Decluttering Chaos: The Start of My Closet Clean-Out Journey
Hey, everyone! Welcome back to my corner of the internet, where I share my daily adventures, laughs, and sometimes the overwhelming chaos of life. If youâre new here, Iâm Dawn, and today weâre diving into something Iâve been putting off for far too long: decluttering my closet!

Let me just say it upfrontâthis isnât just a âlittle tidy-upâ project. Nope. Weâre talking about a 10-year accumulation of clothes, shoes, purses, and randomness that has taken over my closet, attic, and honestly, a bit of my sanity. So buckle up, grab your coffee (or in my case, wine or energy drink), and letâs get into it.
The Backstory: When a Bigger House Means Bigger Messes
Greg and I moved into this house about 10 years ago, upgrading from a cozy 900-square-foot space to one nearly double the size. At first, it was exciting! I mean, who doesnât love a fresh start? But over the years, it became way too easy to accumulate stuff.
From seasonal clothes I never unpacked to furniture we bought to fill empty rooms, it all just piled up. And letâs not even get into my book collection (more on that in another postâcheck out My Booktube Channel if you love book hauls and unhauls).
Fast forward to now: my closet is bursting, my attic has four containers of clothes I forgot about, and Iâm drowning in stuff I donât even use. So, in the spirit of my 2025 goals to simplify and prioritize self-care, itâs time for a massive clean-out.

Why Decluttering Is Part of My Self-Care
Self-care isnât just about face masks and bubble baths (although Iâm all about those too). Itâs also about creating a space that feels calm, inviting, and true to who you are now.
My closetâwith its overflowing shelves, mismatched hangers, and boxes of clothes I havenât worn in yearsâdoesnât feel like me. Iâm focusing on embracing my feminine side in 2025, and that means curating a wardrobe and a space that makes me feel confident and beautiful.
**Note: This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through it, at no additional cost to you.**
If youâre in the same boat, I highly recommend reading Marie Kondoâs The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (get it here) and checking out The Minimalists for extra inspiration. These resources have been game-changers for me.
Breaking Down the Project
Letâs get real: this isnât a one-and-done kind of project. With the sheer volume of stuff Iâm dealing with, Iâm breaking this down into a multi-video series on my Think Pink YouTube Channel. Hereâs the plan:
1. The Closet Clean-Out
- Start with whatâs visible: clothes on hangers, shelves, and in the dresser.
- Sort into piles: keep, donate, trash, and maybe.
- Try on EVERYTHING to see what fits and sparks joy. (Cue some laughs and tears.)
2. The Attic Attack
- Go through the four containers of seasonal clothes Iâve ignored for years.
- Be brutally honest: if I havenât worn it in two years, itâs gone.
3. Accessories, Shoes, and More
- Tackle the vanity, jewelry, shoes, purses, and other random items.
- Organize what Iâm keeping in a way that feels functional and pretty.
4. Donation Day
- Donate gently used items to the VVA (Vietnam Veterans of America). Theyâre amazing because they come to your house to pick everything up. Check them out at VVA.org.
5. Closet Reveal
- Share the final transformation and how itâs helped me feel more organized and empowered.
Decluttering Tips Iâm Following
Iâve done some smaller decluttering projects before, and these tips have always helped me stay on track:
- Set a Timer: Decluttering can be overwhelming, so Iâm giving myself 30-minute sessions to keep the momentum without burnout.
- Ask the Right Questions: Does this fit? Do I love it? Have I worn it in the past year?
- Make It Fun: Iâll have a playlist of my favorite songs (hello, 80s jams!) to keep the energy up.
- Plan a Reward: After a big decluttering session, Iâll treat myself to something simple like a hot bath or a new candle.
For more decluttering tips, check out Clutterbug and Clean Mama.
Sneak Peek: My Closet Clean-Out Video
Iâve already started filming the first part of this journey, and let me tell youâitâs a rollercoaster of emotions. Thereâs something so cathartic about letting go of clothes that no longer serve you. Itâs like shedding an old skin and stepping into a new, lighter version of yourself.
Be sure to subscribe to my Think Pink YouTube Channel to catch the full series. Trust me, you donât want to miss the attic clean-out episode. Spoiler: I found clothes I forgot I even owned!
Join Me on This Journey
Are you feeling inspired to tackle your own decluttering project? Whether itâs your closet, kitchen, or entire house, Iâd love to hear about it. Share your progress with me in the comments below or tag me on Instagram.
Letâs make 2025 the year we simplify, declutter, and create spaces we truly love. Thanks for being here, and Iâll see you in the next post (or video!).
xo, Dawn