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21 Things You Should Remove From Your Closet Today

Clearing unused garments and accessories simplifies daily routines and eases stress.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 23, 2025

Clearing unused garments and accessories simplifies daily routines and eases stress.

Your closet holds more than just clothes: it’s a reflection of your life, style, and story. Over time, it also becomes a repository for what no longer serves you—old sweaters, shoes that pinch, or handbags gathering dust. If you’re ready to reclaim space and transform your closet into a stress-free zone, start by letting go of these 21 common clutter culprits.

Why Decluttering Matters

Regularly cleaning out your closet isn’t just about aesthetics. It:

Boosts Efficiency: No more digging for your favorite shirt.
Reduces Stress: Visual clutter can cause anxiety and waste time.
Frees Space: Make room for items you love and actually use.
Helps Others: Donated items have new life elsewhere.

What to Toss From Your Closet

Consider each category below—don’t be hard on yourself. This is about letting go and moving forward, not guilt over old purchases. Here are 21 items commonly found cluttering our closets:

1. Clothes You No Longer Wear
If it’s been a year since you wore it, it’s time to let go. Trends change and your personal style evolves; keep only what fits both your body and your current tastes.
2. Damaged or Stained Garments
Missing buttons, permanent stains, holes, or tears often mean it’s ready for the donation or textile recycling bin unless you truly plan to repair them (and set a deadline).
3. Duplicate Items
How many identical black sweaters does one person need? Paring down duplicates streamlines your wardrobe and frees shelf space.
4. Ill-Fitting Shoes
Uncomfortable, unworn shoes just take up valuable floor space. If they pinch, squeeze, or never see daylight, donate or discard them.
5. Broken Accessories
Jewelry with missing clasps, belts with cracked leather, or sunglasses with scratched lenses rarely get used. Repair or repurpose, but don’t let broken accessories linger.
6. Forgotten Purses and Bags
If you haven’t reached for it in the last year or it’s not your style any longer, consider passing it on.
7. Freebie Promotional Items
Tote bags from events, branded hats, and corporate swag accumulate quickly. If it’s not loved or useful, toss it.
8. Outdated Seasonal Wear
Heavy coats, boots, or swimwear that no longer fit your climate or interests can be donated or responsibly recycled.
9. Clothes from Past Lives
Uniforms from old jobs, specialty gear for hobbies you’ve moved on from—release them to clear the path for new adventures.
10. Sentimental Items You Never Use
Consider preserving the memory elsewhere (photograph, scrapbook) and donating items that hold nostalgia but no utility.
11. Wire Hangers and Broken Hangers
Wire hangers damage clothes and never look neat. Upgrade to sturdy wooden or velvet hangers for longevity and style.
12. Unused Linens and Bedding
Sheets and towels past their prime can be recycled as cleaning rags or donated to animal shelters.
13. Old Hosiery and Socks
Holey or mismatched socks can be turned into dusting cloths or tossed if beyond repair.
14. Exercise Clothes That No Longer Perform
Worn-out workout gear loses its appeal and effectiveness; donate or recycle responsibly.
15. Expired or Unwanted Toiletries
Old perfume, lotion, or cosmetics lurking on closet shelves should be safely discarded or passed on if unopened.
16. Empty or Cracked Storage Containers
Rid your closet of bins that are broken, lidless, or simply not being used. Upgrade to uniform, stackable options.
17. Items Waiting for Repairs That Never Happen
If the mending pile hasn’t been touched in months, it’s time to say goodbye.
18. Outgrown Kids’ Clothes and Gear
Kids outgrow clothing and gear quickly. Pass them on promptly so they don’t consume closet real estate.
19. Unused Holiday Attire
Holiday sweaters, costumes, or formalwear you no longer wear are perfect donation candidates for someone else’s festive occasions.
20. Shop Bags and Packaging
Many closets harbor paper shopping bags, shoeboxes, and packaging. Keep only sturdy boxes you genuinely use for organizing; recycle the rest.
21. Expired Pantry or Cleaning Items
Linen and hallway closets often hide expired cleaning products, pantry items, or unused toiletries. Check labels and dispose properly.

Decluttering Strategy: How to Start and Succeed

Now that you know what to toss, here’s how to make your closet cleanout manageable and rewarding:

Empty the Closet Entirely: Take every item out—even if it’s time-consuming. Sorting in a neutral space helps you see everything clearly.
Sort and Categorize: Group items by type (jeans, sweaters, shoes). Then create subcategories (crew neck, V-neck, etc.) for easier assessment.
Clean As You Go: Wipe down shelves, vacuum floors, and dust all surfaces before returning items.
Donate and Recycle: Set aside a sturdy bag for donations and drop items in as you go. For textiles and damaged items, search for local recycling programs.
Organize Intentionally: As you put things away, use dividers for stacked items, and group clothing by style or color for simplicity.

Expert Organization Tips

Install Over-the-Door Storage: Hang shoe bags, hooks, or bins behind the closet door to utilize every inch.
Use Adjustable Shelving: Under-shelf bins and stackable containers maximize vertical space for linens, accessories, or shoes.
Bundle Sheet Sets: Tie linens with ribbon and store together, using labels to clearly mark sizes.
Label Everything: Labeled baskets reduce time hunting for specific items.
Decorate for Joy: Consider wallpaper or decorative bins to create a closet you’ll love opening.
Keep Frequently Used Items Accessible: Store daily or weekly use garments and accessories front-and-center.

Linen and Hall Closet Organization

These techniques don’t only apply to your bedroom closet. Hallway, bathroom, and linen closets also need periodic attention:

Sort Linens by Size and Type: Store twin, full, queen, and king-size sheet sets separately with visible labels.
Conceal Clutter Using Baskets: Wire or fabric baskets with liners keep cleaning products and toiletries both organized and hidden.
Mount Door Racks and Hangers: Adjustable racks add instant storage for bottles, sprays, or towels.
Divide Large Shelves: Metal brackets and dividers split shelves for towels, washcloths, and bedding—no more messy piles.

Smart Storage Solutions

Item	Recommended Storage Solution
Scarves and Accessories	Over-the-door pockets, drawer trays
Shoes	Shoe racks, stackable bins
Seasonal Items	Labeled containers, top-shelf storage
Linens	Ribbon-tied bundles, fabric baskets
Cleaning Supplies	Wire baskets, back-of-door racks

Maintaining a Clutter-Free Closet

Regular Audits: Schedule seasonal closet reviews to prevent clutter build-up.
One-In, One-Out Rule: For every new purchase, remove an old item.
Keep a Donation Bag Handy: Make it easy to drop in items throughout the year rather than waiting.
Store Off-Season Clothes Elsewhere: Use space bags or bins in storage to free up prime real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How often should I clean out my closet?

A: Aim for every 6-12 months, or at least seasonally. This routine keeps clutter under control and makes organization less daunting.

Q: What should I do with clothes I never wear but feel guilty getting rid of?

A: If they’re in good condition, donate to charity or pass to a friend. Take a photo if it’s sentimental, but remember the goal is a useful, joyful wardrobe.

Q: Can I recycle damaged clothing and textiles?

A: Absolutely. Many cities offer textile recycling programs and some donation centers accept even worn items as rags.

Q: What is the best way to organize shoes in a small closet?

A: Try vertical shoe racks or under-shelf bins. Keep frequently used pairs most accessible, and store seasonal or occasional-use shoes elsewhere.

Q: Any advice for closet organization on a budget?

A: Repurpose household containers, DIY shelf dividers from cardboard, and use baskets or bins you already own. Group items by category, not aesthetics, for best function.

Conclusion

Cleansing your closet is more than rearranging shelves—it’s a commitment to clarity and ease in daily life. By regularly letting go of what no longer serves you, you maximize space, reduce stress, and create a home that supports your current style and needs. Begin today with these 21 items, and welcome a future of effortless organization.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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