As spring is soon approaching, it is time to Marie Kondo your closet. I love spring cleaning! I feel like it is the best time to step back and purge! Having a major clothing addiction, I try to do a closet clean out a couple times of year.
It can be difficult to let go of pretty things that once made your heart happy. The sparkly number you wore on NYE to ring in 2017. Worn-down denim that once were favorites, but have since retired to the back of your drawers. The pair of gorgeous heels you scored during a massive sale that have yet to leave the shoebox due to being a half-size too small. But hey, you never know—your feet may randomly shrink overnight, right?
I wanted to share my tips and questions I ask myself when cleaning out my own closet so you can be prepared for your spring closet clean out!
Spring Closet Clean Out Tips
When I clean out my closet, I start my pulling every item out of my closet, and try it on. I physically touch and analyze each piece of clothing. I definitely recommend putting on a super fun playlist and just make it a dance party!
As I look at each piece, I ask myself the 7 following questions:
- Does this fit?
- Have I worn this in the last 12 months?
- Is it likely I will ever wear this again?
- Is this currently in style, and/or does this still accurately represent my style?
- If this is damaged in any way (piling, rips, stains, missing buttons, broken zippers, fading, etc.), will I actually make the effort to get this repaired in the near future?
- If I was shopping right now, would I buy this?
- And most importantly: Do I feel confident when I wear this?
If I answer a firm “no” to any of the above, it’s time to say sayonara and decide whether to sell, donate, swap, or toss the item.
Clothing that’s too small or too big
It’s easy to hold out for the day you’ll squeeze back into the expensive sweater you accidentally shrunk in the dryer. But I try to work on building a wardrobe to wear now. I know it can be difficult to let go of pieces you may love or spent a lot of money on, but it’s important to be realistic and keep in mind the “quality, not quantity” type of wardrobe you want. I try to look at these pieces and ask myself what makes them special and worth keeping. Can I get it tailored to correctly fit? Could I resell it online? If not, it’s time to part ways with it.
Anything you haven’t worn in over six months
I understand this is a hard rule with changing seasons. Maybe you just haven’t gotten the chance to rock that sundress since you’ve been stuck in sweaters for months, but I’m talking about the beautiful silk blouse you bought for that date last year that you’ve still never worn. Face it, you’re probably not going to wear it. Or that one pair of shoes you bought to go with that one outfit for that one vacation you were going to go on. If you haven’t worn it in the last season, then time to part ways with it!
The same shirt in 4 different colors
I personally think this is lazy, but have been know to do it. If a shirt fits, you had to buy it in seven colors. But I’ve learned that you do not need those kinds of options, and they can end up leaving you with an overstuffed closet full of things you never wear. If I have duplicate pieces, I pull them all out, line them up, and choose the one or two I wear the most. There are an infinite amount of outfit possibilities—let’s not limit ourselves to the same T-shirt five days a week. This also helps challenge me to be creative with styling my wardrobe!
The outfit I once really loved, but is now abandoned in the back of my closet
We all have outfits we used to adore that we haven’t touched in months. We all go through style changes, but when it’s clear you’re no longer interested, it’s time to let it go. Pieces can still be versatile. Maybe you just need to style that maroon leather skirt in a new way, but if you’ve tried it in different outfits and still don’t find yourself reaching for it? Let it go.
Worn-out bras that are barely hanging on
Don’t forget about your delicates ladies! I’m not talking about your lace bra that gets pulled out on special occasions; I’m talking about the stretched-out T-shirt bra you bought at Target two years ago that’s barely in one piece. It’s hard to let go of the bra you’ve been living in for years, but a good rule of thumb is to go through your undergarments once a year to weed out the ones that need to go. Then, treat yourself to a couple of new bras and a proper fitting.
All those freebie T-shirts, hats, and tote bags
Over time, we can easily build up a collection of random shirts, hats, and bags covered in festival logos and local advertisements. You and I both know we stick to the same five worn-in T-shirts. As you go through these pieces, really ask yourself why you haven’t worn it and would you really ever wear it. By giving away what you don’t need, you’ll open up a lot more space in your closet to see what you have and will actually be worn. I usually purge 99.9% of this stuff!
Anything that I’ve been telling myself I would repair and haven’t
If I’ve had the piece longer than six weeks and haven’t gotten it hemmed, cleaned, etc., it’s safe to say I never will. Being a whopping 5’3″, I pretty much have to hem everything. The average garment is made for a woman who is 5’6″ and above. If I love the piece, I try to make an appointment and get the dress hemmed in a couple weeks after buying it. If not, they are just taking up space in your already overcrowded closet.
Prepare for next year
We all love to shop, especially me. I admit I have a very overstocked closet, but always seem to have room for more. This is why I purge my closet a couple times a year. There will always be trends you want to participate in, and you never know what statement piece you will stumble upon.
I like to organize my closet my groupings. I group my sweaters, short sleeve shirts, tanks, basics, and dresses. Then I take it another step further and color coordinate. This way it makes it easier when I am shopping to see what colors I am missing, or what color I have a lot of (errr pink in my case)! This also helps eliminate buying multiples!
I purged, now what do I do with the clothes?
Option 1: Sell
When balling on a budget, it’s typically not financially possible to get rid of a mass amount of clothing and shoes and then immediately purchase brand new replacements (girl can only dream). Particularly when the items in question are still in style, brand new, or just gently used, selling through a third party business is a way to make profit with ease. Whether it be Poshmark, Facebook Market, or Ebay! I definitely try to sell my more upscale, or designer items!
I also am a big fan of Clothes Mentor or Platos Closet. These are both consignment shops that will give you cash for your clothes. Yes, Platos Closet is known for not taking what you think they will take, and only giving you a little cash, but at least its something!
Option 2: Donate
Consider donating unwanted items that are still in good condition to those who could truly use them. In addition to Goodwill and/or The Salvation Army, there are many worthy, not-for-profit institutions that appreciate your help.
- Still have your dresses from prom or evening wear that could be appropriate for a high school dance? Check out the Cinderella Project or Becca’s Closet. They collect gowns and accessories and donate them to disadvantaged girls. The Cinderella Project explains that all young girls should be able to experience prom’s special rite of passage, no matter the personal or financial circumstance.
- Local homeless shelters, battered women’s shelters, community outreach centers are also constantly in need. Women’s Shelters nationwide often have a directory that offers listings of various female-oriented services.
- Dress for Success sponsors the financial independence of disadvantaged women, providing not only support and career development tools but also professional attire. They ask for new or nearly-new and cleaned interview-appropriate attire. Find your closest Dress for Success location here.
- Pick Up Please is a national nonprofit organization that concentrates its efforts on American veterans and their families. It asks for all clothing styles, regardless of current trends, and will even conveniently pick up donations from your home.
Option 3: Trash
This option doesn’t even need an explanation. But, think of it this way: If you personally would not want the item due to substantial tears, stains or scuffs, throw the item in the trash pile rather than the sell or donate piles.
What are you closet clean out tips!? Tell me in the comments!
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