You probably only wear 20% of your clothes. The other 80% just sit there, taking up space and gathering dust.
However, throwing them away is hard. You tell yourself, “I might wear this someday.”
In reality, you won’t. If you want to declutter without the emotional stress, you need data. Therefore, you need the Reverse Hanger Trick.
What Is the Reverse Hanger Trick?
This is a zero-effort method to identify exactly what you wear and what you don’t. Specifically, here is how you do it:
Step 1: The Reset
Go to your closet right now. Turn every single hanger backward. The hook should face outwards (towards you) instead of inwards.
Step 2: The Routine
Live your life normally. When you wear an item and wash it, hang it back up with the hanger facing the correct way (inwards).
Step 3: The Purge
After six months, look at your closet.
Consequently, any hanger that is still facing backward holds a piece of clothing you have not touched in half a year. You don’t need to guess. The hanger proves it.
Why This Works for Lazy People
Most decluttering advice forces you to make hard decisions. You have to ask, “Does this bring me joy?”
On the contrary, the Reverse Hanger Trick removes the emotion. It relies on cold, hard facts.
If you haven’t worn that shirt in six months, you clearly don’t like it. Thus, you can donate it without guilt.
Conclusion
Stop letting your “maybe” clothes steal your space.
To summarize, turn the hangers. Let time do the work. Then, say goodbye to the clutter.
Tell me in the comments: What is the oldest piece of clothing in your closet that you never wear?
