Oh yes, it’s just about that time of year when you started to re-evaluate and re-organize different areas of your life. Most importantly your closet…well at least I think it’s the most important. So, you guessed it, today’s post is about the closet clean-out and how to declutter your wardrobe!
I used to do this twice a year, but I have reigned in my shopping habits quite significantly. So, it is not necessary to clean out my closet more than once a year. However, if you feel like you want a change in your wardrobe or just need to go shopping to switch things up, go through your existing wardrobe first. I had a blogger friend reach out to me and she wanted me to help her shop and my question back to her was, “What do you have in your closet right now?”
She responded saying that her closet is so full that the bars are bending and couldn’t even hang out the rest of her tops. First off, there is no shame in this! If this is where you are, having so many clothes but not a cohesive wardrobe, this is the first step to changing that. Anyway, I told her that we need to start in her closet first then we can go shopping. 🙂
You may have asked yourself, “I know I haven’t worn this cute top now, but what if I want to in the future?” That is a valid question and it will come up as you are going through this process. However, if you follow these tips you will have a clutter-free closet! That way you can easily pull outfits from each morning and start your day off right.
I am sharing with you 3 ways to help you declutter your closet. First pass, the three magical categories, and shopping in your wardrobe. Follow these tips, stick with it, and you will be well on your way to building your new wardrobe.
1. First Pass
Now it’s time to dive in and make that first pass in that closet space. Okay, so there before you lie your wardrobe in all its glory. Where do you start first? Let’s start in your closet with tops and go from there. Once you are down with your closet start with top/smallest drawer in your chest of drawers and make your way to the bottom. Oh, you thought we weren’t going to go through your underwear drawer? Oh yes for sure! We are tackling every inch of your wardrobe:) As you are working your way through your closet and drawers ask yourself the following questions:
1. Have I worn this in the past 12 months?
2. If it is damaged (ripped, broken zipper, stained, holes, etc.), and will I ACTUALLY go and get it repaired
3. Does it fit?
4. Will I ever wear it again?
5. Do I feel confident wearing this?
Once you’ve answered these questions you will now move to the magical three categories, which is up next. 🙂
2. The Magical Three Categories
This last step is the good old fashion Keep, Donate/Sell, and Recycle piles. Since we already touched on what you would like to keep, let’s focus on selling, donating, and recycle. I don’t think this method will ever get old and I still use it to this day.
Option 1: Sell
When you need to get rid of the items that you have, but they are in good condition, a great way to make a profit is to sell. It would be anyone’s dream to sell your old stuff and new clothes magically appear in your closet, but it is expensive! eBay and Amazon are not the only selling services available anymore.
If you want to sell online there is Poshmark, eBay, Amazon, and Mercari. Poshmark is great and has a 20% commission fee. Also, Mercari is the latest up and coming app and they do not charge to list items for sale.
If you want to sell in the store and get an immediate profit, there are places like Plato’s Closet and Buffalo Exchange. You bring all the items you want to sell, they choose which ones they want, and then give you money for it the same day. The items they do not want, you can either take back or have them donate to charity.
Option 2: Donate
Donating is another great way to get rid of unwanted items, but also put them in the hands of someone who truly needs them. Here are a couple of places you can take your items too:
- Goodwill
- Salvation Army
- Dress for Success helps the financial independence of disadvantaged women, not only offering them support and development tools to further their career, but also professional attire for interviews and jobs.
- Cinderella Project- is a great organization to donate any old prom dresses or evening wear!
Option 3: Recycle
There isn’t much to explain here. If it must go, it needs to go! If you still haven’t gotten that stain out, fixed the hole or rip in that top, or the zipper is still broken…. let it go. I promise it’ll be ok, and you probably forgot you still had it until now. If there are any older pairs of let’s say jeans or denim, for example, DON’T THROW THEM AWAY! There are places like H&M and Madewell that recycles your used denim. They even give you a discount on your next purchase if you donate to them.
3. Shopping in Your Wardrobe
Another great reason why you should go through your closet is that you sometimes rediscover certain pieces that you can add back into your daily outfits. This has happened to me plenty of times. Especially the moments where I find like a top and the tag is still on because I HAD TO HAVE IT at the time…*face palm*. Hey, it happens to all of us but just take the time to look through your existing clothes first.
Are you ready to tackle your closet? I know you got this! Just remember; First Pass, The Three Magical Categories, and Shop Your closet and you are set. Best of luck to you all and your closet cleaning adventures! If you have any questions for me, leave me a comment below.
