Shop This Outfit:
Sweater//New Look (similar graphic sweater)
Jeans//NYDJ (also love this cropped pair)
Watch//Skagen
It’s that time again. Spring cleaning is here! I used to hate cleaning out my closet, but now I kind of enjoy it. I have realized over the years that it’s necessary to make your life easier. How difficult is it to get dressed when you see a closet full of clothes that either don’t fit, you don’t like, or you don’t know where anything is?
My tips are not revolutionary, in fact, they’re quite simple but sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to do. Here are my top tips for cleaning out your closet from a self-proclaimed shopaholic to hopefully make getting dressed just that much easier.
MY 3 TIPS FOR CLEANING OUT YOUR CLOSET
TIP #1: CLEAR EVERYTHING OUT
For a proper Spring clean, I highly suggest you take everything out of your closet. Now before you wonder if I’m crazy and think about how long this will take you, I promise it’s a crucial way to start the process.
Put on some music, listen to your new audiobook or a favorite podcast and tackle this project. Clearing everything out of your closet allows you to see exactly what you own, and can put the sheer amount into perspective.
We tend to be hoarders, which I know all too well. It also helps you to truly see the space you’re working with, and how it can be better utilized.
TIP #2: MAKE THREE MAIN PILES
I prefer to create at least three piles to organize my clothes – yes, no, and maybe.
Yes Pile: I love it, it makes me excited and I wear it often.
No Pile: Doesn’t fit and realistically never will, has stains or holes, or I haven’t worn in 2 seasons (let’s be honest, you probably won’t wear it again if you haven’t worn it in at least 2 years). For those items that are in good condition and don’t fit or are no longer your style consider donating them.
Maybe Pile: The items that don’t quite fit, but could with simple tailoring or I like but haven’t found a way to style it yet. For these odd pieces, I suggest placing them towards the front of your closet to see if you actually get them tailored or can find a way to incorporate them into your wardrobe. If you don’t wear an item in say 6 months then it is time to officially say goodbye.
Tip: If this task seems daunting you can make it fun by inviting some well-dressed and honest girlfriends over, break out the wine, and do a fashion show. These friends can help you decide what to keep and what to toss while enjoying a night with your friends.
Tip #3: COLOR COORDINATE
I’m a color-coordinating freak, and will even stick to my ROYGBIV scheme even when traveling. Yes, I’m that person. Not only does a well color-coordinated closet look visually appealing, but it’s also very functional.
Have you ever thought I really want to wear a white blouse today or a navy sweater would look perfect this pair of pants?
Color coordinating can make getting dressed uber simple and quick. I mean isn’t that what cleaning out your closet is all about anyway? Getting rid of the unneeded to make your life a little bit simpler.
WHAT I LEARNED FROM CLEANING OUT MY CLOSET
I have gotten into the habit of cleaning out my closet probably more often than the regular person. I’m a firm believer that a cluttered closet makes the process of getting dressed stressful. Who wants that?!
I’ve realized there are certain types of items I continually toss when the season is over. It’s those items with low-quality fabrics that don’t quite fit me correctly simply because it wasn’t made that well. As time goes on I find that I am becoming what I call a fabric snob.
Now that doesn’t mean you have to pay a lot to find quality items. It’s all about being more selective with what you decide to purchase. Check out a previous blog where I talk about how you can find quality clothes at Zara for less than you might think.
Remember price doesn’t necessarily equate to quality.
While shopping I’ll catch myself reaching for those items I always seem to toss just because it’s cute and I start to think do I really want to buy this?
This means I am purchasing fewer items that I will toss at the end of the season, saving me money, in my mind. I am slowly curating a wardrobe of items that I love and will wear for years to come.
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What other tips do you have to create an organized closet? What kinds of items do you normally toss when cleaning out your closet? Let me know in the comment section below!
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I so love spring cleaning! I feel so productive afterwards!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Author
Me too! There is nothing better than looking in your closet and knowing you love everything, and need everything 🙂
I actually really enjoyed reading this! Definitely love the color coordination bit, I do that too!
Author
Thanks so much Fatima! I love color coordinating. It makes life so much easier.
These are great tips! I do my purge twice a year when I transition seasons. My rule of thumb is if I don’t love it or use it, it’s gone!
Author
Thank you, Heather! I completely agree. Why take up space in your closet if you aren’t using it?
You’re sweater is so cute! These tips are definitely helpful since I usually just randomly clean out my closet without any specific structure!
Author
Thank you! I thought my sweater was motivational for this post. I’m happy I gave you some useful tips 🙂
I also have to do a spring cleaning 🙌🏽Thanks for the great tips!
Author
Thanks for reading and commenting! I’m happy to help 🙂
Coming from a self-proclaimed hoarder, cleaning out your closet can be SO hard! I did a KEEP pile, DONATE pile, SELL pile (that way you can at least make some money back on your not so used goods). I also color coordinate like you do! I believe that once you clean out your closet, you’re allowing room for better things to come into your life. GREAT post girl. xo NM
http://givememora.com
Author
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! The first few times it can be hard, but after awhile you figure out what works best for you and the task doesn’t seem so scary. I love being able to see what I own and know that I can easily make outfits with everything.
Hi Christina!
I actually just did one of these myself. In fact, I purged my entire house…which led to a 2-3 week hiatus from my posting, but as I’m sure you’d agree, it was totally worth the trouble.
A few things I’d like to share to compliment what you said:
So I also did “yes,” “no” & “maybe” piles. And one additional thing that helped me put something in the “no” pile was asking myself the question of whether I’d worn such-and-such an item in the past year” & “did I see myself wearing it in the near future.” If “no” to both questions, I tossed it. If “no” to the first but “yes” to the second, I then applied the fit test.
Don’t want to go on and on, although I could. 🙂 Great post! Thanks for sharing.
P.S. I plan to blog about my “Great Purge” in the coming weeks, so please stay tuned.
Author
Hi Jean, thanks for your comment and thanks for sharing your tips too.
Cleaning out the clutter from your home is really freeing I think. Recently, I got rid of an old exercise bike I had stored in my closet- I’ve got a big closet. Lol. Honestly, I think it really helps me feel like I have more mental space when there is less stuff around me.
Author
That’s great! I completely agree. A cluttered closet can be really overwhelming, and we may not even realize it. It’s one of the reasons I like to clean out my closet.
I relate to what you say about becoming a fabric snob. We are redoing my closet and I realized I won’t wear anything that feels itchy or warm. I prefer natural fabrics that breathe, such as cotton. So I have a major spring cleanout in progress. And moving forward, I’ll focus on quality over quantity so it’s not such a big job.
Author
Thank you so much for sharing! Quality over quantity will definitely help with spring cleaning in the future, and it makes getting dressed easier in my opinion.
I am so glad I came to your channel. You have given me some great ideas for converting my closet into an office. I do quite a bit of computer work and really enjoy the privacy that a closet would give me. I presently have a really big, underutilized closet that could really use a functional face lift whereby I can also close off the space if I don”t want anything exposed. Thanks again for the tips! Aloha!
Author
That was the kindest comment! Thank you so much for letting me know I helped you. It’s really what makes a blogger smile and want to continue forward. You’ll have to let me know how the transformation process goes 🙂