Easy Spring Cleaning: Closet Cleanout & Organization Tips

Spring is in the air, and you know what that means. It’s time to refresh, declutter, and reorganize! Among the chaos of daily life, closets often become a tangle of forgotten pieces and unworn garments. With spring cleaning, there’s no better opportunity to tackle your closet and reset for a streamlined, stress-free season.  

A well-organized closet does more than just look nice. It simplifies your mornings, inspires better outfit choices, and reminds you to appreciate the items you cherish most. And with the right approach, you can transform your closet into an organized haven you’ll love year-round. 

Step 1: Preparing for a Successful Spring Closet Cleanout  

Every great spring closet cleanout starts with a solid plan. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:  

• Set Aside Time  

Dedicate a specific day or afternoon to focus only on your closet. Treat it as an appointment with yourself, so you can work without distractions.  

• Gather Your Tools  

Prepare everything you’ll need beforehand, including bins for sorting, donation bags, storage containers, and a full-length mirror. This way, you’ll have everything at arm’s reach to keep the process running smoothly.  

• Prepare to Make Tough Decisions  

The hardest part of decluttering is often letting go. Before you even start, remind yourself of the goal—to clear out what no longer serves you and make space for what truly adds value.  

Step 2: The Decluttering Process  

Once you’re ready to take the plunge, it’s time to face that closet head-on. Step in with a clear strategy to break it down, and start sorting.  

• “Keep, Donate, Toss” Method  

For every garment or accessory, ask yourself this question: “Do I want to keep this, donate it, or toss it?” Place each item into the respective bin. Pro tip? Be honest with yourself to avoid hanging onto things unnecessarily.  

• Follow the One-Year Rule  

If you haven’t worn it in the past year, it’s time to part ways. While exceptions can be made for seasonal or special-occasion clothing, most items you don’t wear are just taking up space.  

• Handle Sentimentality Carefully  

Sentimental items are tricky. Limit yourself to keeping only a select few mementos that truly bring you joy or hold deep meaning. Snap photos of keepsakes you’re letting go of—that way, you’ll still have the memory.  

Step 3: Closet Organization Strategies  

Now comes the fun part: creating a closet that’s functional, beautiful, and uniquely yours.  

• Sort by Categories  

Group clothing and accessories by season, occasion, or color. For example, keep all your workwear in one section, casual wear in another, and evening outfits in another. A color-coordinated closet is also visually appealing and easy to browse.  

• Invest in Storage Solutions  

Maximize your space with accessories like slim hangers, shelf dividers, and storage bins. These tools can make a massive difference in making your closet feel more spacious and organized. 

Check out some of our organization hacks from this blog post to help make your mornings a breeze!

• Utilize Vertical Space  

Take advantage of often-overlooked vertical space. Hanging organizers for shoes or purses, as well as stackable bins, can help you make the most of every inch of your closet.  

Step 4: Spring Cleaning Hacks for a Fresh Closet  

Beyond decluttering and organizing, your closet deserves a solid refresh. Here’s how to give your wardrobe space the upgrade it needs this spring.  

• Deep Clean Everything  

Empty the closet completely and give it a proper scrub-down. Dust the shelves, clean the rods, and vacuum the floors before putting anything back in. A clean space makes all the difference when building a fresh start.  

• Add Fresh Scents  

Slip cedar blocks or scented sachets into your closet to keep your clothes smelling fresh. Bonus? Cedar helps ward off pesky moths and other insects.  

• Upgrade the Lighting  

Struggling to find matching socks in dim lighting? Installing LED lights or updating your fixtures can make a huge difference in functionality and style.  

Step 5: Maintaining Your Organized Closet Year-Round  

The key to long-term success is maintenance. Prevent clutter from creeping back into your life by following these practical tips.  

• One-In, One-Out Rule  

Each time you buy a new clothing item, commit to removing one piece from your closet. This simple habit helps keep your wardrobe slim and prevents unnecessary clutter.  

• Regular Closet Check-Ins  

Schedule a quarterly “mini spring clean out” to reassess your closet. Donate what’s not working, reorganize what’s out of place, and refresh as needed.  

• Rotate for the Seasons  

Store off-season clothes out of sight to keep your current wardrobe accessible. When the seasons change, rotate those items back in and repeat the cleaning process.  

Reinforce the Effort Year-Round with The Designery  

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to end with spring! At The Designery, we specialize in closet organization systems that extend the effort of your spring closet cleanout into every season. From bespoke storage solutions to practical design consultations, we’re here to make your closet organization dreams a reality.  

Feeling inspired? Start with the steps above and then elevate things further with a custom-designed system tailored to your home. Get your custom closet started on the right track with The Designery. With free in-home measuring appointments, and complimentary design consultations, we’re ready to kick off spring organization with you!

Brew your favorite coffee, put on your go-to playlist, and have fun with the process. Spring cleaning is more than just a chore; it’s a way to refresh and reclaim your space.