Step One: Take It Out


Clearly label eight boxes:
    • NOW (in season, fits, you love it)
    • LATER (out of season, fits, you love it)
    • MEMORY (you don't wear it, but it reminds you of a special time)
    • QUESTION MARK (don't know where it goes, why you own it or if it belongs to you)
    • ANOTHER ROOM (belongs somewhere else but if you take it there now you'll get off task)
    • STAINED/REPAIR (broken, torn or stained, but worth the effort and/or money to fix or clean)
    • GIVE AWAY (gently used, someone else will love it)
    • TRASH (past the point of no return)

Empty the closet. Sort everything into the boxes as you go.

Micro-sort. Once everything is sorted, group like items together in your NOW box — dress shirts, jeans, etc.

Remove duplicates. Do you use and love all six black sweaters in your NOW box? If not, give some away.

Be sure you look and feel great in everything you keep.

Notes:
Limit distractions. No phone, computer or kids; even heading to the kitchen for that innocent drink of water can get you sidetracked. If you absolutely must step away from your project, leave a note so you'll know where you left off. Need motivation? Set a timer. By working in 20-minute intervals, you'll challenge yourself to finish before the buzzer rings.

Step Two: Put It Back


 Vacuum the closet and wipe down the walls, if necessary.

Install lighting.

Tuck a stepstool into your closet so you can reach the top shelf.

Are you a hanger or a folder? If you're a folder, set up shelves in your closet.

Use shelf dividers so any items you stack (jeans, sweaters, etc.) won't tip. Use under-shelf baskets for accessories.

Maximize your space. Attach hooks to the wall, and make use of the door by hanging a clear plastic shoe bag for accessories like belts and scarves.

No shoes on the floor. Line them up on a shelf, stack them in clear plastic boxes or place them on a slim bookshelf that fits in the closet.

Place purses on a shelf, using the dividers, or slip them into the pockets of a purse organizer.

Return the NOW clothes to the closet, keeping like items grouped.

Step Three: Take It Away


 Once the bulk of the work is done and your head is clear, sort items in the QUESTION MARK box: give away, return to rightful owner, etc.

Deliver the items from the ANOTHER ROOM box to their homes.

Take the GIVE AWAY and REPAIR boxes directly to your car, to be dealt with on your next errand day. If you live in the city or use mass transit, place boxes by the door.

Take the TRASH outside now.

Clearly label the LATER box, then store it until next season.

Place your MEMORY box on a nearby shelf. Consider taking pictures of some or all of your memory clothing and then donating or tossing the garments.

Step Four: Make It Last


 Leave room in your closet to grow.

Never place soiled or damaged clothing in your closet. Deal with these items promptly by laundering them or dropping them off at the dry cleaner.

Keep a bag available to stash items for charity.

Rule to remember: The floor is not a storage option.