8 steps for an easy closet cleanout
Purging your wardrobe can be a liberating experience, helping you to declutter your space and refine your personal style. Here are some tips to make the process more effective:
Set clear goals. Before you start, determine what you want to achieve. Are you making space for new items, downsizing your wardrobe, or defining a new style? Having a clear goal will make decisions easier.
Set criteria for what stays and what goes. Maybe you let go of everything you haven’t worn in the last year or items that are faded, stretched, or otherwise not in great condition. Maybe you keep only those pieces that fit your current style and lifestyle.
Don’t keep items out of guilt or nostalgia. It’s okay to keep some sentimental items, but be selective. Consider if the memories associated with them can be preserved in other ways.
Try everything on. Sometimes items look better on the hanger than they do on you. Trying them on will help you decide if they still fit well and make you feel good.
Consider versatility. Err on the side of keeping pieces that can be mixed and matched easily with other items in your wardrobe. Versatile pieces maximize the number of outfits you can create without overcrowding your closet.
Limit duplicates. If you have several similar items, choose your favorite one or two and let the rest go. This will help reduce clutter and ensure each piece has a purpose.
Organize what's left. Once you've purged, organize your remaining clothes in a way that makes them easily accessible. Consider arranging by category (work, exercise, leisure, etc.) and then color to streamline your getting-ready routine.
Reflect and adjust. After your purge, take note of what you learned about your style and preferences. Use this insight to guide future shopping and avoid accumulating unnecessary items again.