Many individuals overlook their closets as just storage spaces. Closet therapy, a concept developed by professional organizer Shaniece Jones, bridges the gap between mental clutter and physical space.
Meet Shaniece Jones
Shaniece’s journey started as a biologist turned fashion assistant and stylist. She worked on a set of music videos and magazine shoots, backstage at New York Fashion Week with various celebrities. Between carrying clothes and managing different projects, she noticed the unorganized studios and closets, accompanied by the anxious and overwhelmed emotions of the team and clients.
She decided to put her organizational skills to work and began organizing the studio and offering to organize the client’s closets. As she began to see the reaction of the clients and witness the sense of relief become the new emotion that overwhelmed them, she knew there was a more intentional and more profound way to serve them.
Stylists began sending her to organize their clients’ closets while they did the styling, and the business was born. Soon, she became known as “The Closet Girl.” Spending the last 10 years in the closets of celebrities, executives, and entrepreneurs, her inner biologist has continued to study people and their environments’ effects on them, specifically focusing on their homes.
She learned that people’s outer environments affect their well-being. She loves what she does and is committed to serving all her clients by helping them remove the clutter and stress so they can have more time and the freedom to live their lives with intention.
About the episode
Closet therapy involves examining the contents of your wardrobe and how they relate to your current self and future goals. It’s about more than just tidying up – it’s a process of self-reflection and letting go of items that no longer serve you. The process allows you to release attachments to our past selves and create space for who you are becoming.
Detoxing your closet goes beyond just getting rid of old clothes. It’s about curating a wardrobe that represents who you are now and supports your future goals. Some key benefits include:
- Reducing stress and cortisol levels
- Saving time when getting dressed
- Increasing inspiration and confidence
- Clearer decision-making abilities
- Improving mental clarity
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of tackling your closet, here are some tips to get started:
- Set clear intentions. Before diving in, reflect on your goals for the space. Do you want to simplify your wardrobe, create more outfit options, or define your style? Having a clear intention will guide your decluttering process.
- Create a vision. Use tools like Pinterest to create a vision board for your ideal closet and style. It will inspire you and provide direction as you sort through items.
- Start small. Don’t try to overhaul your entire closet in one day. Break it down into manageable chunks, like tackling one drawer or category of clothing at a time. Schedule these sessions in your calendar to stay accountable.
- Let go with gratitude. When releasing items, thank them for their service and let them go guilt-free. Consider donating or consigning pieces in good condition.
For items with sentimental value, consider taking a photo to preserve the memory without keeping the physical object. If you’re hesitant to let go of expensive items you rarely wear, reframe it as an opportunity to recoup some of your investment through consignment. Use the funds to invest in pieces that better suit your current lifestyle.
Many people keep clothes “just in case” they need them someday. Be honest with yourself about how likely those scenarios are. Let it go if you haven’t worn something in over a year.
In conclusion
Closet therapy is more than just a trend – it’s a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. Decluttering your closets and your life creates space for new experiences, development, and joy. It’s a powerful reminder to live intentionally and make the most of each day. Each item you mindfully choose to keep or let go of is a step towards a more intentional, organized life.
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