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Moving from kitchen to closets marks a shift in our challenge – from purely functional items to pieces that often carry emotional weight. As a professional organizer, I’ve seen how clothing can be one of the most challenging categories to declutter. Let’s tackle this together, one focused task at a time.

Day 6: Old Shoes – Walking Away from Worn Out Footwear

We all have them – those shoes we keep “just in case” or because they were expensive, even though they hurt our feet or no longer suit our lifestyle. In Houston’s climate, for example, too many of us keep boots we rarely wear or sandals past their prime.

Let’s be honest about:

  • Check soles for wear patterns
  • Test straps and closures
  • Assess comfort honestly
  • Evaluate pairs you haven’t worn in a year
  • Consider your local climate

Pro Tip: Those shoes waiting to be repaired? If they’ve been waiting more than three months, they’re likely never getting fixed.

Day 7: Nightstand Reset – Reclaiming Your Evening Sanctuary

This small space has a big impact on how you start and end each day. Yet for many of my clients, it becomes a dumping ground for everything from half-read books to random receipts and questionable candies. Think of your nightstand as prime real estate – only the most important items deserve a spot here.

Create purposeful zones for:

  • Current reading material
  • Essential medications/items
  • Personal care items
  • Device charging
  • Meaningful photos/mementos

Pro Tip: Keep only one week’s worth of current reading materials here – anything else should find another home.

Day 8: The Truth About Basics – Socks and Underwear

In my years as a professional organizer, I’ve noticed that people often hold onto undergarments far longer than they should. These daily essentials deserve the same thoughtful consideration as your more visible wardrobe pieces – after all, they’re literally the foundation of every outfit.

Think about it: if your undergarments aren’t making you feel comfortable and confident, why keep them? I often tell clients that these basics should support your day, not sabotage it with constant adjustments or discomfort.

Time to honestly evaluate each piece:

  • Check elastic for stretch and durability
  • Look for holes, tears, or worn spots
  • Address discoloration issues
  • Match up sock pairs (finally!)
  • Identify items you consistently avoid wearing

Pro Tip: Your daily essentials should be just that – good enough for daily wear. If you wouldn’t want to be wearing it during an unexpected doctor visit, it probably shouldn’t be in your drawer at all.

Day 9: The T-Shirt Time Capsule

T-shirts are often the hardest items for my clients to part with. Each one tells a story – that 5K you ran, your favorite concert, your college days. But when these memories take over our closet space, they stop serving us and start overwhelming us.

Consider each shirt’s role:

  • Fit and condition
  • Emotional significance
  • Actual wear frequency
  • Storage space reality
  • Current style preferences

Pro Tip: Consider creating a photo album of special shirts or transforming favorites into a memory quilt – honoring the memories while freeing up your space.

Day 10: The Jean Reality Check

We’ve all been there – keeping jeans in multiple sizes, holding onto pairs that require specific shoes or shapewear to work, maintaining “someday” sizes that make us feel guilty every time we see them.

Ask yourself honestly:

  • Do they fit NOW?
  • Are they comfortable?
  • Do you feel confident wearing them?
  • Have they been worn in six months?
  • Do they suit your current lifestyle?

Pro Tip: Keep only two sizes: current and one realistic goal size. Anything else is just closet clutter.

Decluttering Success Strategies

Work in 30-minute sessions
Create immediate donation bags
Try everything on
Be honest about your current lifestyle

Professional Decluttering Support

While these tasks are designed for independent success, sometimes professional guidance makes the difference, especially with emotional items like clothing. At Just Organized by Taya, we specialize in:

  • Closet organization systems
  • Wardrobe evaluation
  • Storage solutions
  • Donation coordination

Ready for a professional closet transformation? Contact us here or call 832-271-7608 for an immediate chat.

Stay tuned for next week’s guide covering days 11-15 and check out some helpful practical videos we are posting on our socials. Still need your free copy of the challenge calendar? Download it here.

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