Spring cleaning isn’t just for kitchens and garages. Your closet—that space you interact with multiple times every single day—deserves the same annual refresh. A thorough spring cleaning can transform your mornings, help you rediscover forgotten pieces, and reveal whether your closet is actually working for you.
Here’s your complete guide to spring cleaning your closet, from start to finish.
Before You Start: Set Yourself Up for Success
Block the time: This isn’t a 20-minute project. Set aside 2-4 hours depending on closet size.
Gather supplies:
- Large garbage bags (for donations)
- Boxes or bins for sorting
- Hangers (matching ones, ideally)
- Cleaning supplies (cloth, all-purpose cleaner)
- Full-length mirror
- Good lighting
Prepare your mindset: This process works best when you’re energized and decisive. Avoid spring cleaning when tired, rushed, or emotional.
Step 1: Empty Everything
Yes, everything. Every hanger, every folded item, every shoe, every accessory. Pile it all on your bed or floor.
Why? Because you need to:
- See the true volume of what you own
- Evaluate each item individually
- Clean the empty closet
- Start fresh with intentional placement
It feels overwhelming, but trust the process.
Step 2: Clean the Empty Closet
While your closet is empty, give it some attention:
- Wipe down all shelves and surfaces
- Vacuum or sweep the floor
- Clean the closet rod
- Check for any damage or repairs needed
- Consider: Is this space working for you?
This is also a great time to notice what’s not working. Is there wasted space above? Below? Are you fighting the layout?
Step 3: Sort Everything Into Categories
Before deciding what stays, group similar items:
- Tops (short sleeve, long sleeve, blouses)
- Bottoms (pants, shorts, skirts)
- Dresses and jumpsuits
- Outerwear
- Workout clothes
- Loungewear/sleepwear
- Shoes
- Accessories (belts, scarves, jewelry)
- Special occasion items
Seeing everything grouped reveals duplicates, gaps, and patterns in your wardrobe.
Step 4: The Editing Process
Now, the hard part. For each item, ask:
Have I worn this in the past year?
If no, why not? Be honest.
Does it fit right now?
Not “will it fit if I lose 10 pounds.” Right now.
Is it in good condition?
Stains, tears, missing buttons, fading?
Do I feel good wearing it?
Not “it’s fine” but actually good.
Does it fit my current life?
That corporate suit from a job you left? The clubbing dress from your twenties?
Create Four Piles:
1. Keep: Items that pass all tests
2. Donate/Sell: Good condition, just not for you
3. Trash/Recycle: Damaged beyond repair
4. Maybe: Items you’re unsure about (limit this pile!)
Pro tip for the “maybe” pile: Put these items in a bag with today’s date. If you don’t retrieve anything in 3 months, donate the bag unopened.
Step 5: Put Back Strategically
Don’t just throw everything back in. Be intentional:
Group by category: All pants together, all blouses together
Then by color: Within categories, arrange light to dark
Frequency matters: Everyday items at eye level; rarely-worn items up high
Shoes visible: If you can’t see them, you won’t wear them
Accessories accessible: If they’re buried, you’ll forget them
Step 6: Evaluate Your System
Now that you’ve been through everything, honestly assess your closet:
- Is there enough hanging space for what you own?
- Do you have adequate drawer/shelf space?
- Are you using the full height of the closet?
- Is everything visible and accessible?
- Does the layout work for how you get ready?
If you’re fighting your closet’s design, no amount of organizing will fix it permanently. The system itself may need to change.
Maintenance: Keeping It This Way
Spring cleaning is great, but maintenance is better:
One in, one out: When you buy something new, something old leaves
Weekly reset: Spend 5 minutes each week tidying
Seasonal mini-edits: Quick reviews at each season change
Proper storage: Use appropriate hangers, fold knits, store off-season items
When Organizing Isn’t Enough
Here’s the truth: if you complete this spring cleaning process and your closet still doesn’t work, the problem isn’t your stuff—it’s the closet itself.
Signs your closet needs more than organization:
- You still can’t see everything after purging
- Items are piling because there’s nowhere for them
- You’re using bedroom furniture to compensate
- The same problems return within weeks
A custom closet system solves these issues permanently by designing around your specific wardrobe and habits.
What’s Next?
Completed your spring cleaning? If your closet is working great—wonderful! If you’re still fighting the space itself, let’s talk.
Our free in-home consultation includes a closet assessment and ideas for maximizing your specific space.
Questions? Call Delia at 651-646-0319.
Internal Links
- Link to Services page
- Link to “5 Signs You Need a Custom Closet”
- Link to Contact page
Related Posts
- “5 Signs You Need a Custom Closet”
- “How to Maximize a Small Closet”
- “Seasonal Wardrobe Rotation Tips”