How to Clean Your Wardrobe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why It’s Important to Clean Your Wardrobe

Having a closet full of things can make your mornings difficult and your life stressed. If you’re sick of having to sort through piles of clothes or struggle to find outfits that go together, it’s time to clean out your closet! This guide will make it easy for you to clean out, organize, and keep your closet neat.

A jumbled closet isn’t just a sight; it gets in the way of your daily life. This is why you should clean it:

Time-Saver: No more looking for that one top for minutes or hours on end.
Lessens Stress: A clean space means a calm thought.
Keeps clothes in good shape so they last longer.
Helps Find Gaps: You’ll understand what you need and don’t need.

One helpful tip from The Spruce is that organizing your closet can help you feel more in charge of your daily life.

How to Clean Out Your Wardrobe Step-by-Step

Step 1: Take everything out

First, get all of your clothes, shoes, and other things ready. With this, you can see everything you own.

Sort into groups like skirts, tops, bottoms, accessories, and so on.
Look at the clothes for damage: are they stained, torn, or don’t fit right? It’s time to let go.

Pro Tip: For professional tips on how to sort things, check out Good Housekeeping’s cleaning guide.

Step 2: Use the three-pile rule

Sort your clothes into three groups:

Keep: Clothes you like and use a lot.
Used things that don’t fit your style anymore should be given away or sold.
Throw away worn-out or broken items that can’t be fixed.

Tip: Get rid of something if you haven’t worn it in six months.

Step 3: Put your things in order

Now put the “Keep” pile in a smart way:

Seasonal Rotation: Put clothes that aren’t in season in vacuum bags or under the bed.
Group things that are similar together, like all jeans or all t-shirts.
Put clothes in a rainbow order so they are easy to match.

Pro Tip: To save room, use the folding methods shown in Real Simple.

Smart Ways to Store Things to Keep Your Wardrobe Neat

Pick the Right Hooks

Clothes don’t slip off of velvet hangers.
Blazers and coats stay in shape on wooden hangers.

Hang vs. Fold

Hang: clothes that get wrinkled easily, like dresses and work shirts.
Fold: sweaters, knits, and small tears.

Make the Most of Space

Dividers on the shelves keep groups neat.
Hanging racks for belts, scarves, and bags.
Shoe racks keep things organized.

As a pro tip, read Apartment Therapy’s storage ideas for small rooms.

To Keep Your Closet Clean Over Time

Follow the “one in, one out” rule

Got a new dress? Take out an old one to keep it from overflowing.

Quick Fixes Every Week

Fold up wacky stacks again.
Put the things back where they belong.

Seasonal Breezes

Check your closet again every three to six months to keep it clean.

Pro Tip: The Home Edit’s care tips will help you keep your closet neat.

Last Thoughts

It’s not just about looking nice to keep your closet clean; it’s also about saving time and stress. If you do these things, your closet will become a stylish, stress-free place where getting dressed is fun!

Are you ready to begin? Grab a trash bag, put on some music, and clean out your closet to feel better!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is cleaning your wardrobe so important?

It saves time, reduces stress, protects your clothes, and helps you find style gaps.

How often should I clean my closet?

Ideally every 3–6 months, or whenever you notice clutter piling up.

What is the best way to start cleaning?

Take everything out, sort into categories, and use the three-pile rule.

How can I make more space in my closet?

Use velvet hangers, shelf dividers, storage boxes, and seasonal rotation.

What’s a simple rule to keep my closet neat long-term?

Follow the “one in, one out” rule—every time you buy a new item, donate or discard one.