I am someone who cleans out my closet compulsively! Maybe a little too often for some people’s taste but nothing feels better than getting rid of things that aren’t serving a purpose and making room for new, fresh options! I thought that this was something everyone did but I quickly found out that it doesn’t come as easily to some people (i.e., my college roommate and BEST friend who keeps every article of clothing for one sentimental reason or another). I cannot even tell you how many times I have forced my friends and family to clean out their own closets and given my brutal critiques while they watch their wardrobe dwindle down. But hey, at least I am equally as strict with myself AND I have never gotten any complaints from them after the fact. After cleaning out my closet hundreds of times, I have caught on to what helps me and what I often regret letting go of. Keep reading for tips on cleaning out your closet!
Make it Fun!
This might take a while, especially if you haven’t done it for a very long time. So put on some fun music, invite a friend over, and drink some wine! This will make it feel much less like a chore and more like a fashion show. I always find that having someone else there is super helpful because they can be a lot more objective and tell you what is outdated or just plain ugly, without any emotional attachment to the clothes. Also, having someone to gossip with will make the time pass much faster. And a little wine never hurt anyone!
Do You Wear It?
This sounds like the most obvious question in the world but it is essential when you’re cleaning out your closet. Notice that it doesn’t say “will you wear it?” because chances are, if you’re not already incorporating it into your wardrobe, you won’t any time soon. If you don’t wear it, toss it! All it is doing it taking up space in your closet and cluttering your mind. Anything that has rips, tears, or stains on it needs to go. The chances of you bringing in your Forever 21 sweater to be mended are slim to none so let it go and make room for something new! Also, if it doesn’t fit, get rid of it. If you lose or gain weight, you are probably going to want new clothes when the time comes anyways! If it is something simple like a hem that needs to be taken up – set it aside with all of your other alterations and give yourself a week to bring them in to the seamstress. If you don’t bring them in, you aren’t dying to wear them and should probably let them go anyways!
Be Strict!
This is important! You have to be really strict and honest with yourself about what you need and what you don’t. This can be hard for some people, which is why it is helpful to invite your most straightforward friend over to help! Make sure you aren’t letting emotional attachment or memories get in the way of the truth. If you just can’t part with certain things, consider setting a limit for yourself. Do you really need more than 3 t-shirts to remember your high school soccer team by? No. Make this a project for yourself! You will thank me later when you have 3 garbage bags of clothes ready to donate and you’re left with a clean slate!
The Six-Month Hanger Deadline
This is a trick that I am pretty sure I learned when I was a little girl, watching Oprah with my mom after school and I have never forgotten it because it is SO genius. This is for those of you that have a really hard time determining what you don’t wear or what is appropriate to give away. All you do is turn all of your hangers around, so that the hook is coming from the back side of the closet rod. You want every hanger to start out this way! As soon as you wear an item, you can put the hanger on the rod normally to signify that you have worn it. At the end of the six month period, any items that are still on backwards hangers should be given away! If you don’t wear it in six months, you are not wearing it frequently enough to justify owning the item. This obviously doesn’t apply to items such as evening gowns, etc., that you may not have an occasion to wear it for regularly. Give this a try and see how many items you have remaining! You will probably realize how little of your wardrobe you are actually utilizing.
Declutter with a Purpose
It always helps me to get rid of something when I know it is going somewhere meaningful. Find a charity that has significance to you so that whenever you’re torn on whether or not to give up an item, you can feel good about where it will be going. For me, the choice between something hanging in my closet on the off chance that I might wear it and giving it to someone who really needs it is an easy one! Having someone or something specific in mind will give you the extra push you need to get rid of stuff you’re on the fence about. Plus, chances are, if you really have to think about it, you don’t need it anyways.
Sleek Hangers, Please!
This is such a small thing that you can do in your closet that will instantly make it look more organized and put together! Hangers seem like they wouldn’t make a difference in the look of your closet because they’re always covered by clothes anyways but you haven’t lived until all of your hangers match. My favorite are the non-slip hangers that have a velvety finish so that clothes don’t slip off. Plus, they have soft edges so that they don’t stretch out and leave bumps in your clothes. These also have a really sleek profile that saves a significant amount of space in your closet. You wouldn’t think that normal hangers are bulky but you’ll be shocked how much more you can fit in your closet with these space-savers! Buying hangers for your entire closet all at once may seem like a big investment but you don’t have to buy ultra expensive hangers! I always get mine from Marshalls and Home Goods because they usually have large packs for less than $20. Amazon also has great options, like this one, that is less than $25 for 50 hangers.
Staying Organized
Now that your closet is cleared of everything you don’t need, don’t wear, or has seen better days, you need to focus on keeping what is left organized! This will encourage you to keep up with your new minimalist wardrobe and stay organized in other areas of your life. In my closet, I like to keep all my tops together, organized by sleeve length! This sounds like a lot of work but it really isn’t and it makes getting dressed in the morning SO much easier. When I decide I want to wear a knit sweater, for instance, I know exactly where to look and I instantly know what my options are. You can even go the extra mile by sorting each group from lightest to darkest. I swear, I think I could find anything in my closet blindfolded because of this system.
Was this helpful? Are you someone who cleans out your closet often or do need an extra push?
This was totally for me. I am in the mood to run home and organize. Picking up the wine and Robin. Loved all the recommendations. Xoxo
So happy you liked it!
Let me know how it goes. Good luck!
Xx, Lauren Jaclyn