I’m beginning to work with a client whose closet is packed from floor to ceiling. Clothes
are crammed on hangers, shoes cover the floor, and piles of sweaters and handbags are spilling over every available surface.
Every morning, she feels stressed before her day even begins. She knows she has plenty of clothes, but she can’t find the ones she
actually loves to wear.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A packed closet can make getting ready for work frustrating, not freeing.
The good news? You don’t have to overhaul everything in one exhausting afternoon. You can reclaim both your closet and your peace of mind one step, and one decision, at a time.
Step 1: Start with the No-Brainers
Begin by pulling out the obvious pieces that no longer belong. These are the “no-brainers”:
Anything that’s too tight, too loose, or uncomfortable
Items that are out of style or no longer feel like “you”
Clothing that’s stained, faded, or damaged beyond repair
Pieces that don’t flatter your
body shape or make you feel confident
You’ll be surprised how quickly these obvious eliminations open up space...and give you momentum to keep going.
Step 2: Make
Three Piles
Set up three clearly labeled piles or bins on your bed or the floor:
Keep: You love it, it fits, and it suits your current lifestyle.
Donate: It’s in good condition but no longer right for you.
Toss: It’s worn out, stained, or damaged.
Work in short bursts (about 10 minutes a day) so the process feels manageable rather than overwhelming. If you need to try something on, do it right away. Don’t toss it into a “maybe” pile. That’s how clutter lingers.
Step 3: Follow Through
Once you’ve sorted everything, take the donate pile straight to your local charity or clothing drop-off. Remove the toss pile from your home the same day if possible.
This follow-through step is crucial. Seeing those extra
items gone gives you an immediate sense of accomplishment and the motivation to finish what you started.
Step 4: Return Only What You Love
Now it’s time to bring your “keepers” back, but with purpose. Use a simple, organized
system:
Group by category: Hang blouses together, then pants, dresses, and jackets.
Sort by color: Within each category, arrange from light to dark. It makes
finding things easier and looks beautiful. You can even use clothing dividers if you so choose. As you return each item, make sure it earns its place. Ask yourself, Would I buy this again today? If the answer is no, let it go.
Step 5: Discover the Freedom of
Less
With fewer pieces, you’ll actually have more to wear because every item fits, flatters, and works together. You’ll start to see patterns in what you love (your favorite colors, cuts, and fabrics) and that clarity can make future shopping trips smarter and simpler.
Simplifying your wardrobe isn’t about depriving yourself. It’s about creating a closet filled only with pieces that support your lifestyle, highlight your personality, and make you feel your best every single day.
On another
note...
Turn your home into a retreat with my specially curated bed and bath picks. From crisp sheets and plush towels to a cozy robe and spa-inspired extras, these favorites bring hotel-style comfort right into your own space. Every item is designed to make your bedroom and bathroom feel like a personal getaway! Visit:
