Decluttering is an important part of interior decorating and interior organizing. Decluttering needs to occur inside and outside of your home, as the less extra “stuff” you have, the more beautiful and manageable your home will be and feel.
Decluttering also starts with your closet. While your closet may not have as big an effect on how your home looks visually, it is the most important part of your home for organization, it is the place where you start your day, and it is the part of your home that so many of us allow to be filled with “things” and “stuff” that we absolutely no longer need. Starting your decluttering project with your closet can create organizational and functional space that will clear your mind and start your interior design journey.
How to Assess Your Items and Begin Decluttering
“Does this bring you joy?” is the question that Marie Kondo asks each client when they’re starting to remove items from their home. It’s a surprisingly good question. If you are not sure if you need something, you probably do not.
It’s time to go through all the items in your closet and assess what you need and what you can get rid of or donate. Here’s where to start:
Assess Each Item:
- Do I use or wear this regularly? When assessing each item, consider its frequency of use. If it has been sitting in your closet untouched for months or even years, it may be a sign that it’s time to let it go. Focus on items that align with your current lifestyle and reflect your true preferences.
Example 1: That trendy top you bought on impulse but have never worn because it doesn’t suit your style or occasions.
Example 2: Sports equipment that you no longer use or have replaced with newer gear.
- Does it still fit me well and make me feel good? Evaluate how well clothing items fit you and make you feel when you wear them. If an item no longer fits properly or doesn’t make you feel confident and comfortable, it may be time to part ways.
Example 1: Clothing that is too tight or too loose and doesn’t flatter your current body shape.
Example 2: Shoes that cause discomfort or pain when worn.
- Is it in good condition, or does it need repairs? Inspect each item for signs of wear and tear. If an item is damaged, stained, or in need of significant repairs that you haven’t attended to, consider whether it’s worth the time, effort, and cost to restore it.
Example 1: Clothing with noticeable holes, rips, or stains that are difficult to remove.
Example 2: Accessories with broken clasps, missing stones, or worn-out elements.
- Does it hold sentimental value or evoke positive memories? Certain items may have sentimental value, such as heirlooms or items associated with special memories. It’s okay to honor that sentimentality, but it’s still useful to evaluate whether it’s something that you’d miss if it was replaced, or if there are other items that may have more meaningful sentimental value. Don’t forget: if you’re just keeping something to evoke a memory, maybe you can get rid of the item but use a photo of the item instead.
Example 1: Clothing that you’ve held onto because it reminds you of a significant event or person, but you no longer wear it.
Example 2: Accessories or jewelry that were gifts but no longer align with your style or preferences.
- Have I used it within the past year? Consider the frequency of use within the past year as a gauge for an item’s relevance in your life. If you haven’t reached for it in a significant amount of time, it may be an indication that it’s no longer needed or desired.
Example 1: Seasonal clothing that hasn’t been worn during the appropriate season for over a year.
Example 2: Kitchen gadgets or appliances that have been collecting dust without being utilized.
Taking the Next Steps: Finding Ways to Get Rid of Extra Stuff
Once you have gone through your closet and truly decided what you need and what you do not, you can donate, sell, or throw away anything that you no longer need. This is the first step towards reorganizing your closet, and eventually the beginning step towards reorganizing and decorating your home.
Remember, the assessment process is about making intentional choices that align with your current needs, preferences, and lifestyle. By carefully evaluating each item based on these criteria, you can confidently determine which items to keep, donate, sell, or discard, resulting in the beginning of a clutter-free closet.
If you’d like help organizing your home, closet, or your life, contact Craft by Anika, today.
