The Question You Should Ask Yourself Before Decluttering Your Closet

Decluttering an overflowing closet can be intimidating, especially if you're prone to indecision. To make the job easier, unpack one basic question before taking any action: Which items do you avoid when given opportunities to use them? Though this query is often used to whittle down wardrobes, it can also be applied to bursting bookcases, packed pantries, messy makeup drawers, and more.   

Asking yourself this question is useful for several reasons. First, it highlights your actual habits and decisions rather than an idealized version of them. If you're not using an item regularly, chances are that you can manage without it. You can pair this question with the six-month rule of decluttering, which says to part with items you haven't used for more than half of the past year. 

Second, asking yourself which items you avoid helps you prioritize your real preferences over your assumptions about other people. If a loved one gifted you a sweater but it's uncomfortable or not your style, you may have kept it around out of fear of hurting their feelings or appearing rude. However, the truth is that we can't predict the future or know exactly what another person will think or feel. In fact, assuming that we do is a thought distortion known as fortune-telling in cognitive-behavioral therapy. This kind of negative and irrational thinking may lower your motivation and self-esteem while making you more anxious or depressed. Finally, considering which belongings you avoid dovetails into other crucial questions, such as why you avoid these items and how avoidance affects other parts of your life.

Now that you've asked yourself which belongings you avoid, ask some follow-up questions to help you further declutter your closets. For example, do you struggle to get rid of sentimental items that have turned into clutter and why? Further, have you stopped following a particular trend or style? Once you've answered questions like these, research new-to-you decluttering hacks. Perhaps wall hooks would make hanging up coats easier than tossing them on the floor while freeing up space in a small closet. Maybe some clothes could be folded or rolled up to save space, or maybe a new item for organizing your clothes would be beneficial.

When going through your clothes, try on different garments to see how they feel. Do they pinch, poke, or scratch? What emotions bubble up as you put them on and move about? When you wear them, do you feel like a version of yourself you'd like the world to see? Do they direct your attention to perceived flaws? You could even think of clothes as building blocks for different looks and remove anything that doesn't work in three or more outfits.

If you're struggling to get rid of clothing, try reframing decluttering as an opportunity to experience more positive emotions in the future. What might you feel when you've weeded out unnecessary items and organized what's left? How could your day-to-day routine improve? Do you think you'll perceive yourself as more responsible or successful? Tap into any motivation these questions uncover, as this can help you declutter the rest of your home.