Josefine Bagger Sommerlund
A cluttered closet can be stressful – but with a few smart changes, your wardrobe can become both functional and inviting.
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Discover the 11 things you should remove right away – and create a calm, organized closet you’ll actually enjoy opening.
Overstuffed Closet? Time for a Clean-Out
It’s tempting to stash all sorts of things in the closet, but that quickly leads to chaos.
Here are 11 items that don’t belong in your wardrobe – and smarter spots to store them instead.
Shoes – Avoid Mess and Odor
Shoes can easily create clutter and bring unpleasant smells into your closet.
Better solution: Keep everyday shoes by the front door and only store special-occasion or rarely worn pairs in your closet.
Pet Items – Keep Them Away from Clothing
Pet bowls, toys, and litter boxes shed hair and can carry odors.
Better solution: Store pet supplies in a designated area outside the bedroom.
Dirty Laundry – A Smelly Trap
Workout clothes and other dirty laundry can quickly stink up a closed space.
Better solution: Place your hamper in a well-ventilated area like the laundry room.
Extra Bedding – Takes Up Too Much Space
Duvets and sheets are bulky and don’t belong in your main closet.
Better solution: Store them in a linen closet and stick to just a few sets per person.
Handbags – Move Them Near the Door
Too many bags in the closet can cause clutter and confusion.
Better solution: Hang them on hooks or a rack near the front door for easy grab-and-go access.
Sentimental Items – Not for Everyday Storage
Photo albums, trophies, and keepsakes don’t belong with your clothes.
Better solution: Keep them safely stored in the attic or basement for occasional visits down memory lane.
Bathroom Items – Harmful to Clothing
Toiletries and cleaning products can spill and damage fabrics.
Better solution: Leave them in the bathroom or store them in a separate cabinet.
Seasonal Decorations – Unnecessary Clutter
Holiday decor takes up valuable space and is only used once a year.
Better solution: Store it in the attic or basement until it’s needed.
Outerwear – Too Bulky for the Closet
Heavy coats and jackets take up space and are mainly used outdoors.
Better solution: Hang them in the entryway for quick access.
Too Many Hangers – Creates Visual Noise
Excess hangers take up room and create disorganization.
Better solution: Donate old or unused hangers and keep only what you regularly use.
Workout Equipment – Doesn’t Belong with Clothes
Yoga mats, kettlebells, and similar gear can smell and clutter the space.
Better solution: Designate a workout corner in the garage or another room.
Make Your Closet Functional
Regularly review your closet and remove anything that doesn’t belong.
Stick to clothes and accessories you actually wear – it’ll make your space feel calmer and more intentional.
