Cleaning out your closet can feel like an overwhelming task, a battle of wills between you and your wardrobe, and a test of your emotional attachment to things you haven’t worn in years. But take a deep breath—it doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. With the right approach, you can turn your closet cleanup into a rewarding experience. As someone who’s been around the block a few times, I’m here to break it down, from the science of decluttering to the practical steps, all while adding a sprinkle of humor to keep it light.
Why You Should Clean Out Your Closet (And Why It’s Harder Than You Think)
Psychological Factors at Play
If you’ve ever found yourself holding onto that old pair of jeans “just in case” or the sweater that doesn’t quite fit but “might” one day, you’re not alone. Psychologists call this sentimental clutter. A study published in The Journal of Environmental Psychology reveals that people tend to form strong emotional bonds with objects, particularly clothing. It’s not just fabric and thread—these items hold memories, hopes, and aspirations. The difficulty in letting go is partly because of these emotional attachments.
In fact, a 2018 study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that decluttering can trigger feelings of guilt, anxiety, and even sadness—especially when it’s connected to items tied to personal identity or past experiences. This is why we often hang onto clothes “for later,” even when they no longer serve us.
Health Benefits of Cleaning Out Your Closet
Now, the silver lining: Cleaning out your closet can have significant psychological and physical health benefits. A 2015 study from UCLA found that clutter can raise cortisol levels (the stress hormone), leading to anxiety and a decreased sense of well-being. Conversely, decluttering reduces mental fatigue and creates a sense of calm and order. Cleaning your closet can literally lift your spirits!
Additionally, it can improve sleep quality, especially if your bedroom is the victim of clutter. And if you’re wondering whether it’s worth it, a study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that individuals who kept their living spaces tidy were more likely to feel energized and productive. In short, cleaning your closet isn’t just about clothes; it’s about improving your overall quality of life.
Steps to Clean Out Your Closet (Without Losing Your Mind)
Let’s break it down into manageable steps. Don’t worry—there’s no need to tackle everything at once. You’ll thank me later.
Step 1: Set a Realistic Goal
Be specific. Do you want to clean out your entire wardrobe? Or are you focusing on a particular category (shoes, jackets, etc.)? Setting a clear goal will help you stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was your closet.
Step 2: Take Everything Out
Yes, everything. As much as it might seem like a hassle, taking every single item out of your closet is the best way to assess what you truly need. Lay it all out—on your bed, the floor, or wherever you have space. It may be surprising (and perhaps alarming) to see how much you’ve accumulated over the years.
Step 3: Sort Through Your Clothes
Now, the real work begins. Use the three-box method:
- Keep: These are the clothes you wear regularly or absolutely love.
- Donate/Recycle: Clothes that don’t fit, are outdated, or you haven’t worn in over a year (or five years).
- Trash: Anything that’s beyond repair or unsalvageable.
There’s also a psychological trick called the “one-year rule”—if you haven’t worn it in the past year, it’s time to let it go. But if you’re struggling with guilt, try the “storage trick”: Box it up, and if you haven’t reached for it in six months, then donate it. It’s a temporary solution to help ease the emotional weight.
Step 4: Be Realistic About What You Need
Ask yourself: “Do I really need 20 black T-shirts?” or “When was the last time I wore this outfit?” A 2019 survey by ThredUp found that the average person wears only 20% of the clothes in their closet. That’s right—80% of our wardrobes are just taking up space. So, be honest with yourself about what you actually wear, and try to streamline your collection.
Step 5: Organize What’s Left
Once you’ve pared down your collection, it’s time to organize. Use storage solutions that work for you: hanging, folding, or stacking. Consider color-coding, creating outfit categories (workwear, casual, etc.), or investing in storage bins for off-season clothing. This will not only make your closet look more inviting but also help you quickly find what you need.
Step 6: Maintain the Decluttered Closet
Keeping your closet organized is a long-term commitment. One of the best ways to maintain it is to adopt the one-in, one-out rule: For every new item you buy, you must donate or discard an old one. It sounds simple, but it’s effective at keeping things in check. Also, make it a habit to reassess your wardrobe every few months.
The Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Emotional Attachment
The most common pitfall is emotional attachment. Those old concert T-shirts or the jacket your mom gave you can be hard to part with. If this is you, try not to let the process become about guilt. Keep a few sentimental items in a memory box, but let go of the excess.
Overwhelm
If you’re tackling a large wardrobe, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t rush the process. Take breaks, drink water, and if you need help, ask a friend or hire a professional organizer. It’s an investment in your mental and physical health.
Regret
You might have a moment of regret after letting go of something—especially if it was an expensive item you haven’t worn in years. If this happens, remind yourself why you did it in the first place: to free up space, make room for things that serve you, and focus on the present.
Opinions on Closet Cleaning
Sophia, 30, New York, USA
“I used to be a sentimental hoarder. But after reading Marie Kondo’s book, I tried her method and it really worked. I didn’t realize how much mental energy I was wasting on things I never wore! Now, I feel lighter, and my mornings are quicker because I can see everything I need.”
David, 55, London, UK
“Cleaning my closet was something I never wanted to face, but I’ve had health problems in the past, and a messy space really does contribute to stress. I ended up donating almost half of what I had—and it felt really good. If you’re struggling with it, I suggest getting professional help. A second pair of hands can make a world of difference.”
Tanya, 45, Johannesburg, South Africa
“I’ve always loved fashion, so parting with clothes is difficult for me. But I realized that I had a bunch of stuff I never wore and didn’t even like anymore. It’s an emotional process, for sure. But now, when I open my closet, I feel proud of my choices, and it’s easier to pick something for the day.”
Carlos, 60, Madrid, Spain
“My wife and I did a huge closet purge after the kids moved out. It wasn’t just about clothes—it was a way of refreshing our entire home. I have to admit, I’m more of a minimalist now. Letting go of items I never use really changed how I feel about my surroundings.”
Yuki, 25, Tokyo, Japan
“I think in Japan, we are very attached to our belongings, especially clothing. It was tough to donate items, but once I did, I felt like I had more space—both physically and mentally. I realized that I don’t need many things to feel happy.”
Final Thoughts
Cleaning out your closet isn’t just about getting rid of clutter—it’s about making room for what truly matters. It’s a personal journey, one that offers not only physical but also mental and emotional benefits. Take it slow, be kind to yourself, and remember: decluttering doesn’t mean deprivation—it’s about making space for the things that serve you well.
Happy cleaning!
