7 days to an organized closet

Let's talk about your closet. You know, the place where that perfect sweater hides and the jeans you hope to fit into are collecting dust (I’m guilty too). With the seasons changing, it’s time to assess the clothes in your closet and ensure they work for the current you. Not the you that was or the you of the future, the you that exists right now (‘cause let’s be honest, the you of the future probably doesn’t want those dusty jeans either). So, grab a drink- no judgements, put on some fun music, and let’s start a 7-day closet decluttering challenge that will make you feel lighter and brighter this spring.

Hi! I'm Erin, the owner of Live Organized by Erin in Austin, TX. I help clients create organized spaces that fit their needs, giving them back their valuable time. The goal of this blog post is to will break down decluttering and organizing a closet into simple steps to follow over 7 days. Imagine walking into your closet and loving every item—everything is easy to find, getting dressed is simple, and you feel ready to take on the day.

Day 1: inventory and emotionally detach

Pull everything out. Yes, everything. This is the key step that cannot be skipped. We need to see it all to make smart choices. As you take things out, sort them into main categories: tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and accessories. This helps you realize what you have versus what you need. As you handle each item, quickly ask yourself: "Do I like this?" Does it help you or make you feel good? Let go of items you don't need, like that shirt you've kept for ten years “just in case” or that wedding guest dress you didn't like. This is your first round of editing and is meant to weed out the obvious items you no longer want or need.

Day 2: time to try it all on

Today, we’re hosting a fashion show, and you're the star. Try on everything, even if you're unsure. The items that you are afraid to try on should have been weeded out on day 1. Use the mirror to see what fits well, flatters your shape, and makes you feel good. Be honest: if those jeans pinch or that top doesn't suit you, let them go. Make notes on each item; ask if it fits, feels good, and looks good. If the answer is "no," put it in the donate or toss pile. Don’t feel guilty about the amount of items you are letting go! Keep moving quickly so you don’t dwell on items. Trust your first instincts on what to keep or discard. This is also a chance to rediscover favorites or find new ways to style what you already own.

Day 3: final cut

Now that you've tried everything on, it's time to organize further. Sort each pile—tops, bottoms, dresses, etc.—into three groups: keep, donate, and toss. The "keep" pile should have items you love and wear often. The "donate" pile is for items in good condition that you don't want anymore. The "toss" pile is for items that are stained, torn, or damaged beyond repair. Be strict here. If you haven't worn something lately, it's likely time to let it go. Clothing sitting in your closest collecting dust serves no one, not even you. It’s time to let it go and (if possible) donate it to someone who will wear it and love it!

Day 4: the best day- putting it all back and organizing!

Now for the fun part: organizing! First, clean your closet. Dust the shelves, vacuum the floor, and wipe surfaces. Be sure to measure your space first and if you need new organizing items, this is the time to purchase. Use good-quality, matching hangers for a tidy look. Consider shelf dividers, drawer organizers, and storage bins to make the most of your space. Decide how to organize your clothes—by color, type, or season—and choose a system that suits you. This step is about making your space functional and beautiful for you, so getting dressed is enjoyable, not a chore.

Day 5: donate and repair

Pack up your donate pile and take it to a local charity or donation center. Don’t let those bags linger in your car; get them out of your life. For the toss pile, dispose of items responsibly. Now, for the “repair” pile- items that need a little more attention. Take them to a tailor or learn to do simple repairs yourself. This step is about closing the loop and giving items a second life.

Day 6: pack away seasonal clothing (if applicable)

Spring is here, so it’s time to switch out your winter clothes for your spring and summer wardrobe. Store your winter clothes in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to save space. As you’re putting away your winter clothes, take note of any items you need to replace or update. Save yourself time in the fall and work on weeding through items that you know no longer serve you and get them tossed or donated as needed.

Day 7: celebrate

You did it! Your closet is now thoroughly decluttered, beautifully organized, and perfectly ready for the spring. You’ve successfully created a space that truly reflects your unique style and makes you feel both accomplished and good every time you look in your closet.

Maintenance

The work doesn’t stop here. The key to maintaining an organized closet is consistency. Set aside a few minutes each week to tidy up and put things back in their place. Regularly reassess your wardrobe and donate or toss items as needed. You don’t want all of your hard work going to waste so prioritize keeping your closet organized!

Let me know the comments if you found this helpful and share your successes- I would love to cheer you on!