We’ve all been there: faced with an item we don’t know what to do with, we quickly toss it into the closet, thinking we’ll deal with it later. However, this seemingly harmless habit can lead to a closet overflowing with clutter. Those few minutes saved at the moment can turn into a daunting weekend project down the line.
To help you declutter your closet and avoid future headaches, we asked three professional organizers for their advice. They identified several items that should never be stored in your closet. Following their recommendations and finding new homes for these items, you can transform your closet into an organized and functional space.
Keepsakes and Memorabilia
There are certain items not meant for the closet. While it’s understandable to want to keep cherished keepsakes and memorabilia close, storing them in your bedroom closet can create a cluttered and emotionally overwhelming environment. These sentimental items, such as old photos, childhood toys, or inherited heirlooms, often hold significant emotional value and can be difficult. However, when stored in a closet, they can become forgotten and neglected, losing their intended purpose.
By moving keepsakes and memorabilia to a designated space, such as a dedicated storage area or a special display shelf, you can preserve their sentimental value while maintaining a clutter-free and organized bedroom. This approach allows you to enjoy and appreciate these items without them overwhelming your personal space.
“Keepsakes, whether your own or your kids’, are better stored in other places,” Meidl says. “In general, most people have a limited amount of space in a closet, and storing items there when they can be kept elsewhere is not a good use of space.”
She recommends that her clients store only one keepsake bin per family member in the basement or attic.
Also, Read 14 Closet Door Alternatives to Make Your Space Look Elegant and Stylish!
Bulk Toiletries or Cleaning Supplies
For those who enjoy shopping at Costco or can’t resist a good sale, it’s easy for budget finds to accumulate and quickly overwhelm storage spaces. However, according to Di Popolo, your closet should be off-limits for these items.
Not only do these products contribute to closet clutter, but they also pose a risk of leaking or spilling onto your clothes. To avoid these problems, limit your purchases to items that can be comfortably stored in your bathroom cabinets or utility rooms. By following this advice, you can prevent unnecessary clutter and protect your clothes from potential damage.
Wire Hangers from the Dry Cleaners
While freebies and mismatched hangers may have sufficed during your college days, it’s time to upgrade to a more organized and stylish approach. Saltman specifically warns against using wire hangers from the dry cleaners in your closet. These hangers are flimsy and lack the support needed to properly maintain your clothing.
She encourages her clients to invest in a matching set of sturdy hangers. A cohesive set of hangers in a single color will not only enhance the visual appeal of your closet but also ensure that your clothing remains securely hung. By using quality hangers, you’ll reduce the risk of clothes falling off and ending up on the floor, creating a more organized and efficient storage space.
Seasonal, Stained, or “Someday” Clothes
Every item in your closet should be something you wear regularly and with confidence. However, even the most organized individuals can benefit from a periodic closet purge. Meidl provides a breakdown of which items you should consider discarding, donating, or storing elsewhere.
Storing Seasonal Clothes Efficiently
If your closet is limited in space, it’s advisable to store bulky seasonal items like puffer vests in bins or storage bags during the off-season. This will free up valuable closet space and prevent these items from taking up unnecessary rooms. Consider storing them in an attic or basement. This is to keep them out of sight and out of mind until the appropriate season arrives.
Discarding Damaged Clothing
If your clothing is stained or ripped beyond repair, Meidl recommends discarding it without hesitation. However, if the damage is repairable, consider setting it aside and making a plan to mend it or treat the stain. This approach will help you declutter your closet while preserving potentially valuable items that can be restored to their original condition.
Donating or Selling Outdated Clothes
If you’ve been holding onto clothes with the hope that they’ll become fashionable or fit again, it might be time to reconsider. Even expensive items can be donated or sold if they’re no longer serving their purpose. Decluttering your closet and letting go of these items can free up space and prevent them from taking up unnecessary rooms.
Formalwear and Costumes
Di Popolo highlights old formalwear as a common source of clutter in closets. If you no longer plan to wear them, consider selling, donating, or storing them elsewhere to free up space for your everyday wardrobe.
Similarly, Halloween costumes and themed outfits from past years often end up cluttering closets. If you rarely attend costume parties or themed events, consider storing these items in a garage or storage unit, or donating them if they’re no longer relevant. By decluttering these items, you can create a more organized and functional closet space.
Decluttering Unwanted Gifts
Closets often serve as a dumping ground for unwanted gifts from well-meaning friends and family. Di Popolo urges you to stop holding onto these items out of guilt. By decluttering these items, you can free up space in your closet and create a more organized and enjoyable environment.
“[Unwanted gifts] clutter your space and create unnecessary mental baggage,” she says. “If you know you’ll never use these items, donate or regift them, and free up your closet for things you love and use.”
The Problem with Empty Boxes
Empty boxes, whether for old cellphones, laptops, or shoes, often accumulate in closets, taking up unnecessary space. People often hold onto these boxes “just in case” they need them later. However, unless you have a specific plan to resell these items, it’s best to toss or recycle them to free up valuable closet space.
By decluttering these empty boxes, you can create a more organized and efficient closet environment, allowing you to focus on storing items that are truly important and useful.
Decluttering Extra Bedding and Towels
Saltman recommends that bedding and towels should be stored in a linen closet rather than a clothing closet. To declutter your linens and towels, start by removing them all and discarding any old, stained, or mismatched items.
“If you have a dedicated space for your bedding and towels and you still need to keep the overflow in your bedroom closet, chances are you have too many linens and towels,” she says.
A good rule of thumb is to keep only two to three sets of linens per bed and two to three sets of towels per person. These items can take up a lot of space, so it’s important to limit your collection to what is necessary. By decluttering your bedding and towels, you can create a more organized and efficient storage space.
FAQs
Q: How can I keep my closet simple?
A: To maintain a simple and organized closet, start by decluttering and removing items you no longer wear or need. Prioritize versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched for various outfits. Invest in quality clothing that will last longer and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
Use hangers that match and fold clothes neatly to maximize space. Regularly assess your wardrobe and donate or sell items you haven’t worn in a year. By following these tips, you can create a streamlined and functional closet that simplifies your daily routine.
Q: What is the best thing to store in a closet?
A: The best items to store in a closet are those that are used frequently and require easy access. This includes everyday clothing, shoes, accessories, and personal items. A well-organized closet should be a space that promotes efficiency and convenience. To maximize storage space, consider using shelves, drawers, and hanging organizers.
Avoid storing items in your closet that are rarely used or can be stored elsewhere, such as seasonal clothing, bulky items, or sentimental keepsakes. By carefully selecting what to store in your closet, you can create a functional and organized space that enhances your daily routine.
Also, Read Top Closet Organization Ideas for a Clutter-Free Space