Spring is in the air, and with it comes the urge to refresh and reset. There’s no better place to start than your closet.
Swapping out heavy coats and boots for lighter spring layers not only creates more space but also makes daily routines feel easier and more enjoyable.
If you have a huge closet and lots of storage, you may just need to rotate items within the space itself. If you have a smaller closet, even if it’s customized, an actual seasonal “exodus” of items may need to occur. Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Get Set Up
Before you begin, gather your supplies:
- Bins for sorting
- Donation bags
- Storage containers
- A full-length mirror
This way, you’ll have everything at arm’s reach to keep the process running smoothly.
Mindset Matters
Decluttering means making decisions. Remind yourself of your goal—to create space for what serves you best today. Let go of what you no longer wear or need, and make room for the clothing that adds value and joy to your life.
Step 2: Declutter
The hardest part of decluttering is often letting go. As you go through each item, ask yourself:
- Do I love this?
- Do I wear it?
- Does it still fit my style or lifestyle?
Be honest and decisive. Create piles to avoid revisiting the same items again and again.
Follow the One-Year Rule
If you haven’t worn it in the past year, it’s time to part ways. While exceptions can be made for seasonal or special-occasion clothing, most items you don’t wear are just taking up space.
Pro Tip: Try the “backward hanger” trick. After wearing an item, hang it with the hanger facing the opposite direction. At the end of the year, anything still hanging the original way is likely due for donation. You can do the same with folded items by placing worn pieces into a separate bin. This encourages variety and gives you visual feedback on what’s actually being worn.
Step 3: Organize by Season
Once you’ve decluttered, sort what’s left by season:
- Fall/Winter
- Spring/Summer
- Year-round staples
Some people prefer to divide into all four seasons, but two main categories are usually sufficient. Especially if you own many transitional pieces.
Invest in durable, breathable storage to keep your clothing protected while it’s tucked away:
- Silicate packs, anti-moth products, and cedar blocks for moisture and pest control
- Fabric/canvas foldable, “window view” totes
- Vacuum-seal compression bags
- Waterproof clear bins
- Clear garment bags
Step 4: Store Out-of-Season Clothing
Remove Off-Season Items
Pull out anything not suited for the current climate—think heavy sweaters, boots, and fleece-lined everything.
Clean Before You Store
Launder or dry clean everything before packing it away. This prevents stains from setting and discourages odors or pests.
Label & Organize
Use clearly labeled containers and aim for transparency—literally! Clear bins or totes with windows make retrieval easy next season.
Choose the Right Storage Space
Store items in a cool, dry, dark place to prevent fading, mildew, and critters. Ideal storage locations include:
- Under-bed storage bins
- Guest room closets
- A humidity-controlled basement
Where NOT To Store Items: Garages, attics, or sheds—these spaces often experience extreme temperature swings and can attract pests or mold.
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Step 5 (Optional): Deep Clean While You’re At It
In addition to decluttering and organizing, your closet could probably use a solid cleaning too. Once your closet is empty:
- Dust shelves and rods
- Vacuum the floor
- Wipe down walls and baseboards
A fresh space makes all the difference in how you feel when getting dressed each day.
Step 6: Maintain Your Closet Year-Round
The key to long-term success is maintenance. Prevent clutter from creeping back into your life by following the One-In, One-Out Rule. Every time you bring home something new, remove an item from your closet. This simple habit prevents clutter and keeps your wardrobe streamlined.
Step 7: Be Ready for the Next Transition
Spring doesn’t last forever. As temperatures shift again, be ready to slowly reintroduce your fall items and rotate out lighter pieces.
Transitional Tips:
- Keep some crossover pieces accessible
- Rotate clothing gradually over a couple of weekends
- Revisit your sorting bins and update as needed
By following this guide and staying organized, you’ll have a well-maintained and efficient closet that makes it easy to find the clothes you need while keeping your wardrobe in good condition. But if your current closet layout just isn’t cutting it, that’s where we come in.
