10 Steps for the Ultimate Closet Detox to Feel Organized and Empowered

One of the reasons we only wear a fraction of our wardrobes is because we aren’t organized. As we rifle through our closets in the morning and mix everything up, we make it harder for ourselves to put outfits together.

To make sure that everything is where it’s supposed to be and easy to find, organize your items into categories: dresses, skirts, tops, sweaters, etc. That way, it’ll be easier for you to mentally create outfits as you scan through each section of your clothes.

Organizing our closets will save time in the morning because you won’t be frantically searching for an item that is hiding behind another. I hope my tips and tricks help you get organized for this upcoming season!

So let’s get this closet detox party started, shall we?

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1) Prep for the Day.

Set aside a few hours on a weekend. If you have a family, get them involved in the fun by creating mini-contests. I don’t have kids, and all of my prizes involve tequila, so you decide what’s best for your family based on their passions.

What you need:

• One or two trash bags
• Six boxes (or bags)
• A full-length mirror
• A camera (your phone’s is fine)
• The address to your tailor and cobbler
• Some good music, snacks, and stamina

“You’ll need snacks, music, and champagne. Chores are always better with champagne.”

**Optional – a willing (and very honest) friend to help you with separation anxiety. This is where you can use champagne to lure in your pals.

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2) Organize your boxes

 My apartment doesn’t have a ton of storage, so I’ve had to get creative under my bed and by building shelves for storage.

I prefer cardboard boxes for donating and clear containers for getting organized in my small space. Trash bags rip easily especially when filling with shoes and handbags.

Label your boxes like this:

• Sell
• Keepsakes
• Get tailored or repaired
• Off-season storage
• Donate – wearable
• Donate – for art + teachers to use for projects

Also one tip the guys told me at Salvation Army: even if you have clothes that are stained or ripped, art teachers and artists will usually buy scraps of fabrics for their work. So donate as much as you can.

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3) Empty your closet … yes the whole thing… Clean Shelves and Floors. 
Get all that stuff out of there.

For extra motivation to complete the project, toss everything (but shoes) on your bed. Find your other wardrobe related items from drawers, boxes or secret hiding places. Drag that stuff out too and add it to your closet pile.

Clean your closet surfaces and dust – might as well right?!

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4) Identify Which Items You Wear All the Time.

These items are usually in the front of your closet anyway because you wear them every week. Because you have brought some items you’ve forgotten about back into the light, start thinking of all the ways you can incorporate them with your go-to pieces.

Ask yourself these questions for each item.

1. Are there minor damages? Take it to a seamstress, or donate it.
2. Is it a special item you love and have been waiting to wear? Pack it away in plastic, and put it toward the back of your closet.
3. Do you feel just so-so about it?  Donate or sell.
4. Does it not suit your style anymore? Donate or sell.
5. Is it falling apart, misshapen, pilling, or ripped? Donate.

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5) Seasonal Stuff.

We don’t have much of this issue in Miami, but for my cold weather readers here are some questions to ask yourself about each item.

1. Can it be worn with tights or layered over a long-sleeve shirt?
2. Is it a darker tone such as maroon, purple, olive, navy, black, or red?
3. Is the fabric heavier, and will it retain heat?
4. Can it be easily layered over with jackets or coats?

To keep your bikinis in tact use these bags to store them.

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6) Storing Last Season’s Items.

Prior to storing my items, I like to make sure everything is clean. I love these under bed bins to keep everything in one place.

Keep everything in one bin based on occasion:

• Ski / Snowboarding
• Bathing Suits – I also use these to keep them organized
• Heavy sweaters
• Cashmere

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7) Jewelry Cleaning and Storage.

After organizing my jewelry properly, I started using some pieces I’ve never worn before. I love keeping everything shiny and sparkly so I’m tempted to get creative with my accessories.

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8) Repair Clothing and Shoes ASAP.

So your items don’t end up back in Narnia, block a time in your calendar to take your repairable items to your cobbler and tailor. This will avoid you from having to look at the same damaged pieces next season.

Bonus: Picking up your repaired items makes you feel like a million bucks because it’s stuff you already love and now it has new life.

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9) Use a Bookshelf and Get Creative with Storage.

I used to have a dresser in my bedroom which lacked function for my specific needs. One day I decided to build a bookshelf to keep all of my accessories, books, and shoes. It was the PERFECT way to organize and it made for a fun “artistic” piece in my room. Add coffee table books, handbags, and trinkets to make it look chic.

Guys can also feel included by displaying bowties, watches and cologne bottles. Make a his + her joint bookshelf to make the room feel cozy.

My old dresser was moved to the den by my kitchen and doubles as a serving buffet when I have guests over! Win Win!

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10) Mood board it up.