After more than 10 years as a professional organizer in Los Angeles, I decided it was time to practice what I preach and declutter my own closet. I’ve always been pretty good at letting things go, and I spend a lot of time helping my clients do exactly that. But lately, I noticed it was becoming a little harder for me.
I think as time goes on, we have more experiences, more memories, relationships, trips, special occasions, and just different things that happen in our lives. Sometimes our stuff becomes attached to those memories, and letting go of something can feel like we’re letting go of a part of that time in our life. So, I decided I was going to go through my closet exactly as if I were one of my own clients.
Using the Space To Love Method®
I used my five step Space To Love Method®: Set Up, Sort, Select, Sanitize, and Style. This is the same process I use when working with my clients, and this time I was going to use it on myself.
I started by setting up bags and designated areas for donations, trash, repairs, things I needed to try on, and, of course, a maybe pile. Having everything set up before you start is so important because the last thing you want is a bunch of piles everywhere and then forget which pile is which!
Next came sorting and selecting. I took everything out and went through my clothes one by one. What do I actually wear? What fits? What do I love? And most importantly, how does it make me feel?
That last question really came up when I got to some of my jeans. There were jeans I loved that simply didn’t fit anymore, and I could have kept them thinking, “Maybe one day I’ll fit into these again.” But why keep something in my space that makes me feel bad every time I see it?
I realized I would rather happily donate them so someone else can enjoy them and make room in my closet and my life for what works for me now.
There were other things that were harder to let go of because of the memories attached to them. Some reminded me of relationships or different times in my life. Others I was holding onto because they had been expensive. It reminded me that sometimes we’re not really holding onto the item. We’re holding onto what that item represents.
And yes, even as a professional organizer, I got a little emotional! It actually gave me an even greater appreciation for what my clients go through. Sometimes you need a minute. Sometimes you need a maybe pile. And sometimes you need someone there who can hold space for you while you make the decision.
Once everything was out of the closet, it was time for the Sanitize step. I cleaned the empty closet before putting anything back. How often do we actually get the chance to clean every corner of our closets? It’s the perfect opportunity to start fresh.
Then came my favorite part, Style. I put everything back in a way that makes sense for how I get dressed. My clothing is organized by type, sleeve length, season, and color, and now I can actually see what I have. I even have space between my hangers again, which feels so good!
What I Learned From Decluttering My Own Closet
This experience reminded me that decluttering isn’t just about having less stuff or having a perfectly organized closet. It’s about deciding what you want to surround yourself with at this point in your life.
After doing this for more than 10 years, I thought letting go would always be easy for me. But I realized that as we go through life, our relationship with our things can change. We have more memories and experiences attached to them, and sometimes letting go becomes a little more complicated.
But I also remembered how good it feels on the other side. I felt lighter, my closet felt lighter, and getting dressed is going to be so much easier.
I always say decluttering can be like a spa day for your space and your mind, and this time I got to experience that for myself.
Watch Me Declutter My Closet
In the video, you can come along with me through the entire process, including the easy decisions, the not so easy decisions, a few laughs, a few emotional moments, and the finished closet.
If your closet or another area of your home has been weighing on you, start small and give yourself some grace through the process. And if you need a little help, I would love to help you create a space that works for you and feels good to live in.
Change your space, change your life.