How to organize your wardrobe?

Have you ever found yourself standing in front of a full closet in the morning, staring at hangers packed with clothes and thinking: “I have nothing to wear”?

It’s a very common thought — and interestingly, it’s not necessarily related to how many clothes we own, but rather to how we organize them.

An organized wardrobe isn’t a luxury; it’s a practical tool that can make our days easier, reduce stress, save time, and even help define our personal style.
Today, we’ll talk about how a few thoughtful steps — and a touch of Marie Kondo’s philosophy — can transform your wardrobe into a clear, inspiring, and functional space.

We’ll explore the system of organization, the choice of hangers, ideal closet size, storing shoes and accessories, regular maintenance, and the key idea that Marie Kondo shared with the world:
“Keep only what sparks joy.”

Who is Marie Kondo?

Marie Kondo is a Japanese organizing consultant, known for her simple yet remarkably effective method of tidying up — the KonMari Method.
Her philosophy is based on the idea that we should keep only the things that “spark joy.”
Instead of tidying by room, she encourages tidying by category (clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items, sentimental objects). This helps people reduce clutter and create a more peaceful, organized home.

Key features of her approach:

• Minimalism with feeling – it’s not about strict decluttering, but about consciously choosing what truly holds value.

• A unique way of folding clothes – garments are folded vertically so that everything is visible at once, much like books on a shelf.

• The ritual of gratitude – items we part with are thanked for their service before being donated or discarded.

• Connection between space and state of mind – an organized home contributes to mental clarity and a sense of calm.

1. The System and the Philosophy of Joy

The first step in any wardrobe transformation is the system.
Before folding or organizing anything, we must first decide what to keep.

Marie Kondo’s approach is different from the traditional seasonal decluttering.
Instead of going through your clothes one closet at a time, she suggests placing all your clothes from every part of the house in one spot — on the bed or the floor.
Why? Because only then can you truly see how much you own.

Once everything is in front of you, take each piece in your hands and ask yourself:

“Does this item spark joy? When I hold it, do I feel a sense of lightness, warmth, and satisfaction?”

If the answer is yes — keep it.
If not — thank it for its role in your life and let it go peacefully.

This question is not just emotional; it’s also practical.
It helps us distinguish between things we wear out of habit, guilt, or nostalgia — and those that truly represent who we are today.

When only the pieces you truly love remain, organizing becomes much easier.
Your wardrobe is no longer a crowded shelf of clothes, but a curated collection that inspires you.

2. Hangers – Respect for Your Clothes

Marie Kondo often emphasizes that we should treat our clothes with respect — as loyal companions.
One way to do this is to give them space to breathe and not overcrowd them.

Uniform, high-quality hangers are an excellent choice. They not only support the shape of the garments and prevent slipping but also create visual harmony.
When you open your closet, the sight of neatly hanging, evenly spaced pieces can feel almost therapeutic.

Arrange your hanging clothes by increasing length and weight — from left to right.
Place lighter items such as blouses and shirts on the left, and heavier ones such as jackets and coats on the right.
This creates a pleasant “upward flow” that makes your closet feel airy and balanced.

3. Closet Size and Space Organization

The size of your closet isn’t what matters most — organization is.
Often, the solution lies in having fewer things and a more intentional structure.

If your closet is small, you can make it extremely efficient by using labeled boxes and seasonal rotation.
Store off-season clothes carefully — as if you were “sending them on holiday,” not abandoning them in a bag under the bed.

If you have a larger closet, be mindful not to let the space tempt you into accumulation.
Once you’ve assigned a clear area for each category, don’t expand it — keep your quantities balanced.
Every item should have its place — and return there after use.

4. Folding, Shoes, and Accessories

Marie Kondo is also known for her vertical folding method.
Instead of stacking clothes one on top of another, she suggests folding them upright, like books on a shelf.
This way, you can see every item at a glance — no more rummaging, and the order lasts much longer.

This method works beautifully for T-shirts, sweaters, sportswear, and underwear.

The same principle of respect applies to shoes and accessories:
Shoes should be clean, neatly placed on shelves or stored in breathable boxes.
Handbags, belts, and other accessories should be kept in a way that preserves their shape and visibility.
When everything is easy to see, you’ll use it more often — and never forget about that favorite bag hiding in the back.

5. Regular Maintenance and the Emotional Layer

Marie Kondo teaches that once you’ve done a thorough decluttering, you won’t need to repeat it every week.
The system works because everything has its place, and once used, it simply returns there.
It’s not a constant battle with your wardrobe — it’s a calm rhythm of everyday life.

Still, it’s helpful to do a small seasonal review.
Check whether each item still sparks joy.
Life changes, styles evolve — and your wardrobe should evolve with them.

Conclusion

Remember: an organized wardrobe isn’t an end in itself — it’s a tool for a simpler, more elegant, and more confident everyday life.
When your clothes are visible, chosen with care, and treated with respect, it reflects in you — in your calmness, confidence, and sense of balance.