The One Area You're Forgetting To Declutter Before Getting Your Carpets Cleaned

When you're prepping your home for a professional carpet cleaning, it's easy to focus on the main living areas — but what about your walk-in closet? Just because it's hidden from plain view doesn't mean it should be ignored. It may not see as much traffic as your hallway, but with all the dust, shoe grime, and lack of airflow from being crammed full, your closet carpet can get surprisingly grubby. And here's the kicker: not all cleaners will move your stuff. If your closet floor isn't cleared, there's a chance it's not getting cleaned. Yikes.

So, why not use the opportunity to not only make full use of the service you're shelling out for, but also sort out your cluttered closet chaos at the same time? Because chances are it's housing a lot of things that don't belong there and should've been rehoused a long time ago. That's the thing about closet floors. They tend to become catch-alls for anything that doesn't have a proper place — out-of-season shoes, random bags, dusty storage bins, and laundry overflow. And all of that clutter can make it nearly impossible for your carpet cleaner to do a thorough job. Taking the time to prep your closet means a deeper clean, better air quality, and a chance to hit reset on one of the most easily neglected spaces in your home.

Clearing your walk-in closet for the carpet cleaners is the perfect excuse to declutter. Just be sure to give yourself enough time before the appointment so you're not stuck hauling everything to the garage and back. Instead, lay down a large cloth to protect the carpet and unpack the entire closet in one go. Having the looming deadline will spur you on to get the task done without overthinking each item. The key is to be ruthless. If you're not using something, if it no longer fits, or if it's damaged or worn — it's time to say goodbye. There's no room for "just in case" in a well-organized walk-in closet.

For items you do use but that don't belong in a closet (hello, ironing board and craft supplies), find them a more suitable home — even if that means decluttering your laundry or home office first. Once you've separated the essentials from the excess, box up the discard pile and stash it out of sight for now. This removes the emotional pressure of getting rid of everything immediately. Revisit the box in a couple of months, and if you haven't missed anything, donate it. With the clutter gone, you can give your shelves and baseboards a quick clean. Then, repack your wardrobe in a way that would make Marie Kondo proud — sorted by category and season, with neatly folded piles and thoughtfully hung pieces. Once your closet carpet is clean, you'll have a space that feels not only fresher but far more functional, too.