Q: My dilemma is closets! I have two very small closets in my bedroom and I can’t seem to get a handle on keeping them organized and easy to use since they feel like they’re stuffed within an inch of their life! I know you guys are great at living with less, simplifying, and organizing in general- so I thought maybe you could share some encouragement when it comes to paring things down and choosing what to keep? Deep down I know there’s a lot of extra stuff that I don’t need that’s taking up some much needed space, but I have a hard time letting things go for fear that I’ll want them again once they’re gone. Any tips for scaling back and keeping only what I need so I can regain control of my closets again? – Leslie
A: Wouldn’t you just love one of those boutique closets? I admit it, I totally have closet envy. I look at all those magazine spreads with celebrities who have a whole wall of shelves dedicated to bags and a spare 50 square feet for an ottoman in the middle of the room and I melt. And it’s not because of the primo logos on their plethora of purses or the luxe labels on their bevy of ball gowns. I’m just a freak for organization, and the idea that all of their insanely abundant items have a distinct spot to sit (or hang) gets me all hot and bothered. So without further ado, let’s get into it, shall we?
It’s no secret we’re big subscribers to the “a place for everything and everything in it’s place” school of organization. Which is probably why I do my best to keep my closet super edited and pared down in the interest of easily being able to a) see everything that I own and b) toss on an effortless ensemble that I know and love (instead of stuffing the ol’ Ikea wardrobe to the gills with crap that I never wear).
But when people write to me to ask how the heck I only have a few pairs of jeans and a small collection of clothes (read more about our closets here) it’s actually really hard to explain my minimalist ways. I just don’t buy a lot of stuff. And when I notice that I don’t wear something anymore (because it’s damaged, unflattering, or just too worn) I either repair it, consign it, or donate it so I can free up that space for something truly deserving of the square footage. Here’s what the bed looks like when John and I are in the middle of a pairing down spree:
I just go through everything and remove anything that I don’t love (whether it has just gotten too worn, doesn’t quite fit anymore, has a stain, is something I never actually wear, etc). It’s probably rooted in the fact that I lived in NYC in one of those closet-sized studios and literally didn’t have any room to amass even one extraneous item of clothing. Coupled with the fact that I’m a cheap-o (and proud of it) that probably explains how I can easily walk away from things that might look nice but aren’t necessary. But I can easily see how that’s hard to swallow for someone who doesn’t find it quite as easy to let things go (or pass up clearance clothing in the first place). So when I came across this quote in The Lucky Shopping Manual (I’ve had a copy for over five years and I love to flip through it) I realized it perfectly explained my philosophy in a way that I couldn’t:
If a piece doesn’t work, look at it this way: You paid for it once in cash, and now you’re paying for it in valuable closet space. If it’s not right for you, bite the bullet and let it go.
Doesn’t that make perfect sense? If an item of clothing doesn’t fit, is out of date, never makes it out of your closet, looks shaggy or worn, or isn’t flattering just ask yourself if it’s worth paying for again and again in square footage. Or if you’d rather free up the space to be able to better see the items of clothing that you love to wear (and make room for a few more things that will give you more of a return when it comes to sacrificing that closet space).
And as for a tip to keep from amassing too many items that you’ll later regret (or just never wear) this quote (also from The Lucky Shopping Manual) might help:
Don’t buy anything on sale that you wouldn’t consider at full price.
It’s easy to get caught up in how much you’re saving when you find something that’s marked down. But if you don’t need it or it doesn’t fit you well then you’re not saving anything. You’re spending hard earned money on something that will just sit in your closet and take up space. Inspiring right? Maybe just to me.
Anyway, here are some other gems from the book that I thought I’d pass along:
- “If you’re unsure about a big ticket item, put it on hold for 24 hours and think it over.”
- “Don’t buy anything that doesn’t flatter you or isn’t comfortable, no matter how of-the-moment it is.”
- “If you have to talk yourself into a purchase in the dressing room, pass on it.”
- “If there’s nothing in your closet to wear with it, skip it.”
- “Never purchase something just because it looks good on someone else.”
- “Don’t save a pair of jeans for that anticipated five-pound weight loss. Owning them is bad for your psyche. If the time comes when you drop a size, chances are you won’t hesitate to run out and buy a new pair”
- “If a stain didn’t come out at the cleaners or when you toiled over it in the sink it’s permanent. Time to let it go.” <- or turn it into painting clothing like we’ve been known to do
- “If we kept every item of clothing with a memory attached , we’d be buried in clothes.”
- “Ask yourself if each item of clothing in your closet: 1) flatters your shape, 2) fits perfectly or is fixable, 3) is the right color for you, 4) has been worn in the last two years – only things that get four yesses should stay.”
I might be a sick individual but I actually love going through my clothing (and even jewelry and shoes) to see what I can skim down and consign or donate.
Try not to think about paring down & simplifying as actions that result in losing things. Instead, focus on everything that you’re gaining! More space. A no-brainer wardrobe that’s simplified, flattering, and easy to toss on. Money (for everything that you consign, eBay, or sell in a garage sale). And time (no more rooting through piles of stuff to find that elusive tank top). I seriously get a rush when I can look into my closet and proclaim “every single thing in there is something I love.”
But enough about me, what do you guys do about closet upkeep? Do you pare things down once a year? Never get rid of a stitch of clothing? Ebay things and buy new stuff? Wear the same outfit every day? Feel free to share any and all tips for Leslie and anyone else who may find themselves in a similar predicament!
Psst- Looking for more info about our closets? Check out this post and this post. And here’s a general post about keeping things simple. Oh and if you’re looking to learn how we modified two inexpensive Ikea wardrobes to create bedside built ins, check out this post for the deets.
Becky says
This post is great, I love it! I really enjoy going through my closet and taking out the things I don’t wear or like anymore. I heard a quote in a movie once that when buying clothes, you will love it most when you are in the store. If you don’t absolutely love it in the store, you will love it even less when you bring it home! This is my motto when shopping, and it really helps prevent having a closet full of clothes that I don’t want to wear!
Cassidy says
Thanks for sharing all those quotes! Definitely empowering, especially for someone (like me) inclined to accrue “stuff.”
Here’s another quip I read on an ING billboard a few months ago: “There’s no such thing as saver’s remorse.” That one has saved me a couple bones, for sure.
Love your blog — just bought my first home and I reference your archives daily!
Caitlin says
My newest trick to help me decided if I want to “let it go” or not is to take the clothes I haven’t worn (a year or more is a pretty good mark) and put them in a bag. Next time I clean my closet, it’s easier to see that I don’t wear those clothes — they’re not hanging in my closet, just waiting for an opportunity.
liz @ bon temps beignet says
I have another to add…. get rid of everything that reminds your of your ex! I cleared out TONS of space by doing this.
Jessica @ How Sweet says
It is so hard for me to get rid of things in my closet!
Kristi says
I love this post! I am a HUGE organization freak and I love your idea of having less “un-used” clothes and more closet space for the “used” clothes. One way I organize my closet is by ROY G BIV color coordinating. It makes it easier for me to decide what to wear as some days I don’t feel like wearing a certain color! I also purge things every season…. If I haven’t worn it in 2 seasons, then it’s time to let that piece go and make room for something I will wear.
Cait @ Hernando House says
Thanks for this great post, you two! Will have to look back on it as we clean out our closets :)
Suzie @ cupcake monkey says
Oh man! My closet was my nemesis!! I actually just posted our big closet makeover a few days ago on my blog….it was my dirty little secret. It is amazing how an organized closet can make me so happy! I have three huge bags of clothes to donate and that makes me even happier!
Jules says
My high school math teacher taught me a great philosophy for what to buy and what to pass on. For things like clothes and purses- don’t buy it the first time you see it. If you still remember it and like it after a week, go back and buy it. If it slipped your mind as soon as you left the store, then you didn’t like it enough to spend a dime. For larger purchases, you can take up to 3 months thinking about something! Of course, there are the times, like buying a house, that you know it has that “it” factor for you, and you have to leap. Right Sherry?
Natalie says
City living definitely helps! The fact that we’ve moved three times in 4 years, has helped me pare down my wardrobe big time (every move comes with a loaded down trip to Goodwill!).
I also really like organizing my closet my type and color (pants, dresses and skirts, tops). It makes finding an outfit easier, and it also helps me take inventory of what I have. For example: I have a HUGE red/pink section of tops, but not many greens or yellows. It helps to prioritize those “gotta have it!” items while shopping!
RLR says
We are slowly paring down the *entire house* – and although my closet is probably last, it’s going to be the sweet reward at the end! I can’t wait to pare down and fill it with only the things that I love!
I really appreciate the ‘4 questions’ approach – I’ll be coming back to this post!
Kathy Z says
I used to hang everything in my closet because I could see everything so easily.
When I watched this video on how to organize drawers and it changed my life. Well, that might be a slight exageration, but it is awesome.
Part of me loves folding and putting away laundry now. And I can always easily see what’s in the drawers. :)
Jen @ New Shade of Green says
Thank you so much for this post. I’ve been meaning to go through my closet, clean behind everything, and par it down for quite a while. You just inspired me to get started like NOW. I’m excited about how it’s going to look afterwards already.
Britta says
My husband and I are getting ready for Baby #1, due in early 2011, and finding space in our little (but so comfortable and cute!) apartment is tough – especially because we only have ONE closet (we don’t count the under-stairs storage or the closet in the bathroom filled with a washer and dryer). Our project this month? Take out EVERYTHING from our closet that we haven’t worn in a while, go through our under stairs storage and remove stuff we haven’t even remembered we had there, and place it all in some plastic totes with a “removal date” (approx 1 – 2 months in the future) on them. If we don’t go back and dig through to find something in that holding period, we are taking everything to GoodWill! No ifs, ands, or buts! And Baby will actually have some space for all their stuff!!!
Tori says
I love love love getting rid of “stuff” and decluttering. A great shopping tip I’ve heard (on Oprah maybe?) is to only buy something if you love it more than everything currently in your closet.
Also, realize that being a keeper of things is a mental issue. Do you love the item or the memories attached to it? Keep your memories; lose the stuff. It’s freeing.
Deborah says
Quite possibly one of the best posts in the current blogosphere. THANK YOU!
Lindsay@Tell'er All About It says
Here are a couple more things that work for me:
1) If you buy one item, then it’s time to get rid of one item. I apply this all the time – my husband….not so much.
2) Every time the seasons change, I usually have to go through and wash some things (musty smelling), so I take the time to try things on, see if they still fit, aren’t worn out, etc. If it doesn’t or if it’s worn, into the donate bag it goes!
3) I have been in my fair share of weddings and, for a time, had a plethora of bridesmaid’s dresses+shoes, etc. I finally put my foot down a few years ago and purchaed a pair of “neutral” (they are a golden-y silver color) dancing/evening/wedding shoes. I’ve since worn them in every wedding I’ve been to because a) they go with everything and b) they’re stylish and comfortable enough to get a lot of wear and tear. Not only that, but I was able to donate 5 pairs of shoes in exchange. TOTALLY worth it!
4) To that end, I really only own a few pairs of shoes. I take the Stacy/Clinton approach which is buy shoes that go with lots of outfits and not the other way around. Shoes take up so much room and it’s better to have a pair of shoes that goes with 90 outfits than one outfit that goes with one pair of shoes!
5) Also, I would much rather buy one expensive piece of clothing that will last through styles/trends, etc. than one cheap piece that will only last one wash/season. It’s a better investment in the long run.
that’s all I’ve got for the moment…hope it’ll help some of your readers!!!
xoxo,
L-blogger
KimB says
Great post! And you’re not a “sick individual”, because I love the feeling of going through my closet and paring down my things to donate. It is such a liberating feeling! Also, I’m really loving your cute shoe collection. I’m one of those lazy shoppers, so I have very few shoes/sandals. Anyhow, this post makes me want to go home and clean out my closet again. Another rule I go by for clothing is if I buy one new thing, I must get rid of 2-3 old things. I don’t have much space either.
Elizabeth says
It should be Ms. Longoria…or Mrs. Parker.
(My name is Elizabeth and I’m a celebrity website addict.)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, fixed!
xo,
s
annie says
I like to hang clothing by color and once every six to nine months or so I take everything out and re-hang it. When I do this I put the hangers backward, with the front of the hook facing out. As things are worn and washed I hang them back up normally. When the next 6 or 12 month closet re-organizing comes around everything still hanging the wrong way can go to goodwill.
Kari says
I go through my closet when I notice that there are items that I always pass up when looking for an outfit. My problem is a lot of my clothes I don’t really love, but if I got rid of it, I wouldn’t have enough to get me through the week. And since I work in an office I have to have work-appropriate clothes, but then when I get home I want to change to something more comfortable so I have to have those too.
thenson says
I hate clutter and purge when my closet gets out of control. However certain pieces cast out in furry still haunt me: that blouse that I’d never fit into agian (i lost the baby weight),or the half a closet I threw out because those clothes just weren’t me anymore(that dress was and still is so me). A few years ago I got my husband to put a trunk up in the attic for me. If a loved piece of clothing doesn’t get much wear it goes up into the attic. It’s difficult to get up there, but I really love rediscovering my favs.
audrey says
Hey just thought you would want to know a picture of your bedroom was in an msn.ca article about decor tricks today.
http://lifestyle.ca.msn.com/home-garden/decor/knb-gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=25317382&page=6
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the heads up Audrey!
xo,
s
Kati says
Loving this post. Makes me want to completely re-do my wardrobe along with my closet. Thanks for sharing!
Bryanna S says
When I am looking to declutter, I find it easier to look at things to KEEP rather than things to GET RID OF.
Its a lot easier to pare down when you look at it from a need point of view. Everything out of closet… okay, I need my two pair of jeans, I need three work outfits, I need an exercise outfit, I need my socks and underwear as they all get used. Whats left? Looking at my wonderfully cut back closet makes me feel really good and its hard to put in things I know I don’t really love anymore. So the four dresses I adore but are too fancy for everyday wear are easier to get rid of because putting them back in the closet makes it more cluttered and I’ll be thinking about how they aren’t a need like the stuff already in is.
I do that for all matters of decluttering… the kitchen, living room, bathroom… once all the needs are met, I can add wants.. but I usually don’t want to add as much as I did when I was just taking away… its nice having a clean and organized room and extra stuff mucks it up!
Its definitely all about point of view. keeping needs is more positive than getting rid of unnecessaries. Things are less necessary when you can look at things positively.
plus, the backwards hanger trick always works too when I can’t seem to cut back more :D
Jenny says
We’re not made of money and we’re seriously lacking in closet space. I try to a) only buy things that are classic in style that will work for many years to come b) are also on sale. I don’t like to pay full price for anything. ;) If I subscribed to the “don’t buy it if you wouldn’t pay full price” I would have no clothes. I rarely to never pay full price.
But, I also don’t subscribe to the toss it if it doesn’t fit. I’m too cheap and when you’re in prime baby time of your life, you gain weight while pregnant and have several sizes going down to your lowest weight. I’ve gotten rid of them and then kicked myself after the next pregnancy when I had nothing to wear for months and months (read: too cheap to buy more). Now I put clothes that don’t fit into plastic tubs and store them in the basement. Same goes for maternity wear.
What did you do with your maternity clothes?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jenny & Ashley,
I got a lot of my maternity clothes on loan from previously prego friends and family members so a lot of those items have been returned (hooray for not having to store them!). I also have one tupperware bin in the basement (about the size of two shoeboxes next to each other) where I have placed the few maternity items that I purchased for my pregnancy. I really kept it simple (one pair of maternity jeans took me the whole way through with a few tank tops and cardigans that I layered). I love that it could all be squeezed into one small-ish box in the basement until I need them for the next bambino!
xo,
s
Ashley @ sunnysideshlee.com says
I spy a Frogtape tshirt! I have one and looove it.
Ashley says
Fantastic article!! So inspired to clean out the closet during the hurricane we will get tonight!
I am curious with the same question as Jenny – what is your plan for your maternity clothes?
Jennifer says
My favorite subject! I am always inspired by pictures and examples of people letting things go. It’s so hard, but so worth it!
amy goodhouse says
So funny – I just posted about this very subject last night on my blog. I find that I usually wear the same types of clothing and that it is better to have a few quality pieces to wear until it is shabby – so 3 jeans instead of 10 works for me!
I am ruthless when it comes to closet clean outs. I will go through my clothes at least twice a year, sometimes more. As I buy new clothes, let’s say 2 new tops, I’ll often go through my old clothes and get rid of 2 tops that are shabby or I don’t wear anymore.
Tim Gunn also has a great chapter in his book dealing with this same subject. It also all boils down to guilt – does an item make you feel guilty to hold on to (for whatever reason – cost, size) it is best to get rid of it!
Everyone should feel GREAT when they look in their closet.
Lindsay W.L says
Love this post Sherry! I am a reformed shopaholic (in my younger and poorer days) and as a result, I think long and hard about what I want to purchase and bring home. I rarely browse or impulse buy, I only shop with a purpose which really saves the cash. The outcome is only pieces I love come home with me. I never settle, and I never buy something just because its cheap. I would rather not buy 5 cheap items and just buy 1 quality item instead.
As for my closet, I purge every season (in my world that is spring/summer and fall. As I put away one season, I take everythign I don’t love or haven’t worn and put it in a garbage bag. Then the season I’m putting in my closet gets the once over to make sure everything is in good condition and fits. Anything that doesn’t fit the bill gets put in the bag. All of my items are then donated.
And I also have a rule that I won’t buy any more hangers. So if something new comes home, something old must go.
Jamie says
I love this quote for home management in general, but I think it definitely applies to closets too:
“Have nothing in your homes that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” – William Morris
YoungHouseLove says
We’re loving all the tips everyone! This comment section is already a gold mine for two organization freaks like us! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo,
s
Mary says
My philosophy is this: if someone hasn’t worn it or touched it in two months, with seasons of the year considered – out it goes. One other option for getting rid of things is to donate to a homeless shelter, and don’t forget Freecycle (for getting rid of and for getting!).
barb says
sherry,
like leslie, i too have a hard time letting things go. but i really want to get more organized so i can find things in say…under 5 minutes…lol…which would beat my 20 minute average for sure!! you may think, wow she must be rich but it’s not that at all. i grew up really poor so holding on to things means alot to me since i spend hard earned money to get them to begin with. Even though i buy most items gently used from thrift stores like goodwill or value village, they are prized possessions to me. but when you said “every single thing in there is something I love”, i realize i can’t say the same thing. perhaps at the time i purchased it years ago i loved it but taste, size, quality change over time. i have to admit i would much rather love everything in my closet rather than just look at the closet with that wow, thats alot of clothes feeling. guess i have some sorting to do!!
Elizabeth says
I am trying to retrain myself into wanting less stuff instead of bigger closets!
Jessica tenberge says
This year I started out with a large walk-in closet, and two hall closets FULL of clothes. My husband made me half my stuff. Then when we moved to our new apartment, I was ordered to quarter them. When we finally moved to our new house in Maryland, I was ordered to half that stuff (I had no choice…houses in the fifties do not come with luxurious closet space) but I feel great! I LOOOOOOOVE opening my closet and seeing my beautiful, comfortable clothes all in their places with spaces in between so they don’t get wrinkled. I also love the few items I have because they are sooo versatile and my personal rule is if it can’t be made into 3 different outfits, it’s not practical enough for me. I also found a saying that I love
“if something doesn’t make you feel like dancing and jumping up and down with excitment…it’s not worth it”
j says
I really need to purge my closet but it’s the big monster I don’t want to tackle just yet. This post was great though and will be helpful once I’m ready!
http://pearlsandgreentea.blogspot.com
Nichole@40daysof says
I’m so glad you posted this. I need motivation for my closet as well. It’s actually quite large and is still becoming unmanageable. It’s really ridiculous and it’s my goal for September to put it right.
http://40daysof.wordpress.com/2010/09/02/hunter-douglas-in-the-house/
JellybeanRowhouse says
I am envious of your lime strapless heels- very cute!
In my closet, I apply all of the rules outlined above EXCEPT when it comes to shoes. I can find a number of ways to excuse it: some pairs are for hiking, or running, or some other specialized activity. Also, I live in a location with four distinct seasons, and accompanying weather changes. But it really just comes down to the fact that I love shoes, and I don’t think I can live with fewer than 30 pairs. Does anyone have a sane way to store an insane shoe collection? Thanks!
Jane says
I don’t know if anyone has mentioned it yet (I haven’t read all the comments yet), but a great way to keep the memories — but not the clothes — is to take pictures of them. I had a couple of dresses that meant a lot because I wore them for important family events, but they are outdated and worn, so I donated them. But the memories don’t die just because the clothes no longer hang in the closet.
Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says
I love organizing closets. I have a post about each closet and how we’ve organized it:
http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2010/07/09/closet-case/
It definitely helps to get rid of unused items. If something isn’t used in a year, I donate it, unless there is sentimental value, like my wedding shoes…
Jess! says
Firstly, I love your site. I bought a house three years ago and am just starting to get into the renovations, and it’s so much fun, i’m totally addicted.
However, regarding the question of paring down closets – rather than going through the closet once per year/season/whatever, I put a big shopping bag in the corner, and if I put something on, or come across something that isn’t what it used to be (in terms of fit/colour/style), it goes in the bag. When the bag is full I drop it off at the Salvation Army. In fact, it also works for old CDs/DVDs/VHS/cassettes (!) that you can’t take to the used CD store, pet supplies (leashes etc.), housewares, pretty much anything. It gives you a few weeks to think about whether something belongs in the bag or not before it leaves forever – but in my experience, nothing that goes in the bag ever comes out.
Jessica at Lavender and Lilies says
I go through my closet at the end of the winter and again at the end of the summer and I throw away, donate or consign anything I didn’t wear that season. It keeps me from hanging onto things I will never wear again.
Ashlee says
Favorite post in awhile! Thanks :)
Jess! says
Oh, and one more thing – I make recycled denim quilts out of anything denim (and people donate old jeans to me to earn quilts), and jersey quilts out of people’s old t-shirts. I’m working on one right now with a ‘bands’ theme – remember in 1986 when you saw Van Halen and bought a t-shirt that you never wear? well… it goes in the quilt.
Alexa says
This post definitely inspired me to do some spring-or fall- cleaning in my closet! :)
Shannon says
Love this post! I organize my closet twice a year, as seasons change. I always hang my hangers backwards and anything that I don’t wear is examined for a “toss or donate” pile.
Someone once referenced the 80/20 rule: You wear 20% of your clothes 80% of the time (and vice versa!)
Stacie says
I am fortunate enough to have a large closet, but at the same time, it’s really easy for it to get out of control so I organize by garmet type and color–pants, skirts, cardigans, short sleeve tops, sleeveless tops, etc. Also, I used clear storage boxes to store neatly folded out of season clothes. This way, when I go in my closet I can find exactly what I need!
Jill Stigs says
Great post…….I am all about minimalism right now. Not too extreme though!
Allison says
I love posts like this. I love to organize. I love to get rid of *stuff*. I love not having to throw an internal tantrum (you know what I mean?) when I look into my closet and don’t want to wear anything.
My question is, how do I get my husband on board? He comes from a family who seems to put so much value on things (they don’t buy a lot, but what they do buy they take SUCH good care of and keep forever, it seems). He sees getting rid of clothes as being wasteful–like “it’s still a perfectly wearable shirt, why would I get rid of it? Doesn’t that mean I’ll eventually just have to buy another one, which is wasting my money?”
We’ve been married/closet-mates for only about 3 months. He is trying to be better b/c he knows how much it means to me, but he has acquired too many clothes–hand-me-downs from his brothers that are “still in good shape” or t-shirts from every 5K he runs in.
Do you have any advice of how I can let my hubby know that letting go of stuff isn’t being wasteful? I think it would help his clothes situation, as well as other “memory-filled” items he can’t let go of.
It seems very nice that you and John think similarly on this issue!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Allison,
Maybe this old post about pairing down closets will help you hubby since it shows John getting rid of a ton of those free t-shirts?
https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/03/tackled-together-closet-clutter-part-1/
Donating them to someone who needs them more than you can not only free up space but make you feel pretty good! Hope it helps!
xo,
s