The Closet Cleaning Hack That Instantly Declutters Your Space

If you've been wishing for ways to make your closet seem larger so you can stop fighting a losing battle to keep your clothes organized, you're not alone. Maybe you've been meaning to declutter your closet for a while now and just haven't got there, or perhaps the task just feels so overwhelming that you keep shutting the door on the problem. This simple cleaning hack will instantly help you reclaim your space: Just keep a trash bag in your closet. Whenever you try on an item of clothing you no longer like or wear, relegate it to the bag. When the bag is full, put it in your car and take it to your local donation drop-off. The internet is full of so-called clever closet hacks that sound great but rarely deliver, but this isn't one of them. Why? Because it's equal parts effective and simple.

You don't need to set aside hours to tackle the problem, and you won't risk the mental overwhelm. Because let's face it, there are only so many times you can ask "does this spark joy?" before your brain short-circuits. With this hack, you're only considering one item (maybe two) at a time. Is that blouse you bought on sale causing you to second-guess your fashion sense as you get dressed in the morning? Dump it in the bag. Easy peasy.

While you might not think of a trash bag as a closet essential, keeping one inside your closet is a surprisingly effective way to stay organized. It creates a dedicated space for items you no longer want or need. You can also add a tall waste basket to hold your bag, keeping it upright and neatly out of the way. There's no need to put off decluttering for when you have time, because we all know that's not going to happen. Instead, it nudges you to declutter immediately. When you're trying on outfits and come across something that doesn't fit or doesn't suit your style anymore, instead of hanging it back up, you can drop it straight into the bag.

This saves time and headspace while keeping unwanted clothes from taking up valuable space in your closet. And because the bag is in plain sight, it serves as a constant reminder to set aside items for donation. It also helps you part with things more easily, and over time, it could become routine — like dropping off a bag at your local donation center once a month. There are plenty of ways to make your home decluttering process more environmentally friendly, and donating the things that no longer serve you is one of the best. Not only does this keep clothes out of landfills, but it ensures they get a second life with someone else. And if the look of a trash bag isn't for you, try thrifting or upcycling a tote instead. That way your closet will stay clutter-free and stylish.