Got a Secret Mess? 7 Steps to Fix Your ‘Monica Closet’ for Good

Fans of the iconic TV show Friends most likely remember the moment when Chandler discovers Monica’s secret closet. In an ironic plot twist, Monica Geller (known for her love of being overly clean and organized) had one closet in her apartment crammed with clutter. For someone who categorized her towels (into 11 categories, to refresh your memory) and vacuumed her vacuum, this messy closet was shocking, albeit relatable.

Over time, the term "Monica Closet" has come to represent that hidden area in our homes where we stash things we don’t know what to do with. We bet you have a place where random cords, old photo frames, holiday decorations, board games, and mementos live together in chaos. The door to the offending room or closet stays closed, and those items are out of sight, out of mind.

When you’re forced to think about it, though, such as when you need to find something, it likely induces stress and frustration. The good news? Your Monica Closet isn’t all that hard to tackle. With a little time, a clear plan, and the right mindset, you can turn that chaotic space into something you’ll actually be proud to open (and show off). Follow this step-by-step guide to get your secret clutter spot in order.

Step 1: Acknowledge Your Clutter Hotspot

First, it’s essential to determine where your version of the Monica Closet is located, whether that spot is an actual closet, the basement, garage, attic, under the stairs, or even under your bed. This is where you will focus your organizing efforts. Next, recognize that having a Monica Closet doesn't mean you're messy or disorganized. It usually means you're busy and have your priorities focused on more visible spots of your home, like the kitchen and living area.

Of course, the sooner you acknowledge that the area needs improvement, the sooner you can get started transforming it. A third step in this planning stage is to determine the purposes of the newly cleared space. It’s likely that you’ll need it for functional storage, but maybe you have a goal of making room for something, like a home gym or crafting area.

Step 2: Empty the Space

It might be tempting to simply rearrange items inside the space, but every successful organization project begins with a clean slate. Start by taking everything out—yes, everything! Lay all the items where you can clearly see what you have, whether that's on your living room floor, your bed, or the dining room table. This step will give you a true sense of the volume and variety of items that have been hiding behind that door.

It’s best to set aside a few hours when you know you won't be rushed or interrupted, so you can complete the project from start to finish without leaving clutter behind.

Step 3: Declutter and Sort

With everything laid out in front of you, now it's time to make some decisions. Start creating four piles for the categories below.

Keep items you genuinely use and need.
Donate things in good condition that others could benefit from.
Recycle anything that you no longer use or need that can be safely recycled.
Trash items that are beyond repair or use, and cannot be recycled or donated.

As you sort through your belongings, ask yourself the following questions:

Have I used this item in the past year?
Would I repurchase this item today?
Can I store it comfortably in my home? (In other words, not crammed into a closet!)

If your answer is “no” to any of these questions, it's likely time to let it go. Remember, decluttering is a muscle that can be strengthened over time. So, for now, do your best to be honest about whether these things truly deserve the valuable space they take up.

Lastly, put aside the things that will go back into the space. If you plan to keep something you pulled from it but realize it makes more sense to store it elsewhere, now’s the time to rehome it.

Step 4: Clean the Empty Space

Before you put items back, take a few minutes to wipe down the shelves, dust the corners, and vacuum the floor. If the area tends to get musty, consider adding shelf liners or a small dehumidifier. Starting with a fresh slate can motivate you to keep the space tidier over time!

Step 5: Reorganize Intentionally

Now comes the fun part: reorganizing! Invest in a few organizational supplies and tools, such as clear bins, baskets, drawer organizers, or shelf dividers, to keep everything in line.

Here are some simple ideas:

Label bins. Labeling helps you—and everyone else who uses the space—to know where to find and return items.
Use matching containers. If it’s in your budget, consider it, as it instantly makes the space look neater.
Take advantage of vertical space. Organizers like shelving units, hooks, and shelf risers can maximize the space’s potential.

Always group like items together, such as office supplies in one bin and holiday decorations in another, so they’re easy to label and locate.

Step 6: Create a Contingency Plan

A helpful strategy for maintaining your new and improved Monica Closet is to have a basket or bin for the things you can’t decide on in the moment. If you’re unsure about letting an item go, drop it in the bin and set a time limit (a month or two is reasonable). If you don’t reach for the item or miss it during that time, it’s likely safe to donate or discard.

Step 7: Commit to Maintaining the Space

The truth about organizing is that it’s not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing practice. To keep things in order, regularly check in on the space every three to six months. Make this easy by setting a recurring reminder on your phone.

During each check-in, you should:

Declutter anything that is no longer needed.
Reassess storage systems that aren’t working well.
Reorganize as your life and storage needs evolve.

Spending just a little time a few days a year maintaining will help you avoid another Monica Closet situation from sneaking up (or spilling out) on you.