Quick Tips to Declutter Your Walk-in Closet in Just Two Days

Empty the Entire Closet

This is non-negotiable. Every single time I try to “organize around the mess,” I regret it. Pulling everything out is what gives me that fresh start and helps me see what I own. You can’t make smart choices when half your closet is still on a hanger. And while it’s all out, I give the space a little love. Shelves get wiped down, floors get vacuumed, and I usually find at least a few socks I thought were lost forever.

Categorize Your Items

Once everything’s out in the open, I start sorting. And not just in a general “pile of clothes” way. I go category by category. From my experience, this is where clarity kicks in.

• Clothes separated by type makes it easier to spot how many black tees or duplicate pairs of jeans I’ve collected.
• Shoes all in one place means I can finally stop pretending I wear those heels from 2012.
• Accessories grouped together help me see which scarves or belts I actually reach for (and which ones are just taking up space).
• Seasonal items pulled aside instantly reduce the visual clutter.
• Specialty items like formalwear or costumes get their own little moment, so they’re not lost among the everyday stuff.
  

Use the “Keep, Donate, Toss” Method

I used to overthink every decision. Now, I use the simplest framework possible, and it works. If I wear it, love it, and it fits well, it stays. If it hasn’t seen the light of day in a year or more, it’s probably on its way out.

Being honest is key here. I’ve learned that duplicates are clutter in disguise. That stained shirt I’ve been meaning to fix for months? Tossed. The jeans that fit before two pregnancies ago? Donated. It’s not about guilt—it’s about space and sanity.

Set Aside Seasonal or Sentimental Items

I used to keep everything in the main rotation. Total mistake. These days, I give off-season clothes a proper home in labeled bins or up on the higher shelves. It frees up space immediately and helps me focus on what I actually need now.

Overall, I’m selective about sentimental stuff. One box, and that’s it. I keep it tucked away, but accessible enough to smile at once in a while. No more letting nostalgia take over the prime real estate.

Plan Your Layout Based on Use

Once I know what’s staying, I take a step back and really look at the space. What I’ve learned is that how I store things matters almost as much as what I store. My go-to rule? The things I wear most go where my eyes naturally land.

My everyday staples like jeans, white tees, and go-to hoodies sit at eye level for quick grabs during the morning rush. Special-occasion pieces live up high. Workout clothes live lower. I want to move fast and not think too hard, and this setup makes it happen.

Use Storage Solutions for a Cleaner Look

Once everything’s sorted, this is the part where it all comes together visually. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but intentional storage changes everything. I recommend investing in the following simple yet functional storage solutions: 

• Baskets and Bins: These hide clutter while still keeping items grouped. I love them for things like hats, extra toiletries, or out-of-sight shoes.
• Drawer Dividers: I had to give my everyday items some much-needed boundaries. No more tangled belts or rogue tank tops.
• Shelf Organizers: This is an easy feature that adds structure where there was once a jumble. Great for jeans or sweaters that used to fall into sad little piles.
• Velvet-Lined Drawers: I love this little luxury. My velvet-lined jewelry and keepsake drawers keep delicate pieces from snagging or sliding.
• Slim Hangers: My secret weapon for consistency is slim hangers. Everything hangs at the same level, takes up less space, and looks instantly cleaner.

Label Zones of Containers for Easy Access

This tip might sound overly type-A, but it’s changed the game for me. Especially when other people are grabbing things or putting laundry away (hi, spouse and kids), labels make it all foolproof.

• Workwear, activewear, and weekend clothes each get their own zone, so I don’t dig for leggings on a Monday.
• Scarves, gloves, and beanies live in a labeled bin by the door side of the closet—perfect for grab-and-go moments.
• Shoes are grouped and tagged by type: boots, flats, sneakers, and dressy pairs.
• Jewelry and hair accessories are stored in separate, labeled drawer organizers, so I’m not rifling through chaos.
• Small purses and clutches sit in a container marked for “event bags”. It’s a weirdly satisfying system.
  

Add a Finishing Touch

Decluttering doesn’t mean clinical. I like my closet to feel calm, lived-in, and yes, just a little bit pretty. So once the hard work is done, I always take time for a few finishing touches.

• A mirror near the door lets me do quick checks without running back to the bathroom.
• A small rug softens the look and makes the space feel more finished and more fun to walk into barefoot.
• Accent lighting (even just a stick-on LED under a shelf) makes a surprisingly big difference in how usable the space feels.
• A donation bag tucked discreetly in the corner makes it easier to keep things clutter-free going forward. One in, one out.
• A small vase or photo on a shelf reminds me that even utility spaces can feel special.
  

Conclusion

Decluttering your walk-in closet doesn’t have to be a full-blown lifestyle change or a weeklong affair. Two focused days (one to clear, one to rebuild) can completely transform the way your space feels and functions. You’ll make mornings smoother, and it can even help you shop smarter. If you’ve been putting it off, this weekend might just be your moment. And once it’s done? You’ll wonder why you waited so long!