How to Use the Container Concept to Tame Closet Chaos

Maintain a decluttered closet with the container concept by curating items that fit neatly in specific compartments.

Closet clutter is a universal struggle. Whether you’re a minimalist or a self-proclaimed collector, finding a way to keep your wardrobe manageable can feel like a never-ending battle. 

Today we want to share a deceptively simple concept that might just change the way you approach organizing your space. Inspired by the decluttering genius Dana K. White, creator of A Slob Comes Clean, the Container Concept helps you make sense of your storage challenges and reclaim control over your belongings.

What is the Container Concept?

At its core, the Container Concept is about recognizing the natural limits of the spaces we use to store things. 

Think of your home as a series of containers nested within one another, like Russian nesting dolls. Your house is the ultimate container, with smaller containers inside, such as closets, dressers, and drawers. Each of these spaces can only hold so much, and the goal is to work within these boundaries rather than fight against them.

The principle is simple: your items should comfortably fit into their designated container. If they don’t, something has to go. 

By respecting the physical limits of your space, you create a built-in boundary for how much you can own without feeling overwhelmed.

Applying the Container Concept to Your Closet

Here’s how you can use the Container Concept to tackle closet chaos step by step:

1. Start with a Specific Space

Pick a single container to focus on, like your sock drawer, a specific shelf, or one closet rod. 

The idea of decluttering every single piece of clothing you own feels daunting to pretty much everyone, so we recommend breaking it down into categories, either by container or by item type — sweaters one day, dresses another, for example. This keeps the process manageable and helps you stay on track.

Join the 14 Day Declutter Challenge for a manageable closet cleanout.

2. Empty the Container

Take everything out of the container. Yes, everything. 

This allows you to see exactly what you’re working with and prevents you from subconsciously leaving less-loved items buried in the back. (This is also why we’re sticking to one container and not the whole house!)

Pro tip: You might want to get some laundry done first if it’s piled up and you won’t have all of the items in your chosen container or category ready to look through.

3. Sort Into Three Piles

Create three piles:

• Keep: Items you love and wear often.
• Donate: Items you no longer need but someone else could use.
• Maybe: Items you’re unsure about.

Start by focusing on the Keep pile. Ignore the other two for now.

4. Prioritize the Most Loved Items

This is where the magic happens. Begin placing items from your “Keep” pile back into the container, starting with your absolute favorites. 

For example, put your most-worn, comfiest socks in first. Then move on to the next favorite, and so on. Continue until the container is full.

Once the space is filled, that’s your limit. Anything that didn’t make the cut has to be reevaluated.

5. Handle the “Maybe” Pile

If there’s extra room in your containers, you can revisit your “Maybe” pile and add items back in. But remember, the container’s boundaries are non-negotiable. When it’s full, it’s full.

Now sometimes it’s reasonable to temporarily create a “maybe” container. Let’s say you’re hoping to get pregnant again soon and you have a stack of clothing that’s pregnancy-sized that you want to keep for now. Or, maybe it’s winter where you are and you’re just not sure you’ll use some of your summer pieces until closer to summer. 

Reasons like these are why we might choose to maintain a “maybe” container, but it’s always temporary. We even recommend you put a date past when you think you’ll use the items on or in the container; if you haven’t taken anything out to use by that date, you can just donate the whole bin without going through it.

6. Deal with the Leftovers

For items that don’t fit, you have two options:

• Donate them immediately.
• Store them temporarily if you’re not ready to let go. Use a labeled bin and revisit it in a month or two to reassess. (Consider the temporary “maybe” container for this purpose.)

Why the Container Concept Works

The Container Concept simplifies decluttering by giving you a clear framework for decision-making. Instead of agonizing over whether you should keep something, the container itself decides. 

You can only put in as many items as fit; you can’t overstuff it so you give the priority spots to your favorite items. This shift in mindset makes it easier to focus on what truly matters: the items you love and use most.

Bonus Tips for Closet Success

• Set realistic limits: Be honest about how much space you have and what fits comfortably.
• Work in stages: Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to declutter everything at once. It also helps if you have to walk away to do something else because the amount you have out is manageable.
• Celebrate progress: Every container you conquer is a win!

Closet chaos doesn’t have to be your reality. By embracing the Container Concept, you can create a space that reflects your personal style without feeling overstuffed or out of control. 

So grab a drawer and give it a try. You might be surprised at how freeing it feels to let your containers guide the way!

But Now What?

Now that you’ve decluttered your closet you might be faced with the reality that you don’t know your personal style. This is a common experience after facing the items that just didn’t suit you and had to be let go.

Join us inside our premium style membership, the Radiant Woman Adventure, to explore every facet of your personal style, from color to clothing fit. 

Related Wardrobe Management Articles:

• 100 Piece Wardrobe
• Get Dressed Faster Everyday
• 5 Benefits of a Style Uniform

Use the container concept in your closet by setting clear space limits for each clothing category to prevent clutter.