Do you have a pile of plastic hangers sitting around, but you're not sure what to do with them? You're not the only one.
Most people keep these hangers whether they’re broken or still usable for different reasons. Maybe they came with clothes you bought years ago, or maybe you’ve just been hanging onto them for “someday.”
If you’ve already switched to wooden or velvet hangers to save space or make your closet look neater, those plastic ones probably didn’t make the cut.
Now they’re sitting in a basket, scattered on the closet floor, or shoved into a corner. You don’t want to throw them away, but they’re not doing you any good either.
So what can you actually do with all those plastic hangers you no longer need but don’t want to waste?
This guide will help you figure out where these hangers tend to build up, why they’re so easy to hold onto, and most importantly what you can actually do with them now.
Why You Still Have So Many Plastic Hangers
Plastic hangers have a way of piling up without you really noticing.
You might get them when you buy clothes from the store, and it feels easier to just bring them home than leave them behind. Or maybe you kept a few extras thinking they’d be useful later for laundry, for guests, or for switching out clothes during the seasons.
At first, having a few spares seems helpful. But over time, they add up. You might not even realize how many you’ve collected until you open a closet and find a big pile on the shelf or tucked in a bin somewhere.
Sometimes you switch to better hangers like wooden or velvet ones because they save space and look nicer.
Once that happens, the plastic ones end up pushed to the side. They’re not being used, but they don’t feel broken, so it feels wasteful to throw them away.
That’s how they stick around. You don’t use them, but you also don’t get rid of them.
Where You’ll Usually See These Plastic Hangers
Unused plastic hangers tend to end up in random spots without you meaning for it to happen. The most common place is the back of the closet, either lying on the floor, stacked on a shelf, or hanging with no clothes on them.
At the time, it felt easier to set them aside than to deal with them right away.
You might also find them in the laundry room. Maybe you pulled some off while folding clothes and never put them back.
Or maybe there’s a bag full of hangers you meant to donate, but it’s still sitting in the hallway closet. Over time, they get forgotten and just add to the mess.
Some hangers stay mixed in with your clothes, even if they’re not being used. They slide back and forth when you reach for a shirt, or they make it harder to see what you actually wear.
They may seem not that much, but when they add up, they start to crowd the space.
And if you’ve switched to different hangers (like wood or velvet) you might have stored the old ones in a bin, thinking you’d need them later. That bin usually grows. Every load of laundry adds a few more.
Before long, the hangers are dusty, tangled, and taking up space you could be using for something else.
Once you start to notice where they’re hiding, it’s easier to gather them up and decide what’s worth keeping. That way, you can finally clear out what’s not helping and give yourself some breathing room again.
What You Can Do With Plastic Hangers You Don’t Use
First, gather them all in one place so you can see what you’re really dealing with. That pile might be bigger than you think. Once they’re together, it’s easier to decide what happens next.
If the hangers are in good shape, check with your local thrift store. Many secondhand shops, donation centers, or community outreach programs will gladly take hangers especially if they sort clothing for resale.
It’s best to call ahead, because not all donation centers accept them, but some will take them off your hands and put them to use right away.
You can also ask around your neighborhood. Someone who’s moving, downsizing, or setting up a new home might be looking for hangers and would appreciate getting them for free.
Try asking in a local “Buy Nothing” group, or even at a nearby church or shelter that helps families get back on their feet.
If the hangers are bent or cracked, it’s okay to toss them but check if your recycling center accepts them first.
Some plastic hangers are recyclable depending on the type of plastic. Look for a number on the hanger itself, or call your city’s recycling office to see what they accept.
Another option is to repurpose a few around the house. Use them to hang scarves, organize wrapping paper, or dry dishcloths. But only keep what you’ll actually use. Otherwise, you’re just moving the clutter around.
Why Clearing Out Hangers Is Worth Your Time
It might seem like something small, but getting rid of extra hangers can make a real difference.
That drawer in the laundry room you never use because it’s packed with old hangers? It can finally hold something useful again.
That basket in your closet filled with twisted plastic? It can be emptied or used for better storage.
And let’s not forget how it feels to deal with hangers every day. When you have too many or when they’re all different sizes and shapes it turns getting dressed into a chore. Hangers slide around, clothes fall off, and you waste time straightening things instead of just grabbing what you need.
But once you pare them down to only what fits your space and routine, everything starts to feel easier.
The closet looks cleaner. The rod isn’t crowded with empties. You can actually see your clothes, and they stay put instead of slipping onto the floor. That’s not just nice to look at, it saves time and frustration every single day.
So if you’ve been keeping those old plastic hangers out of habit, this might be a good time to let them go. You don’t need to do it all at once. Just start with one pile, one drawer, or one closet.
Keep the hangers that match and work well. Donate or recycle the rest. It’s a small task, but one that gives you back space, order, and a little more ease each day.
Clearing Out Hangers with a Plan
If you’ve decided it’s time to get rid of all those plastic hangers but feel unsure about what to do next, you’re not alone. Even after sorting them out, it can still be tricky to figure out what should stay in your closet and how to keep things from getting cluttered again. That’s why having a simple plan in place can make a big difference.
The Printable Declutter Binder is an easy-to-follow tool that helps you walk through these choices step by step. It gives you clear guidance on how to organize your closet, decide what stays, and make better use of your space without feeling overwhelmed.
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