The 10-Minute Closet Cleanout: How to Transform Your Space in No Time
Without knowing how to quickly declutter your closet, you won’t be able to enjoy a more organized space or reduce stress when getting dressed each day. Instead, you will continue to feel overwhelmed by clutter and waste time searching for items that should be easy to find. That’s why a 10-Minute Closet Cleanout can make a significant difference.
You’re in the right place! I created this proven, 5-step process to help you clear out closet clutter in just 10 minutes based on my research and experience over the past 5+ years of helping women declutter and organize their homes.
We’ll cover everything from identifying the easiest items to remove to rearranging your closet so your most-worn pieces are front and center. I’ll also give you some things to look out for along the way, mistakes I made before I worked out this system, and ones I still see other busy female business owners making.
Just follow the steps, and by the time you finish Step 5, you’ll feel like a pro and enjoy a cleaner, more functional closet and the mental clarity that comes with decluttering.
Ready? Let’s go!
[5] Best Tips for a 10-Minute Closet Cleanout
Step #1: Grab a Box or Basket and Set a Timer
[#PROTIP: Start each subheading with an active verb (e.g., Decide, Choose, List, Google, Research) and be as clear and concise as you can.]
The first step in your 10-minute closet cleanout is to gather your supplies and set a timer. This may sound simple, but it’s crucial to creating structure for this quick decluttering session. The idea is to make the process manageable and focus on what you can accomplish in just 10 minutes. Don’t worry—we’re going to make the most of it!
Before you can remove items that don’t belong in your closet, you’ll want to take your time with this critical first step.
So, the first thing you need to do is:
- Grab a basket, box, or bag: This will be your “catch-all” container for items you need to donate, discard, or relocate. Having a container ready will save time and keep things organized as you start pulling items out of your closet.
- Set a 10-minute timer: Timers add a sense of urgency and help you stay focused. Knowing you’re working against the clock makes it easier to avoid distractions and stick to the task at hand.
- Mentally commit to the process: Even though this cleanout is quick, it’s important to mentally engage. Let yourself focus fully on the task for the next 10 minutes, knowing you’re making meaningful progress.
For example: If you’re someone who tends to get distracted by sentimental items, having that timer ticking down will help you resist the urge to reminisce over clothes and stay on task. Think of it as a mini-challenge—see how much you can get done before the buzzer!
What to look out for:
Many people skip this foundational step and then wonder why they’re not staying on task or seeing visible progress. Don’t let that be you! Setting a timer and grabbing a container will keep you on track and help you stay focused.
This is a crucial foundational step that will set you up for success later on. Each step is a building block for the next, so don’t even try to jump ahead! 🙂
All done? Great job! Let’s move on to Step 2.
Step #2: Remove Anything That Doesn’t Belong in Your Closet
At this point, you’re probably thinking that this is going to be more work than you expected. You may even be wondering, “How can I clean out my closet in 10 minutes when it’s full of random stuff that doesn’t belong?”
If you hang in there, it will get easier, promise. What we’re doing is pulling this all together into a clean, functional closet that makes your daily routine smoother.
One thing that may help is to think of your closet as prime real estate—if it’s not clothing or something you use regularly, it shouldn’t take up space here.
Now it’s time to clear out the non-closet items quickly.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Scan your closet for non-clothing items: Look for anything that doesn’t belong, like old paperwork, random bags, or household items that have ended up in the closet by accident.
- Toss these items into your “relocate” basket: You already have your basket from Step 1—use it to quickly remove these non-clothing items. You don’t need to find a home for them right now; we’re focusing on clearing out your closet space in 10 minutes.
- Be quick and don’t overthink: If it’s not clothing, shoes, or something closet-related, it’s got to go into the basket. The goal is speed!
For example: If you have stacks of magazines or kids’ toys tucked away in your closet, toss them into the basket. You can organize those items later, but right now, we want to free up space so you can actually see your clothes.
The reason this step is important is that it will help you reduce clutter and make it easier to access your clothing. Plus, you’ll have a clearer, more intentional space for organizing your wardrobe that will save you time and stress when getting dressed each day.
Here are some tips to help you move through this step quickly:
- Keep it simple: Don’t get bogged down by decision fatigue. If it doesn’t belong in your closet, it goes into the basket. Done!
- Set a second timer: If you find yourself overthinking, set another 5-minute timer to clear out the non-clothing items quickly.
- Don’t focus on where things will go yet: Right now, you’re just moving things out of the closet. Don’t waste time worrying about where everything will end up.
What to look out for:
When I first started trying to clear out my closet, I got stuck trying to decide where to put non-clothing items, which slowed me down. I’ve also seen others make this mistake, getting overwhelmed by decisions and losing momentum.
Common mistakes people make include:
- Trying to find a new home for everything right away. Instead of stopping to relocate each item immediately, just toss it into your basket and keep moving.
- Overthinking what qualifies as a “non-closet” item. You’ll get better results if you stick to this simple rule: if it’s not clothing or shoes, it doesn’t belong here.
- Letting distractions take over. If you find it hard to stay focused, try turning on a timer or playing music to keep your energy up.
Just keep your focus on what belongs in your closet and you’ll be on the right track.
Step #3: Group Similar Items Together
Are you starting to get excited? I hope so. We’re just about there!
You may be feeling a bit overwhelmed, and that’s perfectly normal. Any time you’re trying something new, it takes a minute to process it. Just be patient and stay with it.
Next, it’s time to group similar items together. You’ve already cleared out the non-clothing clutter, so now we’re going to organize what’s left. Start by sorting your clothes into easy-to-manage categories—shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, and accessories. This will make it easier for you to find things quickly and keep your closet organized in the long run.
While you’re doing this, make a note of any clothes or items that seem out of place or that you haven’t worn in a long time. These are potential items to purge later if you want to keep your wardrobe streamlined.
Why this is important:
Grouping your items not only creates visual order but also gives you a better sense of what you have. You might discover that you have three black sweaters when you only need one! This step will also save you time in the future when you’re getting dressed because you’ll know exactly where to find each item.
Make any adjustments you need to make before you move on.
For example: When I first tried grouping similar items, I realized I had been hanging my shoes in different places, which made it harder to find them. Once I moved all my shoes to one spot, I instantly felt more organized and could access them easily.
If you want, you can download my Goal Setting Worksheets. I created it to help you gain more clarity of how you want to see your home and business and make it a reality.
Click here to download the Goal Setting Worksheets so you can get started.
What to look out for:
It may be hard to zero in on which categories make the most sense for your closet (e.g., should you sort by season, color, or type?).
What you can do is start with broad categories like shirts, pants, and shoes. Once those are grouped, you can fine-tune it by organizing them by color or occasion if you feel up to it. The key is to get everything into its general place first, and then make adjustments as needed.
Step #4: Hang Your Most-Worn Items Front and Center
We’re just about done. There are just two more steps!
Here’s what to do next: Now that your clothes are grouped, it’s time to prioritize your most-worn items. The key is to make your closet work for you, so keep your everyday essentials easy to reach. This way, you’ll spend less time searching for your favorite pieces and more time enjoying a clean, organized closet.
Here’s how to do it:
- Hang your go-to clothes at eye level: Whether it’s your favorite jeans or your go-to work blazer, these should be right where you can grab them quickly.
- Push less-worn or seasonal items to the back or upper shelves: Items you only wear occasionally—like formal wear, vacation clothes, or off-season pieces—can be stored higher up or toward the back. This frees up prime space for what you wear regularly.
- Consider organizing by occasion: If you often find yourself in a hurry, grouping clothes by occasion (work, casual, formal) can make it even easier to pull outfits together quickly.
What to look out for:
No matter what you do, don’t just throw everything back into the closet without prioritizing your most-used pieces.
If you do, you’ll only risk wasting time every day trying to find the clothes you need. So just take a moment to think about what you wear the most and keep those items at eye level. As the saying goes, “A place for everything and everything in its place.”
Keep going! You’re nearly there.
Step #5: Tidy Up and Admire Your Work
This is the last step. Get ready to celebrate!
Now that your closet is organized and functional, it’s time for a quick tidy-up. Put your basket or box of non-closet items away, and take a moment to admire how far you’ve come. This final step ensures that everything is back where it belongs and gives you a fresh, organized space to enjoy.
Here’s how to get the best results with this:
- Put away or donate the items in your basket: The basket you filled earlier should now be sorted. If there’s anything you can donate, take it out of your home today to avoid second-guessing your decisions.
- Do a quick final sweep of the floor and surfaces: Make sure the floor of your closet is clear, shoes are neatly lined up, and surfaces like shelves are free of clutter.
- Celebrate your progress: Take a moment to step back and admire your hard work. This small, quick cleanout has made a big impact!
What to look out for:
The first time I did this to get my closet organized, I forgot to actually take the donation pile out of my home and ended up with a pile in the corner of my room for weeks!
And you know what? It worked out because it gave me time to reflect on what I was letting go of, and I realized I didn’t miss a single item.
I ended up donating everything in the end. The biggest lesson for me in all that was to trust your decisions when it comes to decluttering—if you feel like it’s time to let something go, you won’t miss it.
It just shows you there’s more than one way to achieve a clutter-free, organized space. So more than anything else, do what works for you.
Bonus! Use a “Maybe” Box for Those Tough Decisions
And finally, here’s a Bonus Tip just for you!
This is something I started doing after years of trial and error, and it was a total game-changer for me when it came to letting go of clothes I wasn’t sure about.
Here’s my signature tip: Create a “Maybe” box for items you’re hesitant to part with. If you can’t decide whether to keep or donate a piece of clothing, put it in the box, and store it somewhere out of sight. Set a reminder to check back in 30 days. If you haven’t missed or thought about the item during that time, it’s a good sign that you don’t need it.
This approach takes the pressure off having to make immediate decisions and allows you to feel more confident about decluttering without regret.
Key Takeaways
Congratulations! You just learned how to complete a 10-minute closet cleanout and transform your space. Follow the steps above to create an organized, clutter-free closet that saves you time and reduces stress, instead of feeling overwhelmed every time you open your closet, wondering where everything is.
I’ve given you all my best tips, tools, and techniques to help ensure your success. Just knowing them isn’t enough, though. It’s time to act and get the results you’ve been dreaming about!
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Click here to download the Free Goal Setting Worksheets now and start gaining clarity on your vision for a clutter-free home and thriving business.
Click here to download the Goal Setting Worksheets!
These worksheets are designed to help you set clear goals for your space and business, making it easier to create an organized home and a focused work environment. By outlining your priorities, you’ll know exactly where to start and how to maintain the progress you make.
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