Closet clean out

United States
2025/2/18 Edited to

... Read moreOkay, so who else dreads the thought of a big closet clean-out? I know I do! There are days when the motivation is just non-existent, and my closet becomes this overwhelming mountain of clothes. But you know what? Every single time I finally say, 'Let's do this!' and get it done, I feel so much lighter and happier. It’s truly one of the most satisfying transformations you can make in your home. If you’re staring down a chaotic wardrobe right now, especially if you have a small closet like mine, don’t panic! I’ve picked up some tips and tricks that make the process less daunting and actually pretty rewarding. Finding Your Spark: Closet Cleaning Motivation When You Have None First things first, let’s talk about getting started. My biggest hurdle is always motivation. Here’s how I trick myself into it: Set a Timer: Seriously, just 15-30 minutes! You'd be amazed what you can achieve. Often, once you start, you might keep going. Put on a Playlist: Upbeat music makes everything better. It turns a chore into a mini dance party. Visualise the End Result: Close your eyes and imagine your perfectly organized closet. That mental picture is often enough to kick me into gear. Reward Yourself: Promise yourself a coffee, a new book, or an episode of your favorite show after you make some progress. Small Closet, Big Impact: Smart Cleanout Tips Having a small closet doesn't mean you can't have an organized, functional space! It just means you have to be a bit smarter. The "Everything Out" Rule (or Sections if it's too much): If you can, take everything out. Yes, *everything*. Lay it on your bed. This helps you see exactly what you’re dealing with. If that's too overwhelming for a small space, tackle it in sections – blouses, then pants, then dresses. The Three Pile Method: Keep, Donate/Sell, Discard: Keep: Only items you absolutely love, fit well, and wear regularly. If you haven't worn it in a year, question why you're keeping it. Be honest with yourself! Donate/Sell: Clothes that are in good condition but don't fit, don't suit your style anymore, or you simply don't love. Someone else could cherish them! Discard: Anything stained, ripped beyond repair, or just worn out. Think Vertical (Especially for Small Closets!): Your walls are your friends. Add extra shelves, hanging organizers, or shoe racks that go up, not out. Over-the-door organizers are lifesavers for accessories, scarves, or even shoes. Uniform Hangers: Switching to slim, velvet hangers instantly creates more space and a cohesive look. It’s a game-changer! Fold, Don't Hang (Where Appropriate): Bulky sweaters, jeans, and t-shirts often take up less space folded on shelves or in drawers than hanging. Basket Magic: Use baskets for items like socks, underwear, or activewear. It keeps things tidy and easy to find. Remember, a closet clean-out isn't just about tidying up; it's about reclaiming your space and feeling good about what you own. It might feel like a huge task, but breaking it down makes it manageable. So, what are you waiting for? Time to get that satisfying feeling!

Related posts

POV: trying to clean out your closet
Alicia Sicz

Alicia Sicz

2830 likes

A pink and white graphic with the title 'CLOSET CLEANOUT CHECKLIST' in bold pink letters, centered on a white rectangle. The background features a wavy pink pattern. The bottom left corner displays 'Lemons' and '@itsmarisela_'.
A pink and white graphic listing initial steps for a closet cleanout, each with a blank checkbox. Steps include 'TURN ON MUSIC', 'OPEN WINDOWS (OPTIONAL)', 'CLEAR BED', 'MAKE 5 PILES', 'KEEP LAUNDRY BASKET NEARBY', and 'START W/CLOTHES FIRST'.
A pink and white graphic listing closet cleanout steps, each with a blank checkbox. Steps include beginning with the closet, deciding what goes in each pile, continuing to pull items, taking a break, and moving onto bins/drawers/totes.
Closet Cleanout Checklist
Hi babes! 🩷 I know how overwhelming it can be to declutter your space, so I'd like to share my way of cleaning out my closet. ● TURN ON MUSIC ● OPEN WINDOWS (Optional) ●CLEAR BED: You'll need somewhere to put your stuff. ● MAKE 5 PILES: KEEP, SELL, MAYBE, DONATE, & TOSS: I u
Marisela

Marisela

3343 likes

A stack of folded textiles in pink, blue, and white with tassels, featuring the title 'Closet Clean Out Guide' in blue text. The Lemon8 logo and username are at the bottom.
The Ultimate Closet Clean-Out Guide
Struggling to let go of clothes? Ask yourself these simple questions: If the answer is no, it might be time to say goodbye! Use this guide to declutter with confidence and create a wardrobe you love. ✨ #ClosetCleanOut #DeclutterYourLife #WardrobeRefres #cleaning #cleaninghacks
Allyson’s Notes

Allyson’s Notes

64 likes

Closet clean out with me🤍🤍🤍
#cleanoutcloset #closetcleanout #closetorganization #depop #preppy #preppycloset
LILYLADUE 🐆🐆

LILYLADUE 🐆🐆

1792 likes

Linen closet organization! ✨
I am on a mission to organize and clean out every closet and hidden space in my home and this week I tackled the linen closet!🙌 I want everything in my home to have a designated space and it's been a long journey but so satisfying every time l finish a project! I decided to go ahead and g
Elizabeth Bedoya

Elizabeth Bedoya

1334 likes

Part 1: closet clean out!
Follow along 🤎 #closetglowup #closetmakeover #closet #tryonhaul
Chelsea Larson

Chelsea Larson

1078 likes

A closet rack holds various clothes on hangers, with a peach zippered jacket prominent in the foreground. The image features the text 'Closet clean out hack Simplify your life,' illustrating a method for organizing and decluttering clothing.
Simplify your life: closet clean out hack
Do you have tons of clothes that don’t get worn? Switch your hangers around when you wear something then get rid of the stuff you don’t wear! #closetcleanout #cleangirlaesthetic #cleanoutcloset #hacks #fashion #fashionhacks @Lemon8 Fashion
Emily Hayden

Emily Hayden

62 likes

Swipe to Clean! My Tool Closet!
Yall this closet looked a MESS for months! I try to keep it organized but hubby is the opposite 😆 +I use drawer organizers for all the little bits every house has - batteries, tape, pens, nails, mini screwdrivers/allen keys, labels, etc +I stored bulbs and candles way up high because I don’t
Yasmin

Yasmin

317 likes

A closet with hanging clothes and folded items on a shelf, overlaid with text titled "When to Get Rid of Clothes." Below, a list of reasons to declutter clothing is presented in white speech bubble shapes, including items that are damaged, don't fit, or haven't been worn in over a year.
Declutter Your Closet: What to Keep or Toss
Is your closet bursting at the seams? Time for a wardrobe cleanse! 🌟👗 Say goodbye to clothes that are damaged, don’t fit, or just aren’t your style anymore. If you haven't worn it in over a year or it’s a duplicate, it's time to let it go! Keep only what you love and feel great wearing. You
Heather 🩵

Heather 🩵

400 likes

Closet clean out
I honestly regret instantly when I do this because it reminds me that I wasted money on this I literally never worn or just worn once:/, I need to find more basic clothes so I can plan more outfits, I don’t even know why I buy stuff that I know I won’t like at the end, I hope this is depop worth it
AMG⚜️

AMG⚜️

16 likes

Closet clean out
A much-needed purge of my clothes. Just one thing among many more that I plan on doing this year to help simplify and declutter our lives. #closet clean out #unfiltered #simplifyyourlife #declutteryourcloset #closetdeclutter
Carson 🩷

Carson 🩷

81 likes

Closet clean out pt.2 🧺🧺
#closetcleaning #closetmagic #cleanoutcloset #closettransformation #unfiltered
Laurel Bates | Teacher • Vlogs

Laurel Bates | Teacher • Vlogs

35 likes

A split image showing a distressed woman on the left, labeled 'Disaster' and 'Reset', and an overflowing, messy closet on the right, labeled 'Before...' and 'Step by Step'. The title reads 'Closet clean out'.
Closet clean out
Juliette Weg

Juliette Weg

28 likes

Part 3: Closet clean out! Part 1 dresses
This was a hard one #closetglowup #closetcleanout #closettransformation #tryonhaul #closet
Chelsea Larson

Chelsea Larson

322 likes

closet clean out
#lemon8diarychallenge it's not much of a difference but it's a start. I was feeling overwhelmed when I even looked in my closet and I couldn't find anything. small change. I'll do more later. #reorganized #closetcleanout #smallvictories
fknlynne

fknlynne

1 like

Closet Clean Out
Teddy’s unwell, so while he chills and I’ve got the motivation I’m tackling this closet. #tidy #closetcleanout #clean #organize
Cassie Izon

Cassie Izon

9 likes

Help me clean out my closet 🥰
#closet #closetorganization #cleanwithme
Laurel Bates | Teacher • Vlogs

Laurel Bates | Teacher • Vlogs

25 likes

A drawer filled with neatly organized, rolled, and folded clothes in pink, white, and patterned fabrics. The image asks, 'What is your top tip for a closet purge?'
Closet Clean Out
With the changing of the seasons it’s the perfect time to clean out your closet and do a closet swap! What is one tip you have for cleaning out your closet and/or swapping summer clothing for fall? Ours would be: if you haven’t worn it in a year, let it goooo! #letschat
Lemon8 Fashion

Lemon8 Fashion

165 likes

A cluttered walk-in closet filled with clothes on hangers, various shoes on upper shelves, and stuffed animals. A laundry basket is visible on the floor, illustrating the 'before' state of a closet cleanout.
Closet Clean out
The beginning is very embarrassing 😬 I feel like my closet is something that always gets neglected and with 2 people laundry always piles up so fast. Fingers crossed I can stay on top of it 🤞🏻 #lemon8diarychallenge #closetcleanout
Maeleigh Drake

Maeleigh Drake

4 likes

back to school closet clean out!!
#BackToSchool #backtoschooloutfit #closetcleanout #closetcleanoutseries
KAYLA🤎🧸✨🐆

KAYLA🤎🧸✨🐆

2324 likes

Aesthetic Closet Clean Out! 🍋
OKAY GIRLIES! Week 2 was quick and now D O N E 🤍 so this means i can catch up on some other cleaning AND start week 3 early which is the bathrooms. I have posted the 14 week challenge rooms and the linen closet sheet so you can screenshot/save and get your house organized! See you later! #
Casey 🤍

Casey 🤍

75 likes

Closet Clean Out 🛍️ Brand New Finds + Statement Pieces
Closet clean out has officially turned into an everything must go situation 😭🛍️ I’m talking old Sears clearance rack energy, but make it cute. I found gold Naked Wolfe boots that originally retailed around $500, a wild Akira jumpsuit, going out sets, vacation pieces, and so many brand new wit
mads 👏🏻

mads 👏🏻

10 likes

Closet Clean-out
Cleaning out the kids' closets Back-to-school season is here and these kids outgrew pretty much everything #backtoschool #momlife #stayathomemom #ditl #cleaning
lacasitadedaisita

lacasitadedaisita

1 like

Closet Clean Out!
When there is no more hangers to be able to hang your clothes….. take that as a sign to clean out your closet! #closetcleanout #donate #closetorganization
✨MiKayla Rose✨

✨MiKayla Rose✨

4 likes

Easy Tips for Your Closet Cleanout ✨
Planning a closet purge? Having a simple, clear plan really makes a difference. These are the tips I use to keep things moving and avoid feeling stuck. First, I pull everything out so I can get a good look at what I have. Then, I separate what I don’t wear from what I’m unsure about, and try on
Anna Brynn

Anna Brynn

63 likes

closet clean out tips!
If your house looks like a mini thrift store exploded every time the weather changes... SAME. It’s taken me almost three years and 12 season changes to get closet clean outs down to a science. Here’s how I finally got a system down for sorting kid’s clothes by season fast, easy, and low-stress.
Megann Louise

Megann Louise

63 likes

A smiling woman in a white sports bra and light brown leggings holds a large stack of folded pants in various colors. The image features 'CLOSET CLEANOUT' text on the right and 'Lemon8 @kristinafornof' in the bottom left, against a plain light background.
new yt video- closet cleanout! 🤭🤍
ahhh this was a much needed and long overdue closet cleanout! If you need the motivation to do your definitely watch my yt video! 🤍 YT: @kristinafornof and if you’re interested in shopping my closet I listed it all on poshmark- there are a whole bunch of cute pieces at such a good price! 🏷️
kristinafornof

kristinafornof

31 likes

Linen Closet Clean out!
Let’s reset and clean out my Linen Closet. #linen #linencloset #organize #home #declutter #homemaking #cleangirlaesthetic #clean #homecleaning #homeorganization
PinkiegirlPearl

PinkiegirlPearl

25 likes

Closet Clean Out + Starting A Capsule Wardrobe
Downsizing our closet space in this new house felt a little intimidating at first… but honestly, it’s been a blessing in disguise. It pushed me to finally edit my wardrobe with intention—focusing on pieces I actually wear and love, especially those that align with my Soft Autumn color palette 🍂✨
Amy McAllister

Amy McAllister

13 likes

Closet clean out!!!
#lemon8diarychallenge #cleaning Decided to clean out my closet and was amazed at the things I found…and how much I got rid of. Took 9 big garbage bags of clothes to the thrift store for someone else to enjoy.
Celestial Croom

Celestial Croom

2 likes

A woman in a striped shirt and denim shorts takes a mirror selfie, with text overlay "Why The Closet Clean Out Trend Right Now May Back Fire On Creators Later," introducing a critique of the trend. The image includes a Lemon8 watermark.
A woman takes a mirror selfie, with text overlay explaining how closet clean-outs create a false sense of minimalism and don't change shopping habits. The image includes a Lemon8 watermark.
A woman takes a mirror selfie, with text overlay stating that closet clean-outs focus on stuff, not mindset, leading to a cycle of overstuffed closets and decision fatigue. The image includes a Lemon8 watermark.
Closet Clean Out
Anyone else see those closet clean outs going on right now? How effective do you really think they are for them? I’ve already seen those same people sharing new thrift hauls or their new clothes they just bought. Truthfully some of them are fixing their problem so they can live peacefully….others w
StephSwalls

StephSwalls

5 likes

Part 3: Closet clean out! Part 2 dresses
I have such a hard time letting stuff go #closettransformation #closetglowup #closet #closetcleanout #tryonhaul
Chelsea Larson

Chelsea Larson

240 likes

A closet filled with various clothes on hangers, featuring the title "HOW TO CLEAN YOUR CLOSET TIPS + SUPER HACK" and a "SWIPE" indicator.
An empty closet rod and shelf, illustrating the first step to "TAKE EVERYTHING OUT OF YOUR CLOSET" for cleaning and organization.
Three distinct piles of clothes on a carpet, labeled "I wear these clothes," "Maybe I will wear," and "Sell/Donation," with a person's feet visible.
The BEST Hack to clean your closet 👚👗🗑️
Hello friends! 🍋 Are you tired of opening your closet only to be greeted by a sea of clothes you rarely wear? Do you find yourself struggling to let go of items you've held onto for far too long? If so, I have a game-changing super hack that will revolutionize the way you clean and organi
Thamires Cottone | REALTOR

Thamires Cottone | REALTOR

147 likes

Supply Closet Makeover!✨
I have neglected this area for long enough! This little closet serves as so many different things…from the cleaning supplies, the towels, mop bucket and broom storage, it even holds our medicine!😂 It’s so easy to just throw whatever I don’t want to deal with at the moment in this closet and shut
Taylor | SAHM

Taylor | SAHM

342 likes

Closet clean out!!!
Finally did the closet clean out of 2025! Now it wasn’t that big of a clean out but I do think the outcome was well worth it!!! It feels nice to look into this closet and have it feel organized and just where everything belongs especially when you live with a MAN!! ⭐️Overall rating: /10:
Alxb007

Alxb007

2 likes

Closet clean out
Closet clean outs will help Elevate Your Style. How to clean out my closet? How do I decide what to keep in my closet? #personalstylist #fashionadvice #styletips #fashioninspo #nordstrom
shawntelgrant

shawntelgrant

4 likes

See more