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Writer's pictureLisa Cather

The Backwards Hanger Trick: A Simple Decluttering Hack to Help You Purge Your Closet


Closet hanging tip

Are you ready to tackle your closet and free up some space in 2025? If you're struggling to part with clothes you rarely wear, the backwards hanger trick is a clever and simple method to help you declutter your wardrobe and make room for what you truly love and use. Here’s how you can implement this easy hack and transform your closet in no time.


What is the Backwards Hanger Trick?

The backward hanger trick is a simple method that encourages you to identify clothing that hasn't been worn in the past year. At the start of the year (or any time you're looking to declutter), turn all of the hangers in your closet around so that the hook faces the opposite way. As you wear each item, return it to the closet with the hanger facing the right way.

By the end of the year, the clothes still hanging with the backward hanger will have shown you which items you haven’t worn in a while. These can be great candidates for donation, resale, or recycling.


Why Does It Work?

It's easy to forget about the clothes buried deep in your closet or shoved to the back, especially if you're not actively wearing them. The backward hanger trick removes the guesswork and forces you to evaluate the clothes you wear regularly versus the ones collecting dust.


This method also eliminates the emotional barrier to getting rid of clothes. By simply observing which items you haven’t worn for a year, it becomes clear that they may not be adding value to your wardrobe or lifestyle anymore.


How to Use the Backwards Hanger Trick

  1. Start Fresh: Begin by turning all of your hangers backward when you're ready to declutter your closet. This may feel a bit strange at first, but the key is to be consistent throughout the year.

  2. Wear Your Clothes: As you go about your daily routine, wear the items in your closet as usual. Whenever you wear something, hang it back in the closet with the hanger facing the proper way.

  3. Evaluate at Year’s End: At the end of the year (or however long you choose to track this), look through your closet and see which clothes are still hanging backward. These are the items you haven’t worn for an entire year.

  4. Purge: Consider donating, selling, or recycling the items you haven’t worn. You can also assess whether you want to keep something for sentimental reasons or if it’s time to let it go.


Benefits of the Backwards Hanger Trick

  • Decluttering Made Simple: This trick eliminates the guesswork and helps you make objective decisions about your clothes based on actual usage, rather than feelings or memories.

  • Clearer Wardrobe: By identifying and removing unused items, you make room for pieces you love and wear regularly. This leads to a more organized, functional closet.

  • A More Mindful Wardrobe: As you observe which clothes you actually wear, you can gain insight into your personal style and shopping habits, which might encourage more intentional purchases in the future.

Tips for Success

  • Stay Consistent: Don’t cheat by turning the hangers the right way mid-year! The effectiveness of this trick comes from consistency. Stick with it for the full year to get the best results.

  • Be Honest with Yourself: It can be hard to let go of items that carry sentimental value, but remember that you deserve a wardrobe that works for you today, not one that clutters your space with things you no longer use.

  • Donate or Sell: If you’re not sure about some items, try them on and see if they still fit your current style. If you haven't worn something in a year, it’s probably time to part ways. Donate or sell those items to give them a second life!


At Chaos Ninja, We're Here to Help You Declutter

At The Chaos Ninja, we're dedicated to realizing your home organization aspirations. If you're feeling overwhelmed by clutter and don't know where to start, our expert team is here to help. Whether you need assistance decluttering, organizing storage, or optimizing your living spaces, we've got you covered.

Serving Lake Mary, Orlando, Winter Park, Winter Springs, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, Casselberry, Sanford, and Heathrow, we specialize in transforming chaotic spaces into organized sanctuaries. Need a hand with your closet or home organization? We're just a call away.


If you're seeking professional home organization services, contact us at 407-760-1211 to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a clutter-free lifestyle journey.


Conclusion

The backward hanger trick is a powerful yet easy-to-implement method for decluttering your closet and keeping only the clothes that bring you joy and functionality. By the end of the year, you’ll have a clear picture of what you wear and what’s been gathering dust, making it much easier to decide to purge.


If you're ready for a closet refresh, try this hack today and start the year with a simpler, more organized wardrobe! And if you need any help along the way, don't hesitate to reach out to us at The Chaos Ninja—we're here to assist with all your organizing needs!

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