6 signs it’s time to organize your closet

Amanda Lauren, RealSimple.com on Oct 22, 2024

Having an organized closet is a crucial part of having an organized life. And while your closet might look aesthetic, that doesn’t mean it’s organized. You might recognize the obvious signs your closet needs to be reorganized, such as if your closet rod falls from the weight of your clothing or there are piles all over the floor. But there are also more subtle indications your closet needs a major tidying session. Here are six signs it’s time to reorganize your closet.

1. Your daily closet interactions are exhausting.

Does sorting through your closet every day feel like an arm workout because everything is packed so tightly together? If you’re running out of space, it’s a clear sign you need to organize your closet. “Most of us have all the space we need but we are conditioned to think we need more, which is why we get storage units and put things in there that we need to go through. The more items we have, the harder it is to maintain our homes,” says Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space.

She suggests going through items at least once a year to determine what you really need. Although, ideally, we should probably declutter at least once a season.

2. You own too many duplicates.

While there’s something smart about buying something in multiple colors if it looks great on you, if you have sixteen black T-shirts from different stores, it’s time to re-evaluate your wardrobe storage. “We can all relate to this: How many times have you been looking for something in particular, you cannot find it, so you go out and buy it?” says Duckworth.

This can also end up saving you money in the long run because you won’t keep re-purchasing the same thing.

3. You spend too much time figuring out what to wear.

While it might take a while to figure out what you’re going to wear to an event or big night out, if it takes you more than five minutes to put together an outfit for the supermarket — you need to organize your closet. Katrina Green, founder of Badass Homelife LLC, ADHD organizing specialist, and coach tells me, “If you’re spending more time looking for things in piles rather than actually being able to make decisions of what to wear, then this is a perfect time to get organized.”

4. You can’t find that one thing

Whether it’s that button-down blouse that’s your go-to for a work presentation or that cute dress for date night, if you need to enlist a search party every time you get dressed, it’s a clear sign to get organized. “If you’re searching for a particular item of clothing and can’t find it, it’s likely buried in a dark corner of your closet,” says Rose Pulver, professional organizer and co-founder of the Thoughtful Home. “We suggest taking the time to organize your closet and identify every item of clothing you own. This will help you locate key pieces that you may have forgotten about. No more missing items!”

Best of all, you’ll likely rediscover some things you forgot you had, which makes it easier to shop your closet.

5. You have more clothing than closet space.

Whether you live in a spacious house or a studio apartment, the reality is we all have a finite amount of closet space. If your entire wardrobe doesn’t fit in your closet, you may need to pare down your clothing collection. While this might sound like a challenge, it’s probably easier than you anticipate. “When working with clients, we always start by separating all clothing items into categories, such as shoes, short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pants, jumpsuits, skirts, dresses, and accessories,” Pulver explains. “Next, you can go through each item and remove anything that you don’t truly love, that's broken, out of style, or unwearable.”

6. You can’t remember the last time you edited your closet.

Do you remember the last time you went through your clothing and got rid of the things you never wear? Pulver stresses the importance of decluttering your closet at least every six months. “Set a reminder to review any items that you’ve been unsure about keeping or discarding. If you haven’t worn it, it’s time to let it go. By going through this process, your closet will function optimally and you’ll feel more organized.

(Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at www.realsimple.com.)