The 30-Day Closet Clean-Out Challenge
Imagine how much easier life would be if your closet looked like this. | Shutterstock.
There are two types of people in this world: Those who love organizing, and those who don’t. I fall into the latter category, much to my chagrin, because while I indisputably love organization – the containers, the coordination, the end result – I hate the actual process of getting all my crap in order.
Enter this PopSugar article, which breaks down the behemoth task of cleaning out your closet into very doable chunks that play out over 30 days. For busy women, this manageable method is easier than a day-long overhaul, and a worthy challenge to take on before the end of January. You ready? Let’s do this.
Here’s how it works:
Week one is all about clearing out the crap you don’t wear, need, or love. This includes your wedge sneakers from 2010, your leotard from high school theatre, and that beige cardigan that languishes, sad and unworn, in the back of your closet.
Week two is devoted to sorting through what you’re keeping and giving away. Take inventory of what you have and plan to keep. If you’re holding on to seven pairs of skinny jeans, this is a good place to continue paring down – you don’t need all seven. (Really.) For the things you no longer want, sort into piles for consignment, donation and trash. This is also the time to bring that bag of clothes to your tailor for repairs or alterations.
Week three tackles your separation anxiety head-on. Whether your piles are destined for Depop, Goodwill or a dumpster, get rid of the things in your closet you don’t want, need or love. It’s that simple. (Need an extra push to de-clutter? Read organization wizard Marie Kondo‘s tips for a no-frills, decluttered life.)
Finally, all that’s left to do in week four is put away the closet-purge survivors in a neat way. Buy good containers to store your shoes and bags so that they last. Streamline your closet with matching hangers. Try organizing by color, season or category. Then sit back and take it all in: You did it! Bravo, organization star.
Caught the organization bug? Don’t fight it! Here’s how to organize everything else in your life.
