5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Spring Cleaning Your Closet

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.

SIGN UP HERE!