10 Steps to Declutter Your Closet for the New Year

As the new year begins, many of us aspire to declutter and organize our living spaces. One area that often needs attention is our closets. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of tackling your wardrobe, fear not! Here are 10 steps to help you declutter your closet and start the new year with a fresh and organized space.

1. Set Aside Ample Time: Decluttering your closet is a task that requires time and focus. Set aside a specific block of time, whether it's a few hours or an entire day, to dedicate to this project.

2. Define Your Goals: Before you begin, think about what you hope to achieve. Are you aiming to reduce the number of items in your closet, organize it more effectively, or both? Having a clear goal in mind will guide your decluttering process.

3. Empty Your Closet: Take everything out of your closet and lay it out where you can see it all. This will give you a clear view of the items you own and make it easier to sort through them.

4. Categorize Your Clothing: Divide your clothing into categories such as tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and so on. This will help you assess the quantity of items you have in each category and identify any areas of excess.

5. The KonMari Method: Consider using Marie Kondo's KonMari method, which involves holding each item and asking yourself if it sparks joy. If it doesn't, consider letting it go.

6. The One-Year Rule: If you haven't worn an item in the past year, it might be time to part ways with it. Of course, there are exceptions for special occasion or seasonal items, but this rule can help you let go of things you no longer use. I tend to allow two-years.

7. Donate, Sell, or Discard: Create three piles for items you no longer want – donate, sell, and discard. Be honest with yourself about what you truly need and what can benefit someone else.

8. Organize and Store: Once you've decided what to keep, organize your clothing in a way that makes sense to you. This could be by color, season, or type of clothing. Consider investing in storage solutions such as bins, hangers, and shelves to keep everything tidy.

9. Maintain Regularly: Make a commitment to regularly assess your closet and remove items that no longer serve you. This will prevent clutter from building up again.

10. Enjoy Your Refreshed Closet: Step back and admire your newly decluttered and organized closet. Enjoy the sense of calm and ease that comes with knowing where everything is and having a space that truly reflects your personal style.

By following these 10 steps, you can declutter your closet and start the new year with a fresh and organized space. Remember, the key to maintaining a tidy closet is being mindful of what you bring into it and regularly reassessing what you already have. Here's to a more organized and stress-free year ahead!

Stay Stylish XOXO

Tracy