Did you know January is officially designated Get Organized Month (GO Month) by professional organizing groups? That’s because many of us like to start the new year fresh, regaining control of our lives and living environments after a bustling year-end.
To help you with this goal, the Oceanside Cleaners team has compiled our top-five tips on how to achieve a clean and organized clothes closet. You’ll need to set aside some time—probably at least 2-4 hours, depending on the size of the closet. But, trust us, the results will be worth it. Let’s “GO”!
1. Empty the closet and sort by like things
Getting everything out of a crowded closet helps you assess what you have and create some order in your wardrobe. (It’s also a great opportunity to give your closet some much overdue vacuuming and dusting.)
As you remove items, put them in piles according to occasion and use. If you share a closet, there should be distinct piles for each person.
Categories may include:
- Work shirts/blouses
- Dressy vs. casual pants
- Dressy vs. casual skirts
- Sport coats/blazers
- Golf shirts
- Cardigans
- Formal wear
- And so on.
You will likely discover things you forgot you had. Like that old jean jacket or the cute summer blouse that fell off its hanger and got lost behind your shoes.
2. Keep only what you wear, need and love
Now it’s time to purge. Start by acknowledging that getting rid of stuff is hard, especially if the item is still in decent condition or holds sentimental value (like grandpa’s silk ties).
Here are some tips from experts about what to let go of first:
- Duplicates. One or two black turtlenecks are useful, for instance, but you don’t need four.
- Worn and out-of-style items. Yes, that ruffly blouse was all the rage a few years ago, but styles are always changing.
- Anything that’s not your current size. Maybe, just maybe, you will lose/gain a few extra pounds this year. But in the meantime, don’t hold onto those jeans that don’t fit just right. If you reach your goal weight, you can treat yourself to a stylish new pair.
- Items that don’t bring you joy. No matter what you spent on an item, if you look in the mirror and say “meh,” let someone at the thrift store have a turn.
How about items you love that are stained? These may or may not be goners. (See below on how to make the call.)
After you’ve made the “should (it) stay or should (it) go?” decisions, you’re often left with a pile of things you’re just not sure about. The pros suggest putting these iffy items into a box labeled with the date. Stick the box on a shelf out of the way and, if you don’t miss the items a year from now, the entire box can go straight to a donation, without another look. Waalaah!
Alternatively, you can leave these items in the closet but turn the hanger the opposite way on the rod. If you haven’t worn an item by the end of 2026, out it goes.
3. Set aside things that need fixing or laundering
We can also do small repairs, such as replacing a button or repairing small holes or tears.
Create a pile of these items and bring them as soon as possible to one of our locations for an evaluation. We recommend you do not try treating or washing them first, which may make matters worse. We’ll inspect the items and give you an honest assessment about what can be done.
“You would be surprised by what our experts can do. Sometimes customers can’t even remember where the stain was, because it has completely disappeared,” says Mike Harris, Oceanside’s owner.
4. Invest in hangers that keep clothes hanging nicely and securely
Before you start placing items back in the closet according to category and (if desired) color, make sure every item is hung on the appropriate hanger. In other words, ensure you’re using a proper hanger that won’t leave permanent creases or dimples on your clothing. You don’t have to spend a lot on hangers; the plastic ones are fine. But if you have a bit of budget, consider purchasing the following:
- A set of velvet-covered hangers to keep slippery or wide-necked shirts in place
- Hangers with clips for pants and skirts
- Suit hangers that let the jacket and slacks hang together
- Wide hangers for delicate blouses and dresses
While you’re at it, remove all plastic bags from previously cleaned items. They are only meant to protect your cleaned items on the way home and can damage clothing over time.
5. Establish three policies to keep things under control
Once all remaining items are back in your closet, sorted, clean and ready to wear, consider creating a few policies to prevent the return of cramming and chaos.
Professional organizers suggest these three:
- One in, one out. Don’t buy anything new until you determine that you really need and want it. Then aim to remove one item to make space for the new one. This will prevent a return to duplication and overcrowding.
- Weekly tidy-up. Take a few minutes over the weekend to return items to their designated place or “zone,” as the pros call it. This keeps messes from becoming overwhelming.
- Seasonal cleanout. As seasons change, make sure all items are clean, then determine which items you could stand to give away — especially if you didn’t wear them at all.
When you have a clean, organized closet where you can see what you own and access it easily, you’re more likely to use and enjoy the clothes you have. Getting ready in the morning will be a cinch. And, you will be more motivated to put things away quickly and maintain order, because everything has a place. That’s a great way to start the new year!