I’ve been on a major cleaning kick the last two months, basically throwing out half our stuff. I’ve gone through my closet, our kitchen, the garage, my office, the kids closets, our linen closet, our laundry room, my bathroom…
…I told you. I got bit by the spring cleaning bug.
Out of all of these spaces, cleaning out your closet can be one of the HARDEST. It’s easy to get attached to things, feel overwhelmed by how much stuff you have, not know where to start, or a number of other situations. Bottom line, it can be hard.
In my [free] Wearable Wardrobe Guide, I have an entire day dedicated to Cleaning Out Your Closet If you haven’t signed up, SIGN UP HERE! I give lots of good tips for what to keep, what to toss, and why.
But as I’ve been cleaning out my closet, I’ve been thinking about some deeper questions and thoughts about closet clean out. Then the other day I listened to this podcast episode and it solidified what I’ve been thinking about and I wanted to share.
5 THINGS YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF WHEN CLEANING OUT YOUR CLOSET
1. Does this item support my lifestyle right now?
If you still have a pair of 5″ stilettos from your single days, but now you’re a stay at home mom with little kids and you haven’t worn them in ten years, it’s time to get rid of them. Your closet should be a space with pieces you want to wear and actually wear.
2. Would I buy it again?
Would you buy it again at full price? Would you buy it even if it was on clearance? If the answer is no, get it out of there.
3. Is the item worth the space it’s taking up?
We’re all guilty of hanging on to that item, “just in case.” Or because your mom gave it to you and she’ll be sad if she finds out you got rid of it. Or because the item has sentimental value of some kind. But you have to think of yourself, your space, and your needs, not other people’s feelings or needs. Cherish the pictures of the item, and then let the item go. Donate it so someone else can find joy in it, rather than letting it collect dust in the back of your closet and causing you stress or resentment.
4. Would it impact my daily life to not have this item?
If you haven’t thought about that item at the back of your closet for the last two years, you probably won’t miss it if it’s gone. Get it out.
5. Does this item reflect the life I want to lead right now?
This is such a helpful question when cleaning out clothing, shoes, jewelry, makeup, etc. Think about where your life is right now and where you want it to be (hopefully those are similar places). See if your clothing reflects that.
They always say “dress for the job you want, not the job you have,” and that’s so applicable here. If you want to get away from the kind of mom who wears sweatpants or yoga pants every day, get rid of your sweatpants and start wearing jeans and skirts. If you’re in a corporate job and want to dress modern and chic, get rid of your stuffy button downs and start wearing fun blouses. You’re the one who gets to pick where your life goes, and clothes are a huge representative of that. Don’t let them hold you back!
Also, one additional tip…
Try organizing your closet by season, especially if you have limited room. Store your fall and winter items now and JUST keep your spring and summer pieces in our closet. When the weather cools down in a few months, take your spring and summer pieces out and replace with your fall/winter pieces.
This clears up TONS of space in your closet without feeling like you have to throw things away just because you don’t have the space.
If you need to, print out this list and hang it in your closet as a constant reminder to keep your closet how you want it!
And if you need additional closet help, sign up for my free Wearable Wardrobe Guide! It’s a five day online series with tips and advice to finding your style and making the most of your closet.
I just did a major closet clean out and took a lot of stuff to consignment or donated it. It’s so hard, but does feel really good once you are done. I always go by the thought of would I buy this right now. Also, if I question anything, I wear it once more. If I don’t feel great when I wear it, I put it in the consign or donate pile right away. The other thing I do is take everything outside and hang it on the clothesline. It gives me space to see everything (and organize) and I only bring back in what I know I want to keep.
I love the clothesline tip!
I have a question regarding CARDIGANS. i ALSO FOLD THEM IN A CUPBOARD BUT i FIND THE SLEEVES ARE ALWAYS WRINKLED. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STORE THESE ITEMS?
I HAVE NO IDEA WHY HALF OF THIS WAS IN CAPS. SORRY!
I hang my cardigans, but if you don’t have room for that, get a steamer and keep it in your closet — this is a game changer for me! This is the one I have and it’s only $25: https://amzn.to/2MyEEap
gREAT TIPS – IT’S ALWAYS HARD TO THROW AWAY YOUR BELONGINGS EVEN THOUGH IT PROBABLY HAVE NO USE FOR YOU AGAIN OR ITS OUT OF STYLE.
For me, spring is always associated with cleaning and updating the apartment. I think it’s all about the weather and what is happening outside the window. When after a hard and cold winter, spring begins, I want to get rid of all the old and dirty. I often order a cleaning service in London, so they helped me to complete all the things related to cleaning
Excellent recommendation. I put similar questions for almost every thing in the house. It doesn’t matter if it’s an old dresser that’s not in use or a t-shirt. It is important that your home is always in a light state and was not a warehouse of unnecessary things. Also, I began to read a lot of recommendations about the house in the blog Suzanne on the site https://littlegreencloth.com/
Good tips on how to make your home cleaner and more environmentally friendly
Every season I try to sort out my wardrobe and carry out a full General cleaning. Cleaning companies help me with this very much https://mediaonemarketing.com.sg/top-cleaning-services-singapore/. It is desirable to do a General sweep every season, go through everything everything that you have and throw away the excess
I find it easier to clean periodically rather than once every few months. After all, the state of your home affects your health. And when you don’t clean for a long time, cleaning will become difficult over time. I was told about home cleaning in Mill Creek wa. They say that here you can find help in the area of cleaning. What do you think?
Spring cleaning symbolizes beginnings and awakening, I love that. But there is one thing, I don’t like deep cleaning with washing windows, tiles, corners and hard-to-reach places, I don’t have enough patience. After some thought, I contacted a company airbnb cleaning. Now I am happy to delegate the cleaning to these guys.