Essential Tips for a Successful Closet Clean-Out

It’s week 2 of the One Room Challenge. If you missed last week and seeing the idea I have for our walk-in closet you can read about it HERE.

This week I focused on cleaning out our closet and prepping the walls for paint.

3 things I’d suggest for a good closet clean out are:

1. Have a plan

I think so often people begin cleaning out a closet or drop zone area with no plan of what the space will be, where they will store the items they plan to keep or how they want the space to function once it is clean. Having a plan for the space, and some storage ideas already picked out will help to decide how your space will function, and also how much should really be put back into the closet or drop zone area.

2. Donate things you aren’t using

I give away the things I no longer use, instead of throwing them away. Some places I donate to:

• Consignment Shops– if the items are in good condition consign- you can consign more than clothing. I’ve found toy consignment shops and furniture shops too.

• Local swaps and churches– these items are usually used to help families in need and the homeless, again, it helps if the items are in good condition.

• Salvation Army or your local Habitat Restore– both places take donations of household items, but Salvation Army takes more clothing items.

• Donation bins– these are the most convenient, I have also seen some donation bins collecting textiles to recycle, which is a great concept.

3. Wash the Walls, Floors and Shelving

A clean out of items is also a great time to clean the space. Wash the walls, vacuum and clean the carpet, or sweep and wash the floor. Dust and wash all the shelving and cabinetry too.

I did all 3 of these things this weekend as well as taking down a rack, filing holes, and sanding. Up next – painting the ceiling and walls.