Clear Out the Clutter First

Before anything comes in, something has to go. This step used to take forever, but now I treat it like a speed round—decision fatigue is real, so I trust my gut and don’t overthink.

• Remove Unworn Spring Clothing: Anything that wasn’t worn this past season? Out it goes. I give myself permission to let go without guilt.
• Set Aside Damaged/Outdated Clothing: Clothes with stains, weird fits, or that “why did I buy this?” vibes get moved to the donation or rag pile.
• Create a Donation System: My system is three piles: keep, store, donate. The goal is to clear mental and physical space, not just shift clutter around.

Pack Up Spring Clothes With Purpose

Once I’ve narrowed it down, I focus on storing spring pieces like I’ll actually want to find them next year. From experience, tossing things into a mystery bin labeled “spring stuff” does not cut it.

• Use Labeled Bins or Breathable Storage Bags: This is my new favorite storage hack. It keeps your items visible during storage. Bonus if they’re stackable. 
• Vacuum-Seal Bulky Items: Invest in some vacuum-seal bags to make sweaters and coats practically disappear. I didn’t believe the hype at first, but now I’m a convert.
• Store Off-Season Items Smartly: Shoes and accessories go on upper shelves or in under-bed storage—whatever works to keep them out of sight.

Bring in the Summer Lineup

Now for the fun part. I love rediscovering sundresses I forgot I owned or sliding sandals into their easy-access spot. Swapping out my wardrobe feels like setting up a personal boutique.

• Prioritize Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics: Linen, cotton, and other breathable fabrics get the VIP treatment. If it wrinkles easily, it lives on a hanger.
• Keep Frequently Used Summer Items at Eye Level: Anything I use weekly stays right in view—no rummaging necessary. Shorts, tanks, dresses, and swimwear get prime placement. I keep a few of my go-to’s in a drawer and the rest in a bin near the front of my closet.
• Create a Section for Special Items: I use a built-in adjustable clothing valet to hold outfits for special outings or travel. I’ve found this helps cut down on last-minute packing stress.

Upgrade the Accessories Setup

It took me years to realize that seasonal closet prep isn’t just about clothes. Summer comes with its own clutter: sunglasses, floppy hats, beach bags, the one swimsuit no one ever wears but somehow ends up in the mix every year.

• Add Bins or Trays for Accessories: Your everyday stuff shouldn’t be cluttered on your closet surfaces. Add a bin for sunglasses, one for keys or SPF sticks—you’ll see how much smoother your mornings become.
• Use Hooks or Racks for Hangable Items: I used to stash items like pool bags and summer scarves in the back of my garage, but this is faster and much less annoying.
• Install Drawer Dividers for Swimwear and Activewear: Keep your swimwear from morphing into a chaotic (soggy) blog. The kids have their own drawer dividers in their closets, too, for this exact reason.
• Add a Box for Shoes: Need a place for your flip-flops or water shoes? Keep a small bin or box near the closet door for easy access.

Keep Airflow and Visibility Top of Mind

Summer in our house means open windows, dusty shoes, and sweaty everything. So when I’m organizing, I also think about how to keep things breathable and easy to find.

• Consider Open Shelving: If you want clothes to stay aired out, definitely invest in open shelving for ventilation. This is especially helpful for athletic wear or things that don’t necessarily need to be neatly tucked away.
• Brighten the Space: Use LED lights or other closet lighting upgrades to make it feel airier. For me, a simple stick-on LED made my closet feel like a showroom—I love the look.
• Use Clear Containers or Labels: Not having to guess what’s inside a bin saves me precious time—and my patience.

Build a Closet You Can Maintain

The hardest part isn’t organizing. It’s staying organized when life gets wild—which in my house, happens daily.

• Limit Your Summer Wardrobe: A capsule-style wardrobe with versatile, easy-to mix pieces has really saved me countless hours of time. 
• Keep the Layout Intuitive: Group items by type or activity. For example, workout clothes go in one drawer, formal clothes in another, pool stuff in another. You get it.
• Do a Quick Weekly Tidy-Up: A quick reset once a week keeps everything functional. I usually do this on Sunday nights after the kids go to bed. Just 10 minutes straightening up pays off big time come Monday morning.

Conclusion

Every season brings a shift, but I’ve found that how I prepare for the shift makes all the difference. Transitioning my custom closet from spring to summer sets a positive tone for the months ahead. When my closet runs smoothly, so do I. And in a house like mine, that’s no small thing!