The Top Tricks & Tips for a Painless Closet Clean Out
There is no one moment that is good or improper for organizing your closet. The present is the ideal time to get rid of outdated clothing and conduct a thorough closet cleanout, whether you're doing spring cleaning, organizing for the New Year, or simply being prepared to reset your wardrobe.
Yet while getting rid of the clothing items you don't use can be so rejuvenating, decluttering your wardrobe can be overwhelming, especially if you don't know where to begin or how to organize your unwanted clothes.
If that is you, do not worry; these closet organization techniques are here to help you save space for you!
When to Have a Closet Clean Out?
Many people put off organizing their clothes and closet clutter and downsizing their wardrobes until their closets, dressers, and wardrobes are filled with excess belongings.
It's time to declutter if you're drowning in the clutter in your closets and are so stressed about cleaning out your closet that you want to hurl everything out the window.
You don't have to wait until then to begin organizing your closet space, though. Here are some more suggestions for when to organize your wardrobe.
How to Clean Out Your Closet?
It's time to adopt an organizational perspective. Use these suggestions to assist you in completing the chore of cleaning out your wardrobe because it is not easy.
Schedule Time
If you are reading this, it is likely that you are either considering taking on this project or that you have made the decision to finally clean out your closet and get rid of all the items you don't wear. But, you might be thinking, "How can I begin the editing process of cleaning out my wardrobe?"
Going through your wardrobe without a plan might be intimidating. Make time for preparation by blocking off that time on your calendar. Making this a priority task in your schedule will make it more difficult to avoid. If necessary, make the whole day free. To avoid becoming sidetracked, you can even employ a babysitter. Put your phone aside, turn on some music that will keep you inspired for the next few hours, and then get started.
Create One Big Pile
What's the most effective approach to organizing your wardrobe? Start by emptying your entire closet, including the hangers, and the closet doors, and setting everything on the bed. You are now unable to go to sleep until the project is finished, so you have no reason to pause until it is. As you put back items you want to keep, this will also give you a visual of the space in your closet so you can see what will fit comfortably.
Challenge Yourself
One method to make keeping your wardrobe tidy more enjoyable is to set yourself challenges. Popular clothing challenges can include simple tips on everything from building capsule ensembles to no-buy challenges.
Clean Your Closet, Literally
Next, while the wardrobe is empty, clean the interior. Clean the light fixtures, hoover or sweep the floor, then dust and wipe down plastic hangers and racks on the shelves. While you pick which garments to retain and which to donate, leave the closet door open so that it can air out.
Sort Keep, Toss & Give Away Piles
It's time to get to the meat of the matter. When you go over each item on your bed, divide it into three groups:
-
Clothing that you intend to keep.
-
Things in decent shape that you don't need.
-
Something that must be discarded immediately.
Don't second-guess yourself after adding something to a pile. To maintain momentum, keep moving.
Start with Last Season
A new season is a perfect chance to organize your closet and update your clothing. Take a thorough look at your winter wardrobe and consider whether there are any items you didn't wear the entire season. Assuming winter is gone, winter coats, and you're ready to spring clean your wardrobe.
What are the chances that you will wear a piece of clothing when that season returns if you go the entire season without wearing it? Make room for all the clothes and garments you use and the work clothes you adore by getting rid of the items you didn't reach for.
Say No to Trends
Avoiding following trends is one closet-cleaning tip that can help you save a lot of time and money. It can be alluring to want to wear the newest trends, and the right tools but typically, these clothes are only worn for one or two seasons before they become outdated.
You'll save time by shopping and decluttering less, paying less, and freeing up extra space elsewhere in your wardrobe for the things you love if you concentrate on creating a wardrobe consisting of classic pieces.
Set Boundaries
It might be time to set some boundaries for yourself if your wardrobe is packed to the brim with clothing. You can impose limits on how much clothing you can own if you're a rule-follower.
You can do this by telling yourself that you won't buy any more clothing until all of your closet's hooks and right hangers are occupied or all of your drawers are full. Remind yourself that you already have all the clothes you need if you find yourself tempted to cross these boundaries.
Clear Through Trash
It's time to let go if your favorite clothes still have too many holes or stains for you to feel comfortable wearing them in public. Since you only have so how much clothing, time in the day, and room in your closet, there is no shame in acknowledging that something is beyond repair or saving.
Use textile recycling programs to increase sustainability or create extra rags for cleaning your home out of old socks, t-shirts, pants, or worn-out clothing.
Modify the Keep Pile
It's simple to sort clothing into the donate pile and the "keep" pile, but don't get carried away; you can't keep everything. To determine what stuff belongs in your wardrobe, abide by this list.
-
Combining items that work in any season.
-
Items you love and have worn in the past 12 months.
-
You can combine clothing and accessories with any trend.
-
Staple and regular outfits that you can change with the seasons.
How to decide what to keep?
Answer the following questions or take our wardrobe closet cleanout tips quiz to determine whether a specific item is valuable to your wardrobe if you're still feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what to keep in your closet.
-
Would I purchase this now?
-
Does this suit my way of life?
-
I haven't worn this in a while.
-
In the coming months, when will I wear this?
Throw What You Don't Need
It's time to decide what won't be put back in your wardrobe now. To choose what to purge, use this list.
Things to Throw Out in Your Closet Cleanout
-
Not fitting clothing.
-
Anything that you have extras of.
-
Items that don't fit your style anymore.
-
Unused or only sometimes used clothing.
-
Things you used to wear frequently but no longer like.
-
Items and accessories that cannot be worn with other articles of apparel.
-
Everything you promise yourself you'll fix or change but don't.
Declutter Duplicates
Go through your wardrobe quickly for any duplicates. It's time to get rid of the surplus if you have two black blazers, three pairs of pants in the same wash, or five white button-down shirts.
This will not only shorten the process of getting dressed each day (fewer options = less time spent) but it will also more easily free up additional room in your wardrobe.
Organize the Keep Pile
Make a strategy to keep all your old clothes well arranged now that it's time to tidily replenish your wardrobe. If you have the room, put on new shelves, acquire storage drawers, or add more rods to help you organize your space. While putting items away, arrange their storage such that it fits with your everyday routine.
If you often exercise, for instance, try keeping your athletic gear nearer to the front of your closet with your everyday business attire. Because you won't need to quickly find them while you're racing out the door during the week, your weekend clothing doesn't require prime real estate.
What Do I Need in My Closet?
Two main categories of items that you require in your wardrobe will be covered.
Your actual clothes items as well as any storage-related devices.
I think that everyone should have these essential elements in their wardrobe, even though everyone's preferences for style, climate, and money may vary.
-
Dresses, blazers, classy tops, etc. are examples of formal attire.
-
Athletic Wear/Athleisure (Optional): If you work up a sweat, you'll want to dress appropriately for the gym or other forms of exercise.
-
Everyday Clothes: T-Shirts, Jeans, Yoga Pants Trench coats, hoodies, and jackets
-
Shoes for Any Occasion, including trainers, boots, heels, and flats.
-
Jewelry, hats, sunglasses, scarves, and other accessories.
In terms of wardrobe hardware, I would advise using whatever suits your habit and the number of items you own.
Whichever method of garment bag storage you prefer—built-ins, baskets storage bins, hooks, or an additional rack.
Whatever works best for you depends on your environment, personal preferences, and daily schedule.