National Clean Out Your Closet Week takes place every third week in March. This year, the productive holiday takes place from March 16 to 22. Although it may sound like a holiday that was just made up by someone who was trying to get their kids to clean their closets, the holiday has been around for years, and often creates quite the buzz when it comes around. People who have been meaning to clean out their closets use the week as a kickstart for changing their lifestyles, and find that the whole nation doing the same thing motivates them.
History of National Clean Out Your Closet Week
With spring around the corner, you might already be dreading the spring cleaning you know you should do. There’s something that’s made a home under the sink, the floors are a bit sticky in spots, and we won’t even talk about the stain that’s almost as old as the house is. It all sounds overwhelming — it feels like there’s too much to do, which is why it’s better to take it one thing at a time. Relax, take a breath, and start with your closet.
National Clean Out Your Closet Week is the perfect time to get started on your spring cleaning list. People across the nation set aside however many nights they need to perfect their closets and find that they finish feeling a little tired, but mostly relieved and pleased. With the recent popularity of cleaning and self-improvement shows like “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” “Queer Eye,” and “Hoarders,” the idea of cleaning out a portion or all of your life has captured the hearts and minds of many. People are being inspired to create fresh starts in life thanks to these heartwarming shows and we are here for it!
Despite how popular the productive holiday has become, there isn’t much history surrounding it. This is one of those holidays that popped up and became a beloved occasion almost overnight. However, the sheer enthusiasm of the community and the amount of helpful and free content they put online for others to use more than makes up for it.
National Clean Out Your Closet Week timeline
The rumored origin for the idea of spring cleaning comes from traditions followed during the Persian New Year.
The earliest-known bath is found in Crete and dates back to this period.
Joseph Lister invents antiseptics, which become widely used in surgical procedures and general cleaning.
When the Industrial Revolution takes the world by storm, it brings about the necessity for cleanliness that ultimately changes the world for the better.
National Clean Out Your Closet Week FAQs
How often should you clean out your closet?
Cleaning out your closet once per year will keep the accumulation of clothes, shoes, and accessories from getting out of hand. If you haven’t worn it in the last year, it’s probably safe to donate it or sell it.
How do I motivate myself to clean?
Pick a small area to start with and make sure you don’t get distracted while you clean. Time is of the essence here, so try and finish quickly.
How often should you clean your bedroom?
About once a week you should try and clean out your bedroom. Do a sweep, mop, and put everything in its place.
National Clean Out Your Closet Week Activities
Clean
The obvious way to celebrate this holiday is to clear out your closet. When that’s done, move on to the rest of the home.
Organize
Once things are clean, it’s time to rearrange it all. Get everything looking the way you want.
Relax
With everything done, you can finally kick back and relax. Pat yourself on the back for doing a good job while you close your eyes for just a minute.
5 Facts About Cleanliness That You’ll Think Are Awesome
Fatty soap
Soap used to be a little-used product made from ashes and animal fat, and was the only thing that was affordable.
Political sweats
In Finland, when government leaders cannot reach an agreement, they adjourn to the saunas to discuss it further — while getting themselves clean.
Faith has a smell
Medieval Christians used to prove their devotion to the faith by abstaining from bathing.
Brushing teeth
During the Medieval and Renaissance period, people would brush their teeth using a green hazel twig or woolen cloth.
Babylon purge
The people of Babylon were the first to discover that contaminated water bred disease, so they made a point to ensure there was clean water in their homes for drinking, cooking, and cleaning purposes.
Why We Love National Clean Out Your Closet Week
Clean house, calm mind
To help our mental health stay level or even to improve it, we enjoy taking time to clean up our workspace or home to make it not only clean but also appealing. This week just gives us an extra push to tackle the laundry built up in our closets.
It’s a kick in the pants
We all put off cleaning once in a while, maybe a bit more than that for some of us. This holiday is always a good reminder to make a start and finally make a difference.
A collaborative clean
Sometimes, cleaning is a bit too much of an effort and a tad too boring — but that’s nothing that friends and good music can’t solve. This holiday reminds us to get stuck into cleaning. So why not make it a group affair and make the most of it?
National Clean Out Your Closet Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | March 20 | Sunday |
| 2023 | March 19 | Sunday |
| 2024 | March 17 | Sunday |
| 2025 | March 16 | Sunday |
| 2026 | March 15 | Sunday |
Log In With Google