How to Spring Clean Your Closet: Simple Steps & Tips for a Fresh Start

Written By Katie Foley

Spring is here—and with it comes the urge to open the windows, shake off winter, and bring a sense of clarity and calm back into your home. One of the best places to start? Your closet. Whether you’re working with a walk-in, reach-in, or a custom-designed space, a thorough spring clean sets the stage for a fresh start. Say goodbye to clutter and hello to a stress-free, system-oriented wardrobe space.

Step-by-Step Guide to Spring Cleaning Your Closet

Step 1: Get in the Right Headspace

This might seem overly obvious– you might be thinking, “I’m doing spring cleaning because… I need to!” But we need to take a moment to articulate our why.

Look at your closet and take inventory of what feelings come up when you look at your space. Ask yourself what actual problems you’re running into. Are you dealing with the “I have nothing to wear” yet you have nowhere to put new items? Are commonly worn clothes draped over a chair? Do you have plenty of perfectly good clothes but they no longer work for this season of life? 

Knowing the problem you’re solving will give you a clear vision on what the end result can be.

Before you take action, answer these two questions:

When I look at my closet I feel… [overwhelmed, stressed, frustrated] 


I feel that way because…  [there’s out of season piles of clothes everywhere… I don’t work in corporate anymore but it’s all I own… I have way too many “worn once” special occasion outfits]

A true closet cleanout can be daunting. But when you’re crystal clear about the why behind it, you’ll have more fuel to check it off the list. Home transformations can be a mental transformation, too! 

Step 2: Empty Everything Out

Yes, the whole thing—clothes, shoes, bins, accessories, everything. If you have clothes in other spaces like dressers or guest room closets, add it to the pile. 

Don’t worry about organizing piles just yet. Instead, simply put all items on your bed (this way the project has to get done before bedtime). Seeing all your items together will give you a chance to assess your space and get an accurate visual of everything you actually own.

Not to mention, taking everything out will force a far more intentional decision to put items back in. 

Now that everything is out, wipe down all surfaces for a true clean slate.

Step 3: Deep Clean Your Closet 

Wipe down shelves, clean baseboards, and vacuum the floor. If you want to go the extra mile, freshen up with a linen spray or cedar blocks and add a dehumidifier bag too. 

A clean closet sets the tone for what’s going back in.

Step 4: Sort Into Sections

Put on your favorite playlist to bring some energy to this closet cleanout! You’re going to sort your clothes into the following sections:

  1. Keep

  2. Donate 

  3. Maybe 

  4. Store

Keep- This one’s easy. Your keep pile has the “no brainers.” It’s the items you reach for all the time, your true staples! 

Donate- These items are fine, but not fine for you. They don’t fit your body or they don’t fit your lifestyle. This is also a great place to evaluate the less desirable duplicates. You know the ones– you have two white button down shirts but there’s one that fits you slightly better? Toss the second place. 

Maybe- We all have them. The pieces that we may forget exist, or we keep them for the “what if” occasion. Or maybe it’s an item you want to keep but you aren’t sure why. 

Store- If you’re in a multi-season area like Greenville, your wardrobe is going to have plenty of items that are only appropriate for a certain season. If this is a true spring cleaning, box up that fall and winter gear. This way you’ll be able to see what wearable items you have for the current season. 

Once all items are sorted into the four piles, immediately bag up the donated pile and throw it in the back of the car. 

Now, tackle your “store” pile. Pack away heavy winter clothing to make room for lighter spring and summer essentials. Clear bins, labeled storage, or a guest closet can be a great place to stash off-season items. Rotating your wardrobe to fit the season will free up space and keep the calm in your closet.

Now take a breather– it’s time for a water and snack break. You’re almost there! 

Step 5: Tackle The Maybe Pile

This is arguably your hardest step, and it might take some questioning and personal honesty to decipher what is a “keep” or a “toss”. 

First, try it on. Do you like the way you feel when you have this item on? Are you comfortable? Does it give you confidence? If it doesn’t fit you right now, our recommendation is to donate. Remember, clothes are meant to fit your body, not the other way around. 

If you find yourself struggling, here’s a few questions to ask yourself…

  • Did I wear this last spring/ summer/ fall /winter?  

  • Do I make excuses why I can’t wear this item? 

    Eg. It doesn’t fit me now, but it might in a few months… it has a small hole I’ve been meaning to repair… I might want that stained shirt if I’m doing a messy house project…

  • If I didn’t already own this and saw it at the store, would I buy it again?  

  • Does it have sentimental value? 

Be honest with yourself and decide what stays and what goes. Remember, if it’s not adding value to your life, it’s taking up physical and mental space. 

Step 6: Reorganize for Daily Use

The moment you’ve been waiting for– time to put your refreshed wardrobe back in a way that works for you. 

Arrange your clothes in a way that will make getting dressed a smooth, stress free experience. Group like items together and put your most commonly worn items in easy to reach places. For an even more streamlined look, get matching felt hangers. Gone are the days of shirts sliding off the plastic hanger.

Closet Spring Cleaning Tips from the Pros

Use Vertical Space 

Maximize height by adding double hanging rods, full-height shelving, or a closet system with a continuous top shelf. You’d be surprised how much space is hiding above eye level.

Go Clear (Bins and Boxes)

Transparent containers make it easier to see what you have—no more mystery bins. Labeling is your best friend.

Get Creative

Think beyond hangers and mile-high folded piles. Incorporate baskets, dresser inserts, pull-out trays, belt racks, and jewelry organizers to make the most of every inch.

Invest in Custom For the Long Term

If your closet still feels chaotic after organizing, it might be time for a space made specifically for you. Custom design solves problems that quick fixes and DIYs can't. Not to mention, custom closets have a great ROI!

When It’s Time for a Custom Closet Upgrade

If you’re constantly tidying, yet your closet isn’t working for you, it might be time for a more permanent solution. That’s where we come in. At More Space Place Greenville, we design custom closet systems built around your lifestyle, wardrobe, and storage needs.

Decluttering Approaches to Prep Your Closet Cleanout

Need some inspiration before diving into your closet? These popular “cleanfluencers” each offer a different approach—from minimalist mindsets to stylish folding hacks:

Ready to Refresh Your Space?

A clean closet is more than just tidy shelves — it’s peace of mind. Whether you need help with your closet storage functionality or you're dreaming of a custom upgrade, More Space Place Greenville can help you create a space that feels as good as it looks. Schedule your free consultation today! 

Whether your spring decluttering has prompted the need for more usable storage solutions or you're dreaming of a complete custom upgrade, we’re here to help.

Katie Foley