Closet Clean Out Tips

Cleaning out my closet is honestly one of my favorite things.  It not only helps me feel less cluttered but also ushers in more space for new treasures (and some added income when I’m able to sell my unwanted pieces). 

Here are some of my tips to make getting started less intimidating.

STEP 1, CLEANING OUT:

• Work in Small Chunks 

  • In smaller chunks remove pieces from your closet or empty drawers one at a time, making sure you have one (but all of the same) category out - so you know what you’re working with!  Whether you want to go through your tees, dresses, or denim, make sure you have an understanding of how much space you’re currently using to store each category and that you can see the full spectrum of your assortment.  Working in smaller groups rather than dumping a closet full of clothes out in one go will help make the process more manageable and will allow you to clean in multiple sessions if needed.  

• Try On Each Piece

  • As you’re working through each category - try on each piece before you decide to keep, sell, or donate.  Even if it’s something you wear often, look at the fit, your confidence in it, and the state of the piece (if it’s stained or fraying or a bit worn in).  To help you make a decision on each piece ask yourself these questions:

    • “When Was The Last Time I Wore This?”

      • Unless it is a special occasion piece, ask yourself when was the last time I wore this?  If it’s been a whole season or a whole year - it’s safe to say you can live without it so might be best to donate or sell. 

    • “Would I Buy This if I Saw it in the Store Today?”  

      • Per the above question, I have definitely kept pieces for far too long (sometimes for 8+ years) without wearing them just because they still fit and because they’re in a good condition.  Besides asking myself when the last time I wore something was, I also like to ask myself is this something I would buy now if I saw it hanging in the store?  If not, it’s probably not worth keeping because it isn’t meant for the current you.   

    • “Does This Just Fill a Temporary Need?”

      • Maybe you need black pants for work but none of your black pants really fit that great nor give you much confidence - it’s okay to keep something for the time being while you look for or save up for the perfect replacement - just make sure to get rid of the old one once you replace it! 

• As You Clean Make Piles for Each Category

  • Having clear piles, bins, etc for DONATE, SELL, and KEEP will help you when it’s time to clean up.  It’ll also help you keep track of what you’re selling vs donating.  And when contemplating if something is worth selling or should be donated, ask yourself when it was purchased (should be within a few years to sell unless it’s vintage), it is inline with current trends and styles, and is it in near perfect condition (no tears, runs, pills, stains)?

  • Good options for donations include thredUP’s donation bag, the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, Dress for Success, and shelters local to you.  Pending on the brands you’re looking to sell, TheRealReal thredUP, Poshmark, and Vestiaire Collective - each site has instructions on what they will accept. 

ONCE YOU’VE DECIDED WHAT’S STAYING:

• Put everything away clean and wrinkle free

  • As you put things back make sure you are only putting clean, ironed, and neatly folded clothes away.  Make time to do some laundry or steaming while you’re cleaning - putting back fresh clothes (without a bunch of wrinkles) will help with any added barriers when getting dressed… no excuse not to wear something now!  

• Organize drawers and closets by category 

  • When putting things away make sure you are sorting things by category, color or use, whatever is most helpful to you.  Maybe your work pants and dresses should hang together and then casual weekend dresses should be separate… just make sure your sorting style works best with your space and dressing routine! 

• Put in all hangers backwards 

  • If there are any maybes your contemplating keeping or getting rid of, do the backwards hanger trick.  Hang everything up with the hanger hook the opposite direction on the rod.  As you wear and put the hanger back as you normally would.  After a season, ie. summer - take a look at all the hangers that are backwards in your closet - is there a reason you never wore that piece (sometimes special occasion pieces are not always worn (especially during quarantine,., but is it worth keeping? did you not make it to the beach but you’re excited to wear your coverup next summer)? If you just never wanted to wear it, it’s time to get rid of it in your next closet clean!