Is it really spring cleaning if you’re just moving things around? If you’re getting serious about organizing your closet, you need to get rid of things that have outlived their use. It can be painful. Having a plan for how to purge your closet will make the process less stressful and more rewarding. Once you’ve pared down your clothing collection, you will finally have the space to bring many of your closet ideas to life.
- Figure Out What You Actually Have
Do you know how many long sleeve black shirts you own? A successful purge begins with a full inventory. Create piles of similar items so you can see what you’re really working with. Weeding out duplicates for donation is a good way to reduce your overcrowded closet in just a few minutes.
- Get Rid of Anything with Stains and Tears
Anything with a stain that you haven’t been able to remove or a tear that a tailor couldn’t fix should be tossed. How many items have you been shuffling around your closet for years because you swear you’re going to repair them? You can keep hoping that the 10th wash will get rid of that beet stain on your favorite white blouse, but it’s better to say goodbye and make space for something new.
- Ask Yourself What You’ve Worn in the Last Year
You know what you have, and you’ve created a toss pile for anything with obvious damage. Do you still have too much stuff in your master closet? Evaluate what you’ve worn in the last year to 18 months. If you have items that still have tags on them or that you haven’t even thought about for a year, it’s probably time to donate them to charity or a friend. There’s no use intuiting new closet ideas for organization if you’re just sorting things you’ll never wear.
- Toss Out Items from a Lifestyle You Don’t Live Anymore
Did you recently move from a job where you were on your feet to an office position? You may want to keep one pair of comfy sneakers and slacks, but give yourself permission to purge most of your supply. Maybe you used to play in a soccer league but you gave it up due to an injury. Say goodbye to those tall socks and grass-stained shorts. If you have items from a former lifestyle that are in good condition, try selling them online.
- Box Up Sentimental Items
Even in a serious purge, you’re allowed to hold onto things that hold sentimental value, but it’s wise to limit yourself. If you have a dress or suit from an important event that you no longer wear but can’t bring yourself to lose, consider boxing it up and putting it in another storage space. You can hold onto your wedding dress or your father’s ties, but there is no reason why they can’t be stored under your bed instead of occupying precious space among the items you actually wear regularly.
Purging your closet is no easy task, but if you have a set of rules and you stick to them it’s possible. You will make room for new items that you love and can take the opportunity to introduce some closet ideas for organization and beautification!
