Is your closet overflowing with old clothes you need to declutter?
Need to spring clean out your closet? It's time to get your wardrobe organized. Here's how! #springcleaning #organized #lifehack
Perhaps, you wish you had a capsule wardrobe, but you’re not sure what to get rid of?
With the arrival of Spring, it is the perfect time to clean out the clothing that you once loved, but no longer leaves the hanger.
I know what you’re thinking, “spring cleaning? Maybe next year!” Clearing out your wardrobe is not the most enjoyable task and often gets put on the bottom of the to-do list week after week until it is forgotten about.
Cleaning out your closet is something that should be done once per year as a minimum and recommended after each season throughout the year. If you procrastinate, over time, you’ll end up buying more and more items that will continue to pile up until you’re drowning in last year’s fads and your closet looks like outdated issues of Vogue.
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From season to season and year to year, your personal style evolves and changes with time. What you loved in 2012 is typically not what you would wear in 2019. This is the nature of fashion.
Too much chaos in your closet can often leave you feeling overwhelmed. Several years’ worth of old clothes causes your personal style to appear disorganized and in disarray.
Instead, when you look into your closet, you should feel inspired. Your wardrobe should make heart emojis dance in your eyes and cause you to fall in love with your style over and over again.
Start the year off fresh and fashionably by eliminating items in your closet that you haven’t worn in months…maybe even years. This is how to clean out your closet and declutter your wardrobe, including what to keep, what to donate and what to trash. It’s time to tidy up Marie Kondo style!
3 Simple Steps to Cleaning Out Your Closet
#1. Take all of your clothing out of your closet, drawers, and boxes.
Don’t forget to check under your bed for any items that may have gotten lost or misplaced over time. This includes accessories, shoes, and bags. Lay everything out on your bed or the floor, forcing yourself to actually get it done and checked off your list before you can go to sleep.
#2. Pick each item up one-by-one, trying it on to see how it fits.
The best way to decide whether or not to keep a piece of clothing is to try it on your body and actually see what it looks like. Often times, it doesn’t look the way you were envisioning it or how you remembered it looking.
#3. Sort each piece of clothing into piles to keep, donate, sell, or throw away.
Go through each item and put it in the pile that it best fits. Here are some guidelines to determine which pile it should go in.
To Keep:
- Does it fit?
- Is it flattering?
- Is it in good condition?
- Do I see myself wearing it again?
- Is it of sentimental value?
- Have I worn it within the last 12 months?
- Is it outdated or a trend that has fallen out of style?
- If I saw it in the store today, would I still purchase it?
- Can it be altered or fixed to make it more flattering?
If it meets the criteria for keeping, you should continue to rock it well into 2019. But, if not, take the next step in decluttering by deciding whether it should be donated, sold, or thrown away.
To Sell:
- Is it too small, too big, stretched out, unflattering, or out of style?
- Is it in good condition? (Are there any holes, discoloration, tears, missing buttons, etc.?)
- Has it been lightly worn?
- Is it a name brand/designer piece?
If the piece of clothing is lightly worn, in good condition, and is a name brand, you should consider selling it online on sites like eBay or Poshmark to try to make some money back on it.
To Donate:
- Is it too small, too big, stretched out, unflattering, or out of style?
- Is it in good condition? (Are there any holes, discoloration, tears, missing buttons, etc.?)
- Can it be not altered or fixed?
If the item is still in good condition but cannot be altered and is not a name brand, you should donate it for someone else to use and wear.
To Throw Away:
- Is it discolored?
- Is it heavily worn?
- Does it have a hole or tear?
If the garment answers “yes” to any of these questions, it should be thrown away. You have no use for it if it’s not worth keeping, donating, or selling.
Tips for Overcoming the 5 Stages of Clothing Grief
As soon as you begin decluttering your wardrobe and placing clothes into distinct piles, there are times when sentimental pieces of clothing can bring the entire detox process to a halt. Everyone can relate to the feeling of sifting through old clothing and suddenly being bombarded with many emotions all at once.
This is known as the 5 stage of grief from cleaning out your closet. There are many emotions that you are likely to feel, but can be easily overcome with the right techniques to keep the cleaning a positive experience.
Stage 1. Denial
In the first stage, you’re cleaning out your closet when you come across a garment you haven’t worn in years. You try and convince yourself:
- “I don’t need to throw it away… I can always wear it as a pajama shirt.”
- “I’m sure it hasn’t been that long since I last wore it.”
- “High-low hemlines are totally going to come back into style in a few years.”
Tip #1: Be honest with yourself. If you have a tiny feeling of doubt in the back of your mind, you’re most likely not going to wear it again.
Stage 2. Anger
In the next stage, you begin to feel angry and frustrated about getting rid of clothing that you aren’t quite ready to part with.
- “Why doesn’t it fit anymore; I just bought it recently?”
- “If I have to get rid of this garment, I’m not getting rid of anything else!”
- “I won’t have anything left in my closet to wear!”
Tip #2: Allow yourself to feel anger or frustration and accept that these feelings are all part of the process. Take a small break and come back to that item again later after you’ve given yourself plenty of time to think. With a clear mind, you are likely to have an easier time coming to a decision.
Stage 3. Bargaining
After the anger begins to fade, you try to strike up a deal with yourself by offering up other garments in exchange for keeping this one.
- “I will trade that top if I can keep this one instead.”
- “What if the perfect occasion to wear this skirt comes up and I need it, but instead I gave it away?”
- “I promise I will wear it!”
Tip #3: The fashion is an industry of commerce and a bit of bargaining is understandable. Remember, though, that you might be able to add that skirt to the “sell” pile. Is an old skirt today worth that cute, trendy top tomorrow?
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Stage 4. Depression
Once you realize that you’re likely getting rid of it, you begin to reflect back on when you bought it, what you wore it to, and how many years you have had it. You’re suddenly plagued with sadness over this old piece of clothing you don’t wear anymore. It’s as if you’re giving away a piece of yourself with this item.
- “I’m sad I won’t be able to wear it anymore.”
- “I used to feel really happy and confident when I was wearing that.”
- “I remember wearing that on a date with (insert ex’s name here)”
Tip #4: Instead of being sad and depressed about giving away something that you once loved, remember all of the good memories that you made while wearing it. Think about how it can help someone else and all the memories the next person will create when wearing it. It won’t do any good sitting in your closet as a memento collecting dust.
Stage 5. Acceptance
Finally, you make it to the last stage of acceptance. You finally realize that you’re going to be okay and you’re actually better off without it hanging in your closet.
- “I will have more space in my closet if I let it go.”
- “If I get rid of it, I would be able to buy a few more trendy pieces to add to my wardrobe.”
Tip #5: You have a realization that if you get rid of it, you can replace it with something new and shiny. Be able to have the clarity that it is has served its purpose and is no longer serving you. It is not something that you need to hold onto.
Declutter Your Closet and Your Life
After deciding what to purge from your wardrobe and overcoming clothing grief, bag up all of the clothing in your sell, donate, and throw away piles. Remove them from the room and from your sight. This will help you to keep moving forward instead of looking back.
Next, neatly hang the clothing that is left in your keep pile back up in the closet.
Top 4 tips for organizing your closet like a stylish pro:
1. Organize your entire closet
After de-cluttering, organize garments and items with new hangers, storage bins, and a shoe rack. Create plenty to storage options throughout your closet.
2. Hang garments so that they are all facing the same direction
This will create a sense of cohesion throughout your space and look visually appealing. Items that are hanging in front of you are easily visible and are more likely to be worn.
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3. Color code
Hang items in your closet with like-colors together. For example, all red, burgundy and maroon items should be jointly placed.
4. Organize clothing by silhouette
Skirts should be placed with other skirts and tops with other tops, all within the same color scheme. This will making finding garments in your closet a breeze.
Phew! What a relief to have your closet organized. Less stuff means less to clean, arrange, wash, and store.
Unfortunately, this feeling of accomplishment that comes after clearing out and organizing your wardrobe will likely be gone within a few weeks. After cleaning out your closet and getting rid of old styles, the excitement for new clothing begins to build. It is a vicious circle that happens year after year because there is always room for more clothes, jewelry, shoes, and accessories. There is always going to be a new sale going on or a new trend that you are dying to try each season. It will be tempting to rush out and buy new clothes to fill in the gaps you just created.
Avoid succumbing to old habits and quickly re-stocking your newly condensed wardrobe. Here are some tips to keep your closet decluttered month after month and save yourself some agony the next time spring cleaning rolls around.
How to Keep Your Closet Decluttered
1. First, wait three months before shopping.
This will allow you ample time to wear what you already have hanging right in front of you and discover what gaps need to be filled if any.
2. Only allow yourself to buy 1-2 new pieces per month.
After the three month waiting period has passed, this technique will force you to consider what you truly need in your closet. It will help you avoid purchasing impulse items that are likely to sit in the closet, untouched, only to be thrown out next year.
3. When shopping, add new colors.
Look for colors that you don’t already own to ensure that the garments you’re bringing into your closet are worthwhile. If you already have 3 coral colored shirts, you probably don’t need another one.
4. Look for new silhouettes.
Shop for garments that are not already hanging in your closet. Instead of buying another asymmetrical moto-cross leather jacket, buy a versatile trench coat. Things that are too similar create competition and each will get fewer wears.
5. Get rid of items in exchange for new ones.
Each time you purchase new clothing, be ready to eliminate some of your current clothing to make room for it. Instead of buying more and more items that clutter your closet, challenge yourself to clean and de-clutter as you go. Each time you buy a new piece, get rid of at least one piece hanging in your closet.
Spring Clean Your Mind Checklist
Don’t just stop with cleaning out your closet and decluttering your wardrobe, spring clean your mind and your life too.
Are you ready to clean out your closet?
More About Guest Contributor
Last Updated on February 22, 2022
Maddy says
Love cleaning out my wardrobe. We are moving a few weeks and there are some great tips in here I need to save!
Nicole says
Thank you! I’m glad you found them helpful. Good luck with the move!
Krystal Klassen says
I really Love your tips on how to KEEP you closet decluttered! Thanks!
Nicole says
Thank you! Cleaning it out is only half the battle! 😂
Cara says
This is just the kick in the rear that I needed! I usually clean out my closet once per year but had been putting it off this year. Thank you! You inspired me to get in there and get to it!
Nicole says
I’m glad you found it so motivating! I would love to hear how it goes.
Kate says
This is exactly what I needed to read today! I have been feeling SO bored of my wardrobe and sick of wearing the same old tired looks… Time to hit the refresh button I think! Love the questions you suggest that we ask ourselves throughout the process – Definitely so helpful, thanks 🙂
Nicole says
Thank you, I’m so glad you found it helpful. I feel exactly the same way about my wardrobe sometimes! I hope this helps refresh it.
DD's blog says
An excellent guide for all who have a mess in the closet. I recently had a general cleaning of wardrobe and I applied most of these tips so I could say from my experience that all these tips are great for organization and quick cleaning. Great post 🙂
Nicole says
That’s an awesome accomplishment! I’m so glad you agree with my tips.
jennifer says
Great ideas on cleaning out the closet!. I have it on my To-Do list for the month of April. Thanks for the tips!
Nicole says
Thanks, I’m glad you liked it! I hope it helps when you start cleaning.
Rachel says
These are such good tips! Thank you!
Nicole says
So glad to hear that!
Sunrita says
Absolutely love your guide! I am so guilty of hoarding and finding it hard to let go (mainly excuses and sentiments). Yours tips are so useful which gives me confidence that I can surely clean up and make space for more!
Nicole says
Thank you, I’m glad you found them useful. It can be so hard to let go of things sometimes. I still struggle with it!
Heather says
Reselling my clothes on Poshmark has changed the game! Now I don’t feel as bad about parting with something I used to love, or that I never wore like I thought I would. Plus, I can use the money I make to invest in new stuff!
Nicole says
That’s such a great way to make extra room and money! Awesome idea!
Christina says
What a great post! I find myself having a hard time letting go of clothing even if I haven’t worn it in years. I recently got rid of some jackets that I hadn’t worn in a few years. This is motivating me to go through more of my closet.
Nicole says
Thank you, I’m glad you found it so motivating!
Ari says
I love deep cleaning my room but the closet is the hardest part! Even if I havent worn something for YEARS I get so nervous throwing it out!
Nicole says
I do the same thing! 😂Hopefully this will motivate you to get past your nervousness and get rid of it anyway!
gail says
Taking everything OUT is so important!! Lots of people skip that step!
Nicole says
Exactly! They only clean what they want to and that defeats the purpose. I hope you enjoyed it!
emman damian says
I really need to clean my closet again. I have so many unused clothes at my old cabinet. I need to re-arrange it.
Nicole says
There’s never a better time than spring cleaning! Good luck clearing out your wardrobe!
GiGi Eats says
GAHHH! DO IT FOR ME! I have “cleaned out” my closet a few times but GAH is it hard for me. Granted my clothing sucks so I should just throw it ALL out – ha! But I can’t get rid of it. I have shorts from when I was 12 years old still! LOL
Nicole says
I agree, it’s the hardest part of the house for me to clean too. I can’t believe you still have clothes that old! I hope this will motivate you to finally get it done!
Jennifer @ Mrs G Living Simple says
Really a great resource for anyone having a rough time of parting with clothing. Recently went through all my stuff and tossed and donated so much stuff. It is so freeing and way easier to close my drawers!
Nicole says
Thank you, I’m glad you found it useful! Good job cleaning!
Ronnie says
You are spot on about the stages! I recently cleaned out my closet and I’m having trouble parting with items that I know don’t look good on me anymore and I haven’t worn for years. 🙁
Nicole says
That’s one of the hardest parts! I hope you’re able to get past it soon.
Joely Smith says
I love this article! I wrote one similar a long time ago but I love the way you wrote yours! I especially appreciate the tip of if I saw it in the store would I purchase it today. Great one!
Nicole says
Thank you so much! That tip is one of the best ways to know whether you truly like it or not. I really appreciate your feedback!
Laura says
This is some good stuff you have here. I am in desperate need of clearing out my closet. I have to admit I still have dresses from 2011 that I really liked, lol. But am I ever going to wear them again? Probably not. My closets and drawers are busting at the seams. Meanwhile, I go through my kid’s clothes at least twice a year and have no issues getting rid of their stuff, go figure!
Nicole says
Thank you! It’s always easier getting rid of other people’s things! Hopefully, you’ll be able to tackle your own.
Melanie says
I not only clean my closet, but also my kids during the spring. Since they change sizes so frequently, I clean out their closets every spring and fall. I have done theirs so far this year but not my own.
Nicole says
That’s still amazing progress! Tackling any closet is a challenge!
Ali Rost says
Last year I went through the house doing Marie Kondo’s method of tidying up. Your idea of taking everything out of the closet is a great one. Once I did and examined everything one by one, I was surprised by how little actually stayed. It’s so much nicer to look in and have it be clean and organized. x
Nicole says
Thanks, I’m glad you agree. It’s so much easier when you can see everything!
Elizabeth O says
This is such a thorough post which is going to help so many people when cleaning out their closet. I find it can be really hard to let go of some clothes
Nicole says
Thank you so much! I appreciate that. It’s something I still struggle with sometimes!
Melissa Dixon says
I really need to do this as soon as I muster up enough courage to do it. I can not seem to bring myself to get rid of all of the things I “might” wear sometime. I have a bit of a holding onto things problem that I need to address.
Nicole says
I struggle with that too. Once you start, trust me, it gets so much easier to part with things!
Jen @ Jenron-Designs says
I really loved this post it has inspired me to go clean out my closet with your advice and tips I plan to make a huge impact. Thanks for inspiring me to taken on the dreaded closet. LOL
Nicole says
That’s an amazing, I’m so glad I was able to inspire you! I hope it goes well for you!
Aileen Adalid says
This is SO helpful and timely! Temperatures are changing over at where I’m in and I need some serious time to organize my closet. Your tips here will definitely come handy! Thank you!
Nadalie Bardo says
Nothing like a good spring clean to start the season, right?
Completely agree with you, Nicole’s tips are so on point. Happy closet cleaning!
Heather says
I’ve needed to do this for so long! My closet is full of items I no longer wear, don’t fit, and aren’t going to be something I want to wear if they do ever fit! Excellent tips.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Heather,
You and me both! Publishing Nicole’s post gave me an excuse to purge my closet. Bye bye, two bags of clothing.
Marie Schwarz says
Everytime I visit your page I’m reminded of my old, organized self. 😀 I had planned on throwing out stuff but haven’t started until now. :/ Pinned, will start soon! Thank you!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Marie,
haha. Well, your organized self misses you! Just dive right in. I start by creating a pile in the hallway. Anytime I touch something I’m not thrilled about, it goes in the pile. Eventually, the pile becomes a garbage bag and that bag goes when it’s filled.
Morgan says
What a great post – I LOVE these tips and especially the ideas for organizing clothing by silhouette. So practical!
It's All You Boo says
Hi Morgan!
I’m happy you love all these how to clean out your closet tips! And yes, arranging them in color schemes is really practical!
Amber Myers says
Thank you for this. I need to clean out my closet. It’s scary at the moment.
It's All You Boo says
Tell me about scary! You’ll thank yourself once you’ve cleaned out your closet!
Angela says
Omg…I really need to declutter my closet, things are literally falling out
It's All You Boo says
Hi Angela! Go ahead and clean out your closet with these tips here! Let me know how it goes!
Tiffany S says
This was filled with a lot of great suggestions for decluttering and organizing your closet. Will definitely come in handy for spring cleaning.
It's All You Boo says
Thanks Tiffany! Happy to help you with spring cleaning!
Julie says
I am the absolute worst about cleaning out my closet and needed some advice! These are great tips to actually get it done.
It's All You Boo says
Hi Julie!
Happy to help you and give you advice on cleaning out your closet! Go ahead and start and let me know how it goes.
Emily Davis says
I always ask myself”: ” Do I have an emotional attachment to this item or do I actually wear it”?
It's All You Boo says
Hi Emliy,
I know it’s not easy to ask yourself those questions but with the right techniques you’ll definitely have a positive experience in cleaning out your closet.
Jen @ JENRON DESIGNS says
I really need to do this so badly this season, you have inspired me! So many things things that just need to go!
It's All You Boo says
Happy to inspire, Jen! now is the perfect time to clean out your closet!
Melissa Cushing says
This is the post I needed as we are getting ready to do this to my daughters room. We are going to purge whatever she never wears and organize and clean and donate! She has a small room and space is a valuable thing!
It's All You Boo says
Hi Melissa,
You are right! Space is really a valuable thing, you have got to start letting go of things that you dont use anymore to make room for new ones.
Rose Ann Sales says
This is such a really great and very helpful guide! This will help me a lot so sure thanks for sharing this with us!
It's All You Boo says
Hi Rose,
Happy to help you to clean out your closet!
Tisha says
I just started doing this with my clothes. It feels good to get rid of stuff!