If you often spend your mornings in an "I have nothing to wear" spiral, we have the solution.
Tackling closet chaos shows you exactly which clothing and accessories have repeat value—and which you never wear. Uncluttering can feel overwhelming, especially when you're first getting started, but a few simple strategies are all you need to straighten out your space.
Read on to learn how to organize a closet to create a wardrobe that's easy to navigate and filled with options you love.
The best closet organization maximizes space, declutters your clothes, and makes mornings more manageable. Whether you have a tiny area or a spacious walk-in, these five steps will help you take your setup from chaotic to curated.
Getting everything out in the open might feel overwhelming, but it's an essential first step toward reclaiming your space. So remove every item from your closet, including clothes, hangers, baskets, bins—even those old shoeboxes you thought you'd use one day.
An empty closet gives you a blank canvas to work with, letting you create an organized, efficient layout.
Pro tip: Deep clean your closet immediately after you empty it. This quick process makes your space feel fresher. Dust the shelving, wipe down the closet rod, vacuum the floor, and toss any garbage.
Next, organize your garments into categories like tops, bottoms, and outerwear to visualize your clothing collection. When you see how much of everything you already own, it's easier to decide what deserves prime closet real estate.
Pro tip: As you sort, create piles of items you haven't worn in the last year and unwearable garments. Sell good-condition clothes that no longer suit your personal style on ThredUp, and upcycle damaged items to give them a new life.
Clothing storage and organization are easier when you have the correct supplies. Go shopping for sturdy, uniform hangers that can hold your heaviest clothing items. We recommend non-slip steel or wooden hangers, but options like plastic are good for organizers on a budget.
If you have enough space, purchase a second closet rod to create more hanging space. Or, use shelf dividers to keep stacks of clothing separated and in place. To take advantage of vertical real estate, fill a tiered shoe rack with small storage bins.
Pro tip: Use a label maker or purchase blank stickers for your storage bins. This small step saves time and keeps your closet looking picture-perfect.
As you put items back in your closet, think about your daily routine. Someone who works from home will have a different closet system than someone who works in an office Monday through Friday, and that's normal.
Store items you wear frequently, like work clothes and comfy T-shirts, on the most accessible rods and shelves. Use the top shelf for seasonal items, formal wear, and other clothes you don't wear often but can't part with.
Pro tip: After reorganizing, act like you're getting ready for the day to see if everything's in the right spot.
Maintaining your newly organized closet is as important as taking care of your clothes. Here are a few tips for keeping your closet in good shape:
Pro tip: Put a donation bin in your closet. When you notice an item you no longer want, toss it in.
Keep your closet looking tidy and functional with these six ideas for organizing a closet.
Swap out your wardrobe with the seasons to keep your closet current (and put items you don't need out of sight). Pack out-of-season clothes into labeled cardboard boxes or clear bins on higher shelves. If your closet is too small for seasonal storage, keep boxes under your bed or in the basement. And if you’re storing your clothes somewhere damp, use plastic, airtight bins to keep your garments mold-free.
Do a quick closet system reset every week. It only takes a few minutes, but it's a habit that will help you maintain the organization you worked so hard to achieve.
To do this tune-up, follow these steps:
This routine prevents minor issues from building up and becoming more significant organizational problems.
When you organize your closet, categorize your garments to maintain order and see how many items you have. For example, keep all your yoga pants in one section and all your dresses in another. And to take your organization even further, subcategorize by length or occasion.
Store accessories and bulky items you won't wear anytime soon in clear bins. Being able to see what's inside makes it easier to find what you need later on. Clear storage also encourages you to keep things organized—even inside the bins—since everything is visible. If you still have more clothing to store, use a dresser.
Pro tip: Clear bins may not match your style, so if you’re a basket lover, label them with photos of what’s inside to quickly find what you’re looking for.
Install additional hanging rods for shorter items like shirts to take advantage of the vertical hanging space in your closet. Use an over-the-door organizer for shoes, scarves, or belts, and add hooks to the inside of the closet door for hanging purses and other items. This stores everything within reach and off the floor.
Set a reminder on your smartphone and, instead of waiting for a big seasonal purge, do a mini declutter for 30 minutes every month. Go through your closet to remove anything you no longer love and sell it on ThredUp. Do a quick clean, whatever that means to you, and put everything back in its place. This method prevents closet buildup and makes seasonal swaps even easier.
Decluttering your closet is more than a one-time project—it's a commitment to maintaining an organized space that reflects your personal style. Tidying is also a journey toward discovering which clothes spark joy so you can build a wardrobe you love (looking at you, Marie Kondo).
To help your closet look its best, try ThredUp's Clean Out bags. Refresh your wardrobe by sending us items you no longer need, and we’ll photograph and sell them for you. As a bonus, you'll earn thrifting credit to shop for sustainable closet upgrades.
And if you need outfit inspiration for your pared-down closet, our Style Chat feature will help you find your next look. Tell us what you want, like a trend or theme, and we'll show you options to make your ideas a reality.
Shop sustainably with ThredUp today.
