Q: My dilemma is closets! I have two very small closets in my bedroom and I can’t seem to get a handle on keeping them organized and easy to use since they feel like they’re stuffed within an inch of their life! I know you guys are great at living with less, simplifying, and organizing in general—so I thought maybe you could share some encouragement when it comes to paring things down and choosing what to keep? Deep down I know there’s a lot of extra stuff that I don’t need that’s taking up some much needed space, but I have a hard time letting things go for fear that I’ll want them again once they’re gone. Any tips for scaling back and keeping only what I need so I can regain control of my closets again? – Leslie
A: Wouldn’t you love a boutique-style closet? I’ll admit I get closet envy looking at magazine spreads with whole walls of shoes and bags and a spare 50 square feet for an ottoman. It’s not about labels for me—what thrills me is that everything has a dedicated spot. That sense of order is what makes a small closet feel useful instead of chaotic. So let’s jump in.
I follow a simple organizing philosophy: a place for everything and everything in its place. That means keeping the closet edited so I can easily a) see what I own and b) grab an outfit without digging. When closets get stuffed, useful pieces get hidden and dressing becomes a chore. I avoid that by removing items I no longer wear or need.
People often ask how I maintain a small, pared-down wardrobe. The short answer is: I don’t buy much, and when something stops working for me—because it’s damaged, ill-fitting, unattractive, or simply never worn—I repair it, consign it, or donate it. Freeing up space makes my closet more useful, and prevents piles of neglected items from building up.
When I edit, I literally go through everything and remove pieces I don’t love. Growing up or living in tiny spaces makes you ruthless about what you keep—you simply don’t have room for extras. I also think about the real cost of keeping an item: you paid for it once in cash, and each season it also costs you valuable closet space. If it’s not right for you, let it go.
If a piece doesn’t work, look at it this way: You paid for it once in cash, and now you’re paying for it in valuable closet space. If it’s not right for you, bite the bullet and let it go.
That perspective helps. If something is worn, out of style, never worn, stained, or unflattering, ask if you want to keep paying for it with precious space. Freeing that space allows the clothes you love to be visible and accessible, and makes room for a few thoughtful additions that you’ll actually wear.
To avoid acquiring items you’ll regret, try this simple rule:
Don’t buy anything on sale that you wouldn’t consider at full price.
Sales can make impulsive purchases feel justified, but buying something you don’t truly love or that doesn’t fit well is not a saving—it’s an investment in clutter. Treat sale items the same as full-price items: if you wouldn’t pay full price, don’t bring it home.
Here are practical guidelines to help you shop and pare down with intention:
- “If you’re unsure about a big-ticket item, put it on hold for 24 hours and think it over.”
- “Don’t buy anything that doesn’t flatter you or isn’t comfortable, no matter how trendy it is.”
- “If you have to talk yourself into a purchase in the dressing room, pass on it.”
- “If there’s nothing in your closet to wear with it, skip it.”
- “Never purchase something just because it looks good on someone else.”
- “Don’t save jeans or clothes for an anticipated weight change; owning them can be bad for your psyche. If you lose a size, you’ll probably happily buy new ones.”
- “If a stain is permanent after the cleaners or hand-washing, it’s time to let it go—or repurpose it creatively.”
- “If we kept every item with a memory attached, we’d be buried in clothes.”
- “Ask of every item: 1) Does it flatter your shape? 2) Does it fit perfectly or is it fixable? 3) Is it the right color for you? 4) Has it been worn in the last two years? Only garments that get four yesses should stay.”
I actually enjoy sorting through clothes, shoes, and jewelry to decide what to consign or donate. It’s satisfying to see a neat closet filled only with items I love.
Reframe paring down as a gain rather than a loss: you’ll get more space, a simpler wardrobe that fits and flatters, extra money from selling or consigning unwanted items, and time saved when choosing outfits. I love being able to look into my closet and know every piece is something I wear and enjoy.
What about you? Do you edit your closet seasonally, hold onto everything, sell and replace, or fall into a repetitive outfit routine? Share your tips for Leslie and anyone else wrestling with small closets—practical habits and simple rules can make a big difference.