Looking to shed pounds without the workout? The closet diet is getting people organized

Did you know about 84 percent of Americans believe their home isn’t organized enough? January is get organized month — and many people have resolutions to do just that. But it’s not always that easy. There are several tips to clean your closet — and make you feel a little more put together — despite your busy lifestyle.

A new year — and a new you! While some set goals to hit the gym and slim down after the holidays, others are looking to shed some pounds — in their closet.

“So I think it’s important to really take a good hard look at what you’ve got,” said Patty Mitchell, the co-owner of Closets by Design Boston.

Patty and Jeff Mitchell with Closets by Design help people organize their closets for what they’re intended to do — store clothing so you can find it when you need it.

“Life is a lot easier and it looks nicer, put you in a better mood when you open a closet and it looks organized,” said Jeff Mitchell.

According to the National Association of Professional Organizers, we spend a year of our lives looking for lost or misplaced stuff.

“It’s hard to throw things away when it’s perfectly good, but you know, it’s in the closet,” said Jeff. “It’s out of sight, out of mind. You stick the next thing in there and over time, for five, six, seven years, you have a closet full of things that you just don’t use anymore.”

Start from scratch

The best way to get organized Patty and Jeff say is to start from scratch. Pull everything out of your closet and go through each item.

“If it’s something you’re not going to wear and it’s still in great condition, put it in there, donate it,” said Jeff. “If it’s got a hole in it, then that’s really meant for trash, send it to the trash.”

Donation direction: turn your hangers

Another technique is the donation direction.

“You could take all of your clothes and turn the hangers around,” said Patty. “And as you wear them, you put the hangers back in the right direction. So then after 6 months to a year, maybe even, let’s go through all four seasons. If it’s still facing the other way, it’s time to get rid of it.”

Set aside for 6 months

“For someone who has a hard time letting go, they can put it aside in a box or in a bin and date it. Then take that box or bin to the attic. And if you haven’t gone up there within six months, then you know, it’s time to get rid of it.

Only wearable items in the closet

They also recommend keeping only wearable items in your bedroom closet — get rid of personal documents and random items.

One in, one out

For every new piece of clothing, get rid of one old article you haven’t worn in a while and donate it. This way someone else can put your quality items to use and your quality time at home becomes more efficient

“It’s just it’s one way to make your life feel that much more organized,” said Patty. “So whether or not there’s chaos in your house, little kids and you’re running around and you’re trying to work, at least you know exactly what was going on in your closet.”

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