The Old-School Decluttering Hack That Actually Does Organize Your Closet

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While there are plenty of smart tension rod hacks for closet storage and organization, sometimes you need to stop focusing on the limited space. Instead, take a cold, hard look at what's inside that's cluttering it up and preventing its doors from closing effortlessly. But if you're not a big fan of organizing your closet every few months or feel distraught looking at the sheer amount of things, try out an old-school hack to declutter your bedroom if you're feeling overwhelmed. Enter the reverse hanger trick. Basically, you have to turn your hangers so they're facing out. And when you put your garments back after wearing or laundering them, turn the hanger in the right direction: facing away from you.

Keep going for at least three months to determine the items you don't wear often. However, extend it to six if you don't go out much or work from home. You could even take note of the rarely used pieces every season. Whichever time limit you set, this simple method will work because you won't have to guess at items you don't wear anymore. So, you can confidently donate, sell, recycle, or repurpose them. Plus, it doesn't require any investment on your part. This, of course, hinges on the fact that you don't commit the mistake everyone makes when organizing their closet: using mismatched hangers. Matching ones, like House Day's Pack of 60 Black Velvet Hangers, won't just look pleasing but also make it easier for you to practice the reverse hanger decluttering hack.

To try out the reverse hanger hack, pull out all the hangers from your closet. Re-hang any recently laundered clothes that might be inhaling dust sitting on "the chair." Now, turn the hangers' open side toward you as you mount them on the rod. That's it; you're done. Take out your dresses or shirts as normal when you want to wear them. But when you put them back, turn their hangers away from you. However, if this seems like too much work for your procrastinating self, leave the hangers as they are. Just ensure all of them are facing the same direction. Then, when you put back something after wearing it, turn it in the reverse direction. Easy-peasy!

After a while, you'll start noticing the pieces you repeat and the ones you don't wear often. Since you might have to bid goodbye to the garments falling in the former category, you'll feel motivated to put them on every once in a while. Mixing up your outfits will expand your options and ensure you get your money's worth. As for the ones you still don't manage to wear after the set time limit is up, bring them out of your closet to determine their fate. This will help you reclaim some much-needed room in your wardrobe so you can comfortably house your beloved dresses, shirts, and pants. Plus, you won't feel anxious every time you open the doors to your wardrobe. Win-win!

Although a great way to declutter and organize your closet, the reverse hanger hack isn't without its fair share of caveats. For starters, this trick won't be ideal for pieces that you love but only wear occasionally. Your party outfits, designer tuxes, or LBDs (little black dresses) fall in this category. The same goes for your seasonal wear. Don't lump in your chunky sweaters with the decorative ones you wear regularly, or you'll be left without a thick layer of cozy protection come winter. Similarly, don't pit your light jackets against your raincoats.

The reverse hanger trick also won't do much if you only hang a small portion of your clothes, with the rest folded or rolled in shelves or drawers. But if you like the idea, you can apply the same philosophy to them. Turn everything so it's facing away from you, and then put it back the right way after you wear it. You can apply this logic to your shoes, purses, and scarves, too, if you're struggling to find the ones you don't use much. Another caveat is that this method isn't ideal for people who like immediate results. Under such circumstances, declutter your closet prior to trying the reverse hanger hack. This way, you can get rid of the clothes and accessories you're certain about instantly and pare down the uncertain or surprise items gradually. Think of it as maintaining your closet over time.