I don’t know about you but it seems like the coat closet is one of the last places to receive some love in our home.

For years I neglected my coat closet until the stuff was literally falling out. It can be stressful and embarrassing.

But it feels SO good once it is actually cleaned and organized. It’s like you can breathe again! Being able to open a closet and return something exactly where it belongs is a great feeling.

I make a habit of going through my closet’s each spring and fall and even within that short timespan, we tend to build up so much crap it’s impressive. My closet is currently spitting coats and jackets at me while I write this. Which Is why I decided it was time for a declutter. Nothing makes me happier than a serious PURGE!!

Depending on how horrific your closet space is currently in, try not to feel overwhelmed. I have some super simple actionable steps listed below that I am certain will help you declutter without feeling stressed out.

*This post contains affiliate links to products I use and trust. This means I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you purchase any products using my links below.

Whether you have a spacious coat closet or a small one, these ideas will help get you started on decluttering and will help you create a system that keeps your closet tidy.

Before you get started you will want to create separate spaces designated to…

• Keep: Items that belong in the closet but need to be organized in a proper place
• Storage: Items that you want to keep but are out of season (coats, vests, gloves, hats).
• Throw away: Items that are broken or no longer usable.
• Donate Items that are in good condition but just don’t serve your family anymore.
• Sell Items that are in good condition and have held value but aren’t serving your family anymore.
• Relocate: Items that were placed in the closet but belong somewhere else in the house

I created this decluttering checklist to help get you started. I got you, Mama <3 CLICK HERE for your FREE copy!

Pack Up Out Of Season Items

Some people say to take everything out of the closet to get started but that seems so overwhelming to me. I do not like the idea of destroying a whole other room just to clean out a tiny space. It just doesn’t make sense to me.

I recommend working through section by section.

Start with actual coats. Go through each item. Send off-season items to storage, toss or donate items that you DO NOT USE.

Your coat closet should only contain items that you and your family use on a daily basis. Your main coat or jacket, a few hats, umbrellas, day bag/purse.

Do not keep every single parka, jacket, or sweater in this space. This should be for things you grab on the daily.

Decide What Layout You’d Like To Implement

I recently swapped out my hangers for hooks and I don’t think I can ever go back! It makes a world of difference!

Hooks=EVERYTHING! They are inexpensive, open the space up, and much more functional! I have them in our room, the kids room, and most of our closets.

Install one or two shelves in the headspace of the closet depending on how much space you have.

Invest In Organizers For Your Specific Space

This is where the system comes in to play. Creating a system is the ONLY thing that will keep your closet clean.

This step is SO important! I promise if you do not invest in organizers that specifically fit your space, you will not be able to keep it organized.

For months I kept cleaning out my closets and in a very short time, they were trashed again. SO FRUSTRATING.

It’s so important to invest in a set of organizers and hooks that work for your specific space and the specific things you want to keep in your closet.

I installed a hook specifically for my baseball cap that I like to wear to the gym and it made life so much easier. This actually leads me to my next point.

Here is a list of items I use and love!

• Removable Hooks – I like to use reomvable hooks before I install permanant ones to make sure the hook works in that space.
• Permanent hooks – I LOVE these and use the all over my house and closets.

• Large Bins
• Medium Bins
• Shoe Organizer

Every Single Item Needs To Have A Specific Place

Take the time to identify EXACTLY what items you’d like to keep in your closet and create a specific organizing system for each space.

Like the baseball cap example, I used above.

Before I installed a hook for it, I just threw it in the closet, or set it on the shelf, or hung it on any hook. But that made it harder to find and created unnecessary bulk in the closet.

Decide which pairs of shoes you’d like to keep in it (rain or snow boots) exactly what type of jackets depending on the time of year and any other items you’d like to be able to access quickly on the daily.

Clean Each Section Of The Closet

Once everything is out of the closet and you’ve decided what you’re going to put back in it, be sure to clean each section really well and sweep or vacuum the floor. Chances are it won’t be done until the next time you deep clean.

I love these cleaning towels and use them to clean pretty much everything in my house. THE BEST. They even have a window cleaning system you can use with no cleaner which I love because I’m really sensitive to harsh chemicals.

They are a little expensive but you legitimately don’t need to use cleaning with them which is epic and saves you money in the long run.

Return Each Item To Its Perfect Home

Now it’s the fun part! It’s time to return each item to its home. This should be easy and even freeing because you’ve taken the time to get the perfect organizing bins.

It is a great feeling to be able to open a closet and know exactly where everything goes. It also saves so much time not having to dig around to find what you’re looking for.

Don’t forget to download your FREE decluttering checklist!CLICK HERE for your FREE copy!

Don’t forget to check out How To Simplify Life When You Are Drowning In “Things”

Xoxo
Colleen