How to Clean Out Your Closet
Does anyone else’s mother sing a weird off key version of the title line from Eminem’s “Cleaning’ Out My Closet” any time you mention that you will be doing so? …no? …just mine? LOL. Cleaning out my closet has become one of my favorite projects to do a few times a year, solely because the outcome is so satisfying. Especially now that we’re quarantined, it’s kind of like, why not, since I have the time. I’m ready to emerge from this time spent inside like a phoenix. A really organized and well-dressed phoenix.
Take everything out
Everything. EVERYTHING. Empty that sucker all the way out. I like to throw everything from my closet right onto my bed (not shoes, but you know what I mean) and deal with it that way. It also motivates you to finish it before you can go to sleep! But, get it all out and clean the empty inside. Dust, vacuum, wipe down all the surfaces, the whole shebang.
decide what goes back in
Go through each piece one by one and really look at it. Ask yourself all the questions:
Do you wear this? But like, actually?
Does it express your style and who you are?
Do you like it? (You’d be amazed at how many people keep and wear clothes they don’t even like!)
Does it fit?
Does it need any repairs?
Can I think of a couple different ways to combine this with other pieces in my closet?
Any item that passes the test can go back in the closet and continue to grace your OOTD mirror pictures!
make piles for donations/sell, storage, and repairs
As you go through, there will be things you know you don’t want to keep. Grab a trash bag for items that are worn out, and another bag for items you want to donate. If I spent a little more on something that’s still in good condition, I like to try and get a little bit of return on my investment by selling the piece on an app like Poshmark.
There will also be items you do want to keep, but don’t belong in your closet. Items that need repairs or alterations are action items! If it’s an alteration you can do yourself, set it aside and give yourself a deadline to get it done. If you need to take the item to a tailor, put it in a bag in your car, so that you can easily drop it off when you have a chance. Items you are keeping for sentimental value or clothes that don’t quite fit, but might fit again in the future, are okay to keep, but don’t need to stay in your closet. I like to keep out-of-season clothes and clothing that doesn’t quite fit stored under my bed, and sentimental clothing in bins with my other keepsakes.
organize in ways that work for you
Everyone, and their closets, are different, so there isn’t one standard way to organize that works best. For most people, it’s easier to choose an outfit when all of the options are right there in front of them. Whether you choose to color code, organize by sleeve length, or by category, optimize your closet in the way that works best for you. I personally like to change up my organization so that my closet stays fresh and I can keep from being redundant with my outfits.
Bonus tips:
Make a list in your phone as you go through your closet. What is lacking in your closet, especially after getting rid of some things? If you never have anything to wear to work, think of some specific pieces you need and add them to your list. If all of your cardigans were worn out, add that to the list. Now you have a list you can focus on when you shop so you can make sure you have everything you need and to keep yourself from buying things you won’t wear.
This is a common tip, but one I’ve used successfully for years: Put everything back in your closet with the hangers facing backwards. As you wear and wash each item, return it to your closet with the hanger facing normally. The next time you go through your closet, you’ll be able to see what pieces you have and haven’t worn, and it’ll be easier to decide what stays and goes. I also like this trick because when I get dressed in the mornings, I can try to choose things I haven’t worn, so that I mix up my outfits more rather than wearing the same few favorite things.
Matching hangers!!! I swear, everyone says this, but if it’s in your budget, it makes such a big difference in streamlining your closet and removing visual distractions.
I really encourage everyone to go through your closet two or three times a year, especially if you shop as much as I do! It’s always nice to get rid of the old and make room for new, or even just make room to breathe. Since we’ve been in quarantine, I’ve been “nesting” super hard and this is an easy project that you can do at home that will help you feel lighter and like you accomplished something. I come up with my best outfits right after I’ve cleaned out my closet and gotten everything organized. I hope you do too! Leave a comment and let me know some of your favorite closet cleanup tips!
