Write a minimalist closet inventory, suggests Chad Ludeman in “The Minimalist Closet.” Identify how many pairs of jeans and long-sleeve shirts, for instance, you need to match your lifestyle.
Clear your closet according to your inventory. Start with shelves and move toward clothing rods and the floor. Or take a bottom-up approach and start clearing the floor space.
Take all items off the shelves, rods and floor, in turns. Place everything outside of the closet. Store non-clothing items elsewhere. Donate out-of-date clothing, shoes and accessories or clothes that you no longer wear. Get rid of what you don’t love.
Return what you decide to keep to each area before proceeding to the next. Neatly fold clothing before placing it on shelves. Hang clothing on identical hangers for minimalist symmetry. Arrange clothing and shoes so items are not crammed together.