8 Tips to Clean Out Your Closet Fast

When’s the last time you cleaned out your closet? I recently did a massive closet purge, set aside a few things I want to sell on Poshmark, and donated several bags of clothing to the thrift store. It feels good to let go, and now when I look at my closet, I can see things that I want to wear. 

If you feel stressed or overwhelmed by the sight of your wardrobe and you’re not sure where to start, here are a few easy tips to help you clean out your closet and get organized. 

How to Efficiently Clean Out Your Closet Fast 

Before you take everything out of your closet and end up with a massive pile of clothes on the floor, set aside a few pieces that you love to wear, the last thing you want to do is create more of a mess. 

Getting rid of stuff isn’t always easy to do. If it’s not your size or your style, then it might be time to pass it on. Give away items you can’t fix or know you won’t wear again. When you sell or donate your used clothes, you’re giving that item a second life and helping create less waste.

If you want a closet that’s not overstuffed and easy to access, think about your closet goals. 

• Do you have essential pieces that you can mix and match? 
• Do you want to incorporate more color or timeless pieces into your style? 
• Want to save time in the morning?

Start here.

1. Define Your Staple Pieces 

If you want to save time and focus on getting ready for the day instead of what you’re going to wear, you may want to think about embracing a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of items you love to wear. Clothes in your capsule collection should fit you well and make you feel good when you put them on. Choose timeless pieces that you can wear year-round. 

2. Use Baskets or Clear Containers 

I’m obsessed with all things home organization lately. I love using baskets because you can easily organize small or large items and keep clutter out of sight. Clear containers are also the best because you can see what’s in them. They’re also great for keeping your pantry organized too! 

Check out my top Amazon Home Organization finds here. 

3. Store Seasonal Items 

You don’t need your winter items taking up space in your closet during Summer. Separate seasonal items and store them in a container or the back of your wardrobe. When winter comes along, your clothes will feel new again because you haven’t seen those items in months. 

4. Figure out what to Sell 

Some things are worth keeping to sell, but try not to hang on to them for too long. Designate a space in your wardrobe and set aside a few pieces you can list on Poshmark, Depop, or Marketplace. 

Not sure what to sell? These are the best brands to sell on Poshmark.   

5. Separate Your Work Clothes, Activewear, and Basics 

Optimize your closet and set aside your best work clothes, activewear, and essentials. That way, you can head straight to the section, find what you need and get out the door quickly. 

6. Get Rid of Boxes and Ugly Hangers 

A practical way to clean out your closet is to remove items like boxes you don’t need. Recycle any old boxes or clunky hangers that are taking up space. Clear containers make it easier to see what’s inside, so you don’t forget what you already own. 

You have to admit it’s pretty annoying when you hang up a sweater or dress and it just falls off the hanger. These velvet hangers are non-slip, so you don’t have to worry about your clothes falling off. They also don’t take up much space. 

7. Try things on

If it’s broken and you can’t fix it, it’s time to let go. Make some time to try things on in your closet to make sure what you’re keeping fits. This is also a good time to check for stains, snags, and pulls.  

8. If you don’t wear it in six months, let it go. 

Ask yourself – is this worth saving? If your goal is to clean out your closet and get rid of stuff you don’t wear, you probably won’t miss an item if you haven’t worn it in six months. 

What to do with all your clothes

Now that you’ve cleaned out your closet, it’s time to give those items a second life. Here are a few ideas on what to do with all the clothes you no longer need. 

• Give them to a friend or family member who loves your style.  
• Sell them on Poshmark, Depop, or Facebook Marketplace. 
• Visit a consignment store. 
• Join your local Buy Nothing Group on Facebook and give them away. 
• Donate them. 
• Find a local non-profit organization that provides women with gently used work outfits. 

Closet Clean Out Tips 

Cleaning and organizing your closet is a great way to declutter and make space for the items you love. If you don’t have much hanging space, use baskets or clear containers to organize the shelves. Separate your best work outfits and the pieces you love right now, and donate what you haven’t worn in a few months. Make it a point to wear everything you own. 

How often do you purge and clean your closet?