Transitioning into a different season is the perfect opportunity to clean out your closet and minimize your items. Clothing pieces from last summer may no longer be in style, fit as well, or have survived being in storage hibernation. There’s no reason to hold on to these items, as the chances of you wearing them this season is unlikely. Therefore, time to toss and refresh. Here are 10 tips on how to do just that.
1. Take every item out of your closet. Yes, all of your clothes thrown in the middle of your bedroom floor will look like a train wreck, but you want to go through and touch every item one-by-one and only place items back in your closet you love.
2. If it fits badly, it no longer serves a purpose. We all hold on to beautiful or expensive items that we love and that once fit us. Holding on to these items is essentially looking in the past… let’s look forward. Give these items to someone you know will benefit from them.
3. Not worn for a year. If an item has been hanging in your closet untouched for one year, it’s time to say goodbye.
4. Hang only certain fabrics. Often we stuff everything we own into our closets, even items that should be folded in a draw. Hang only what would wrinkle or lose quality if folded. This method will free up space and let your clothes breathe.
5. Fold jeans in draws. Jeans should never be hanging in your closet because they take up too much space and will last longer in drawers.
6. Time for the new. Old socks and undergarments can be thrown away. Now is a great time to buy clean, new sets.
7. Tailor now or never. If there are items in your closet you can’t wear because they need tailoring, do so immediately or toss them. If you really loved and wanted to wear the item, you would have had tailored it by now.
8. Part with unused gifts. So many people keep items just because they were a gift, even if they don’t like or wear them. The person who bought you the gift would probably prefer someone else wear it, rather than you ignoring it.
9. Keep hand bags limited. Bags take up too much space. In reality, we only need three bags for our day-to-day lives: a large tote, an evening clutch, and a cross-body bag. Try to keep bags hung on a hook if possible to maximize space.
10. Minimize. After ridding yourself of all unneeded, unworn, and uncared for items, you will feel lighter, get dressed quicker, and spend less time getting ready.
