The Biggest Mistake People Make When Trying To Declutter A Closet

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Whether you are in the middle of a seasonal overhaul or you just really love clothes, finding the best way to organize your closet can feel like a major project. You have probably heard lots of clever hacks and genius tips for a perfectly decluttered closet, but they often focus on the big stuff like clothes, jackets, and shoes. Those items tend to take up the most space and often end up at the top of the decluttering list. But what do you do with all those little accessories you often forget about because they are small and typically serve as an afterthought in the getting ready routine? Little stuff like scarves, belts, purses, and hats can easily get overlooked when decluttering because they don't always seem as important as bigger items, and it's not easy to know how to organize them. Avoid making a huge mistake and also go through your accessories when decluttering your closet.

If you are truly committed to an organized closet, everything needs a place it belongs. No matter where you take it — to work, a nice dinner, or an extended vacation — it always needs to find its way back to its designated spot. When your accessories don't have a home, they are easily tossed into the closet absentmindedly and get lost behind larger items or shoved in the back where you can't see them. Getting rid of accessories you don't want and then finding the right storage solutions for what's left will help keep your items contained and within reach. It will also help you keep track of the items you have while actually encouraging you to use them.

Before you start, take every accessory out of your closet to see what you have. Then, create some keep, toss, and donate piles. When it comes to deciding what to toss or keep, ask yourself how frequently you use an item, what sentimental value it has, and how much it fits with your current lifestyle or personal fashion aesthetic. Once you've successfully decluttered, find meaningful ways to categorize the items based on how you incorporate accessories in your life — by type, appropriate season, or daily wear versus special occasion. Once you have everything separated and categorized, you can decide what organization systems will work best for you.

If you love accessories and have enough space, try these easy DIY closet shelves paired with storage bins, then add labels to keep track of what's in each bin. Having them all together in one place is a helpful solution, especially for things like scarves that can be tedious to keep neatly stacked. Plus, finding stunning storage products that you'll want to put on display is the most fun part of any organization project. Specialty hangers like this Hivory Scarf Hanger are another great solution, especially if you have minimal space or a limited amount of accessories. You can also look for more wall mounted solutions that can be added to the inside of your closet doors. Consider installing a small utility rod and using these Rolly Hanger Multipurpose Closet Hangers to keep all your accessories right at your fingertips.