“There’s a place for everything.” This is the benefit and the joy of an organized space. It’s also telling advice. When you have a walk-in closet, it can become a catch-all for stuff that doesn’t belong there.
If your closet is packed but there’s no more to throw away, it may be that the stuff you need to keep needs to be kept somewhere else. Keep reading to learn the first five things you must keep out of your walk-in closet.
1. Things you don’t like.
When you declutter clothing, very damaged items and garments you’d never wear today are a no-brainer. However, what about gifts you weren’t crazy about? Slacks you wore at your old job? You might have once felt compelled to hang onto these things for a few reasons.
They’re not offensive or in disrepair, but they’re not you. Apply the same principle to the fitness gadget that’s kicking around behind the shoes. If you liked it, you’d be using it.
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Where to put it instead: Consignment or marketplaces where you can sell items. Or donate it to a charity shop or thrift store. |
2. Piles of laundry.
Custom closet remodels are pretty slick in integrating hampers and other receptacles for unwashed items. If you don’t have this, don’t let freestanding hampers or baskets clutter up the space.
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Where to put it instead: Move them to the laundry room or space allowing, the bathroom. |
3. Seasonal decor.
Boxes of Christmas ornaments, tubs of plastic pumpkins, and holiday-themed table settings find their way into walk-in closets. Whether you’ve become blind to it or not, you miss this space. Imagine having the footage they occupy for a chest of drawers, or that shelving for your favorite sweaters.
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Where to put it instead: Box up all out-of-season décor and store it in the attic, basement, utility closet, or garage. |
4. Your life’s fashion archive.
There are too many walk-in closets containing every prom, bridesmaid, and homecoming dress the owner ever wore. We may have memories and money invested in these items, but they don’t have to live here. The same goes for sentimental items that were trendy once but have no place in our daily lives now.
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Where to put it instead: Put old finery in acid-free garment bags, box them up, and keep them in the attic or basement. If you’re ready and don’t think you’ll pass the items along, consignment or thrift. |
5. Home and pet supplies.
A surplus of dog biscuits and stacks of sheets do not belong in your personal walk-in closet. The problem is that we think of closets strictly as storage. The purpose of a walk-in closet is to organize, display, and care for the clothes, shoes, and accessories you wear daily, so you get your money’s worth.
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Where to put it instead: If you don’t have a linen closet, look into bathroom storage solutions. In some cases, you need to declutter the linen closet, not your walk-in, to make room for sheets and towels. Pantries and kitchen storage can be optimized to accommodate pet supplies, as can entryway closets and mudrooms. |
Design a better walk-in closet with us
Cabinets, organizers, shelving, and countertops. The Designery can assist you in planning and executing your dream custom closet, whether it’s the walk-in in your master suite or the mudroom at your home’s entrance. Check out this review from our closet client, Linda:
“The amount of storage I have now vs. before The Designery is actually shocking. There are not enough words and stars to say how happy I am with my finished projects as well as the overall experience and professionalism of this team. Thank you so very much! I can walk into my mudroom and smile. I purposely leave my closet door open because it's too pretty to hide.”
Walk-in closet FAQ
What should a walk-in closet have?
A walk-in closet should fit your wardrobe and lifestyle, but generally speaking, hanging space, shelving, and drawers are the main features. Accessories like bins or baskets, shelf dividers, and drawer inserts keep walk-in closets organized and efficient.
What is the 90 90 rule for decluttering?
The 90-90 rule in decluttering has you ask two questions: “Have I used this in 90 days? Will I use it in the next 90?” If the answer to both is no, it can go.
This applies even to things you aren’t totally throwing away, like holiday decorations or winter parkas. The questions just help you confirm it belongs somewhere other than your walk-in closet.
Should I put a dresser in a walk-in closet?
Space allowing, yes. Putting a dresser in your walk-in closet instantly adds more drawer storage, creates a central location for all wearables, and can free up space in your bedroom. Add a premier countertop, and the dresser can even become a closet island.
