We’ve all been there—you open your closet door, and instead of being greeted by your favorite clothing hung neatly, you’re met with a chaotic jumble of shoes, clothes, and knickknacks. It’s a common issue many of us face. While it may seem like a huge undertaking to get your closet together, the solution often lies in the root causes of the clutter.

By pinpointing what’s contributing to the mess, you can take specific, targeted steps to create a closet space that is tidy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

Clothes You Haven’t Worn in a Year

Many of us are guilty of holding onto clothes we no longer wear. Whether they have sentimental value or we hope they may fit again, these pieces take up valuable closet real estate. A good rule of thumb is donating or selling clothing you haven’t worn in the past year.

Piles of Shoes

Shoes are often a major culprit of closet clutter. Rather than allowing them to pile up on the floor, consider investing in a shoe rack or utilizing clear shoe boxes. This will keep your shoes neatly organized and easy to find.

The Catch-All Closet

Some people use their closets to store random items that don’t have a home elsewhere in the house. This could be old electronics, holiday decorations, or random knickknacks. Avoid this problem by finding alternative storage solutions, such as your garage or attic.

Lack of Organization

A disorganized closet can appear cluttered, even if it’s tidy. Use bins and baskets to combine similar items to transform your closet’s appearance. Don’t forget to utilize the vertical space in your wardrobe with hooks or hanging organizers. Adding shelves or drawers can also help to maximize your storage space.