A KonMari-style process you can complete in one day, plus a practical closet setup strategy that keeps the results from unraveling. Learn how to declutter by category, keep what genuinely supports your life, and create a closet system that stays organized.
What This Means for You
The biggest closet cleanout mistake is treating decluttering like a seasonal event. The Marie Kondo (KonMari) approach turns it into a repeatable system: you reduce to what you actually use and value, then organize what remains so it's visible, accessible, and easy to put away.
The outcome is not just a tidier closet. It's faster mornings, fewer duplicate purchases, less "I have nothing to wear" stress, and a wardrobe that aligns with how you live today. Whether you're working with a spacious walk-in closet or a compact reach-in closet, these principles apply.
How the Marie Kondo Closet Method Works
KonMari starts with clothing because it's high-volume and emotionally loaded, which makes it the best category to build momentum. The principle is simple: handle every item, make a clear keep-or-release decision, and then store the keepers with intention.
Key insight: You are not "organizing" until you've reduced volume. Storage containers can hide clutter, but they cannot solve it.
If you're planning to refresh your closet's appearance during this process, check out our guide on choosing the right closet paint color—a fresh coat of paint pairs perfectly with a thorough decluttering session.
Step-by-Step: Marie Kondo Closet Cleanout
Step 1: Pull Everything Out (Yes, Everything)
Remove all clothing from the closet, drawers, baskets, and floor piles. Seeing the full inventory creates clarity—and urgency. This also prevents "out of sight, out of mind" exceptions.
Step 2: Sort by Category, Not by Location
Group by category so you can compare like with like. A practical set of categories looks like:
- Tops (daily + dress)
- Bottoms (jeans, trousers, skirts)
- Dresses and one-pieces
- Outerwear (jackets, coats)
- Activewear
- Sleepwear and loungewear
- Shoes
- Accessories (belts, bags, scarves)
- Occasion-specific items (formalwear, uniforms)
Step 3: Use a Decision Standard You Can Defend
The KonMari phrase is "sparks joy," but you can operationalize it with two filters:
- Function: Does it fit, feel good, and work for your current lifestyle?
- Value: Would you buy this again today at full price?
If the answer is "no" on both, release it. If you hesitate, ask: What job is this item doing for me? If the job is guilt, hope, or "someday," it's not earning its space.
Ready for a Custom Closet System?
Once you've decluttered, a custom closet design can help you maintain your organized space for years to come.
Schedule Free ConsultationStep 4: Reduce Duplicates and "Almost the Same" Items
Closets explode when you keep multiple versions of the same role: five black tees, three similar blazers, four pairs of near-identical sneakers. Pick the best and release the rest.
Step 5: Store to See Everything
A closet stays decluttered when you can see what you own. That means consistent spacing on hangers, defined shelf zones, and a drawer strategy that avoids stacked piles. Vertical folding works well for tees, activewear, and smaller items because it improves visibility. Good closet lighting makes a huge difference here.
Closet Cleanout Chart: What to Keep, Donate, or Upgrade
Use this chart to move faster and reduce decision fatigue. It's built for real-world closet cleanouts, not theory.
| Item Type | Keep When... | Release When... | Upgrade Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday basics | You wear it weekly and it fits well | Stretched, stained, or you avoid it | Drawer dividers + vertical folding |
| Workwear | Matches your current role | Old job or outdated fit | Dedicated zone for grab-and-go mornings |
| Occasion pieces | You have a realistic use-case | Keeping it "just in case" for years | Garment bag section + top-shelf storage |
| Shoes | Comfortable and worn monthly | Uncomfortable or never chosen | Angled shelves or pull-out racks |
| Accessories | You can name a specific outfit it supports | Tangled, duplicates, or "maybe someday" | Compartmentalized drawers |
Tip: When in doubt, test-drive a "maybe box" for 30 days. If you don't reach for it, you have your answer.
How to Set Up a Closet That Stays Decluttered
Decluttering is the first half. The second half is closet design logic: you want the closet to match your routines so putting things away is effortless. That's the difference between a clean closet for a week and a clean closet for the year.
Create Zones Based on Frequency
- Prime zone (eye level): daily wear, workwear, top accessories
- Secondary zone: activewear, seasonal items you use regularly
- High zone: special occasion items, luggage, off-season storage
- Low zone: shoes, hampers, heavy items
These same zoning principles work great in pantries, laundry rooms, and mudrooms too.
Use "One-Step Put Away" Storage
If your accessories require detangling, if your shelves require re-stacking, or if your hamper is always overflowing, your setup is creating friction. Friction causes clutter. A high-performing closet system reduces steps.
Professional insight: Most closets fail because the hanging-to-shelf ratio is wrong. The right balance depends on your wardrobe mix, not an off-the-shelf template. For tips on making the most of limited space, see our article on maximizing small closet space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Marie Kondo (KonMari) method for closet cleanouts?
The KonMari method declutters by category rather than by room. For closets, you remove all clothing, handle each item one by one, keep what supports your life today, and then store the remaining items with defined homes so the system is easy to maintain.
How long does a Marie Kondo closet cleanout take?
In most cases, a standard closet takes 3–6 hours to clean out. If you have a large wardrobe, multiple storage areas, or a shared closet, plan for a full day so you can finish sorting and set up a maintainable layout.
What should I do with clothes I remove from my closet?
Sort removed clothing into donate, sell, recycle, or dispose. Donate only clean, wearable items. For stained or damaged pieces, textile recycling is typically the most responsible route.
Does the KonMari method work if my closet is small?
Yes. Small closets improve quickly because reducing volume and improving visibility has an immediate impact. When items are stored by category with consistent spacing and vertical folding where appropriate, small closets are easier to keep organized.
When should I consider a custom closet system instead of adding more bins?
Consider a custom system when you've decluttered but still feel daily friction—overcrowded hanging space, wasted corners, shelves that don't match your wardrobe, or no dedicated zones for shoes, accessories, and laundry. A purpose-built layout prevents re-cluttering by making the "right place" the easiest place.
Schedule a Closet Consultation in Gilbert
Decluttering is powerful. Pair it with a closet layout designed around your wardrobe, and the results become effortless to maintain. Our Gilbert team designs, builds, and installs solutions tailored to your home.
Request a Free Design Consultation