I don’t remember where I got this one, but it’s my favorite wardrobe thinner. I especially enjoy the non-committal component of the challenge. If you’re someone who’s hesitant to get on board with “the whole minimalism thing,” this one’s for you.
Step 1: Make sure you have no dirty laundry (at all)
If you’re anything like me, you put off your laundry as long as possible stay on top of your laundry. If not, devote an afternoon towards making sure your entire wardrobe is washed and dried.
That means nothing in your car, a gym bag, the floor, behind the dryer, with a friend, etc.–100% of your clothing needs to be in play.
Step 2: Hang everything up in your closet (in the opposite direction)
Everything has to be facing the same direction. Meaning, all hangers need to be facing you, or facing away. It doesn’t matter which.
As long as they’re facing the opposite direction of how they’re usually hung.
Step 3: Live your life
Just do whatever you usually do. Wear what you want to wear. Go where to want to go. Do whatever you typically do.
I recommend this step last 1-3 months. I’m a fan of a single month, but if you’re a beginner, a few months is fine. Either way, you need to pick a time frame and write it down.
Step 4: After washing your clothes, hang them in their usual direction
In Step 2, everything was flipped the opposite way. Now, as you get clothes out of the wash, hang them in their usual direction.
If you repeatedly wear something, continue to face it in its usual direction after washing it.
Step 5: Assess the results
In Step 3, you picked a time frame to continue the hanger habits. In this step, we assess the results.
Take a look at your closet. How many things are still facing the opposite direction? I’d be willing to bet it’s over 50%. Those clothes are your…
- “good to have”
- “might wear it”
- “eventually/used to fit in it”
- “was a gift”
…clothes. Otherwise known as “clutter.”
Step 6: Sell, donate or trash*
The usual three options. Take everything out of the closet that’s still facing the opposite direction. No eyeballing it–actually remove it and place it on your bed or floor. There should be (at least) a handful of things that are easy to get rid of. From there, either…
- Sell (if it’s still “nice” and you can get a few bucks for it)
- Donate (if you’re feeling kind or don’t like the hassle of selling)
- Trash (if it’s past its prime for anybody)
*Obviously some stuff is seasonal. No need to toss that stuff (yet).
Wrap-Up
I advocate for this challenge because it requires no commitment, and basically zero effort. It creates awareness–a vital ingredient of effective decluttering.
This shouldn’t be a one-time thing. Try it seasonally. Just because you try it this winter, doesn’t mean your t-shirts are off the hook. Trying it in the summer doesn’t let your sweater collection skate by.
I’d love for you to comment below with the results of your Hanger Challenge.
A Clarity Guide 