need to tidy up, here are my top tips to get your closet organized and filled with only what you truly love and need. Let’s dive in!

Finding Your Biggest Issue

First things first, take a good look at your closet and figure out what’s causing any mess or disorganization. Identifying the main issue will help you tackle the chaos effectively.

  • Clothes all over the place? Focus on creating designated spots for each item. Use bins, shelves, or hanging dividers to categorize your clothes – like pajamas, jeans, swimsuits, and so on. This will make it easier to find items and keep everything in its place. And don’t forget a laundry basket for dirty clothes!
  • Clothes crammed in? It’s time to declutter! Start by getting rid of items you no longer need. Slim hangers and extra organizers can help maximize your space. Storing seasonal items elsewhere can also free up valuable closet space!
  • Too much of one item? Take stock of what you really use. Keep what you love and wear often, and consider donating or selling the rest. This can also be a great opportunity to bring in a few new pieces to add variety to your wardrobe.
  • Not Enough of one item? Identify wardrobe gaps and plan purchases. Take note of the items you find yourself needing and plan your next shopping trip to prioritize filling those gaps.
  • Items you rarely wear? Before buying new clothes, ask yourself: “Will I wear this tomorrow? Next week? Next month?” This will help you make strategic purchases that fit your style and avoid impulse buys.

    • The Cleaning Process

    Now let’s get started!

    1. Take everything out and declutter into piles

    • Empty your closet completely! Take everything out so you can see all your clothes.
    • Sort your clothes into these piles:
      • Keep - These are clothes that fit you well and, following Marie Kondo’s philosophy, spark joy.
      • Donate - These are gently used clothes that no longer fit, are slightly damaged (small stains, holes, etc.), or don’t bring you joy anymore. Donate them to a thrift store or local charities like homeless shelters. It’s always important to give back to your community!
      • Seasonal - These are clothes that are for a different season than the current one. For example, if it’s summer, put away your pants, coats, and other heavy items until winter to free up space!
      • Give to your friends & family - These are clothes that you don’t want anymore, but your siblings or friends might. Set these aside for them to look through before adding them to the donation pile. This pile also includes clothes from your siblings’ closet that might have snuck their way into yours!

    2. Reorganize systematically

    • Decide your system: Once you’ve sorted everything, reorganize your closet in a way that makes sense to you. Our favorite methods of organization are by type, season, or color!
    • Refresh your closet: If needed, consider adding new shelves or cute hangers to give your closet a fresh look. This will also motivate you to keep it neat and tidy!
    3. Fill gaps in your wardrobe

    By following these tips, you’ll not only clear out the clutter but also create a closet that works for you. Enjoy the process and your newly organized space!

    See how we used these steps to clean our closets here! 

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