One room that always seems to need more space is the closet. As seasons change, wardrobes expand, and more items gain sentimental value, the closet can get pretty full. It can be difficult to maintain an organized system that keeps everything neat and tidy. On the days when a clean-out can’t be avoided, try some of these steps to achieve a pristine closet.

Tackling the Tower of Stuff

Cleaning a closet is sometimes a huge task because it involves going through piles of belongings, as well as dusting the surfaces and cleaning the floor. Plus, there’s the emotional struggle: You’re more likely to keep a certain item if there’s sentimental value attached to it. Though that “just in case” event may seem plausible, holding on to unnecessary pieces will only make the clutter worse. Here are a few things that you should consider donating during a clean-out:

• Duplicate items

• Clothing that doesn’t fit

• Tattered undergarments

• Promotional t-shirts, hats and bags

• Items that will probably never get repaired

Storing ripped, shrunken, outdated, and logo-covered items doesn’t do a closet much good. Once you know what not to keep, it should be easier to start building a wardrobe that gets the most use.

Getting Started

What sets many people back in the clean-out process are the feelings of nostalgia, distraction, or discouragement along the way. When it’s to start, work as quickly as possible with minimal breaks so as not to have too much time to talk yourself out of filling the donation box. Although it’s okay to appreciate items and how they have served you in the past, remember the mission and keep working.

1. Take everything out. Don’t underestimate the power of a clean slate. Set aside a weekend to tackle the project piece by piece. If you complete a full inspection of the available space, you should be better equipped to find a place for everything. Wipe down surfaces, sweep away the cobwebs, and you’ll be surprised to find a new perspective once everything is clean.

2. Get rid of unused items. There is probably a collection of articles in the closet that get rotated regularly throughout the year. If you wear or use it regularly, keep it. For everything else, a good rule of thumb is to use the six months treatment: If it hasn’t been worn or used in the past six months, get rid of it. If it is in good condition, donate it.

3. Add storage solutions. There are hundreds of products and storage systems designed to prevent clutter in the closet. Whether it’s a rolling rack, flocked hangers, clear containers, shelves, or drawers, implementing some additional structure can help keep your space tidy after the job is done. Just make sure to maintain it long-term.

4. Color coordinate. Organizing by color allows for better visibility of shade varieties. It can also prevent you from buying duplicates, encourage you to expand into other hues, and add an aesthetically pleasing perspective. You’re also more likely to control the organization easily if clothes get put away with their appropriate color.

5. Group accessories together. Small jewelry, scarves, ties, shoes, and hats often get lost in a tightly packed closet. To avoid losing these smaller items, group them together and buy a jewelry box, drawer separators, or over-the-door organizers to keep valuables and accessories in one place.

6. Flip hangers. Whether it’s a blouse that fits just right or a trusty pair of jeans, that go-to clothing item could leave the rest of the wardrobe abandoned in the back. To combat this issue, try this trick: Turn each hanger the opposite way in the closet. After wearing an item of clothing, flip the hanger back to its regular position. Whatever is left backward after a predetermined time gets donated.

It can be a struggle to downsize a closet and sustain its cleanliness and efficiency. Once a few systems are set in place, however, it could help prevent unnecessary shopping, broken or lost items, and another major clean-out. After eliminating some of the dead weight that was tucked away, chances are you’ll feel better about filling the closet with garments that make you happy.

AUTHOR BIO: Tom Happ is President of Closet Works, the parent company of CLOSETS.COM. Happ and his team of more than 100 employees use their vast experience in the closet and organization industry to design, manufacture and deliver custom storage solutions to homeowners throughout North America.