Find Motivation to Declutter Clothes
Are you struggling to find the motivation to declutter clothes? If so, you are definitely not alone. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when your closet is overflowing, and the idea of tackling it feels like a mountain to climb.
When it comes to decluttering your bedroom, motivation can make all the difference. The good news? You already have what it takes to turn that messy pile of clothes into a space that feels fresh, organized, and stress-free. With a few simple tips, we’ll help you find the spark you need to start and even make the process enjoyable.
What is it about clothes that makes us hold on to so much more than we actually need? Is it how amazing we feel when we wear something that not only looks great but fits just right? Or maybe it’s the guilt of letting go of something that cost a small fortune. Either way, most of us find ourselves with more clothes than we can handle.
Back when we lived in our family home, we had a big walk-in closet. And, like any busy mom, I filled it right up. I’m talking more jeans than there are days in a week. The funny thing? Half of those clothes weren’t even touched, but it never once crossed my mind to get rid of them.
Over time, my style changed, life moved on, and I finally had to tackle my overstuffed wardrobe. I didn’t just declutter a little—I ended up cutting it down by more than half. And you know what? I was thrilled with my smaller collection.
That big decluttering project taught me so much. First, having less is actually so much easier to keep organized. Even better, it gave me the chance to really appreciate and make the most of every single piece in my closet.
Now, my perspective is totally different. I only keep the clothes I absolutely love wearing, and the rest? They’re out—with zero guilt.
Find the Motivation to Declutter Clothes
Closets can quickly get out of control, turning into messy, overcrowded spaces that are both frustrating to manage and hard to navigate. When your hangers are jam-packed and corners are cluttered, even finding a favorite outfit can feel like a chore.
The answer? It’s time to pare down. Of course, that’s often easier said than done—which might be why you’re here. How do you spark the desire to make a change? What’s the secret to finding the motivation to create a closet that feels organized, fresh, and enjoyable to use every day?
1. Remind Yourself of the Benefits
Before you even touch a hanger, take a moment to picture what a decluttered closet will mean for you. Think about the benefits of a streamlined space. One that is neat, organized, and fun to look at. Your mornings will be easier because you’ll quickly find what you need.
You’ll enjoy each piece you own because you actually love to wear it. Plus, less clutter means less stress.
Action Task
Take a moment and grab a notebook or even a sticky note. Jot down three ways a decluttered closet would make your life better. Maybe it means faster mornings, less stress, or finally having space for the clothes you love most.
Keep your list somewhere you’ll see it often to keep yourself motivated and focused on why this matters.
2. Start Small and Simple
The idea of tackling your entire closet in one go can feel overwhelming. Instead, start small. Choose one category, like T-shirts or jeans, and focus solely on that. Breaking it down into manageable chunks will help you build confidence.
Action Task
Set a timer for 15 minutes. Pick just one section of your closet (like workout clothes or shoes) and evaluate each item. Ask yourself, “Do I wear this? Do I love it?” If the answer is no, say goodbye to it guilt-free.
DM Pro Tip: Be sure to trust your decisions and keep your attention on the end result instead of the things you are putting into the donation box.
Get tips on How to Quickly Clean Up Your Closet in 15 Minutes for an easier way to clean your space.
3. Create a “Yes” Space
Make the process feel positive by focusing on the pieces you love rather than fixating on what you’re letting go of. When you start with your favorites, it’ll be easier to identify what can stay and what can go.
Action Task
Pull out your absolute favorite clothes first. Lay them out in a “yes” pile. This simple and super effective hack can help shift your mindset so you’re focusing on what makes you happy rather than what you’re losing.
4. Use the Hanger Trick
This tip is great if you want a no-pressure, long-term approach to decluttering or if you’re feeling unsure about parting with certain pieces. All you have to do is flip all your hangers backward in your closet. Then, anytime you grab something to wear, hang it back the right way after washing.
After a 2-3months, take a peek. If there are still items on backward hangers, it’s a clear sign you’re not wearing them. Time to say goodbye.This tip is a game-changer and an easy way to declutter your clothes on autopilot.
Action Task
Start today by flipping all your hangers backward. Mark a date on your calendar three months from now to revisit your closet. Anything still on a backward hanger can go into the donate pile with confidence.
DM Pro Tip: Do the Hanger Trick continuously so you can always see what you are wearing. This will keep your closet on track so it never gets out of control again.
5. Stick to the One-Year Rule
Not a fan of the hanger trick, try this tip. If you’re feeling stuck on whether to keep something, remember the one-year rule. If you haven’t worn it in the last year, chances are you won’t wear it again. And no, that sequined dress for a nonexistent gala doesn’t count as “maybe one day.”
Action Task
Pull items you haven’t worn in the past year and put them in a bin. Seal it up and set it aside for one month. If you don’t miss anything in that time, donate the contents without peeking.
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6. Let Go of the Skinny Clothes
We all have those “someday” clothes tucked away in our closets. You know the ones—jeans from five years ago, a dress that doesn’t quite zip up anymore. But here’s the thing: holding onto clothes that no longer fit can drain your energy and bring guilt that you don’t deserve.
Your closet should be full of pieces that make you feel amazing right now, not ones tied to a version of yourself that might not return or that fill you with guilt.
It’s okay to say goodbye. Remember, you deserve to feel good about yourself today. Trust that letting go of those items opens up space—not just physically, but emotionally too—for clothes that truly work for you.
Action Task
Pull out any clothes you’re keeping just in case you “someday” fit into them again. Ask yourself if they fit your current lifestyle. If not, donate or sell them to someone who can love and use them right now. Enjoy the freedom of reclaiming that space.
7. Make it Fun
Decluttering doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Listen to music, grab a cup of coffee, or invite a friend over to help. Turning the task into a fun activity can make it less intimidating and even enjoyable.
Action Task
Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs to keep you motivated while you work. Bonus points if you make it a dance party while you sort through your closet.
Our list of Organizing Hacks for the Closet will help you create a space that is neat and easier to keep that way.
8. Reward Yourself
Rewards can be a great motivator. Set a goal for your decluttering session and decide on a treat for completing it. Maybe it’s a night out with the girls or finally buying that new novel you’ve been wanting to read. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
Action Task
Decide on a reward ahead of time for tackling your closet. For example, treat yourself to a self-care day or shop for a key piece to complement your new streamlined closet.
Decluttering your clothes doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing, stress-inducing process. By breaking it down into manageable steps and keeping it fun, you can find the motivation to create a closet you truly love. Remember, a clutter-free closet isn’t just about getting rid of pieces you don’t wear. It’s about making space for the things that truly matter and serve you.
Start small. Celebrate every step. And before you know it, you’ll have a closet that makes you smile every time you open it.
I’m disabled and taking all the clothing out of the closet & decluttering isn’t doable for me. I finally had advice that helped me declutter!! Take out clothing hanger by hanger and try to stick with all blouses or all skirts etc. With each item you may wear it that day so plan a outfit with something else you’ve not worn in awhile!! This helps me a great deal!! It’s slower but more through and doable for me!! P.S. I plan my outfits the evening before!!