Cleaning out your closet - where to start and how to do it

CLEANING OUT YOUR CLOSET

Where to start and how to do it

IT’S TIME.

            With the warmer weather coming, we all get that itch to do some spring cleaning. Although thinking about cleaning can make us want to crawl into bed and take a nap, the thought of actually seeing our bedroom floors sounds kind of amazing. Before committing yourself to properly cleaning out your closet (without cheating and shoving clothes under your bed), be sure to clear at least two days in your schedule. Seriously, doing this takes time – especially if you haven’t done this in over two years (yikes).

SO, WHERE DID ALL THESE CLOTHES COME FROM?

            Doing a proper closet cleaning doesn’t mean you have to throw away all of your clothes and become a full-on minimalist. There is a method to this madness – and a reason why everyone holds on to clothes that we don’t need. Mainly, we’re all too lazy to do this proper closet cleaning and are constantly struck with the thought, “I might want to wear this one day”... But, my borderline hoarder friends – it’s time to make the plunge and get that organized closet you’ve always wanted. Let this be your ultimate guide (or bible, if you will) to getting your goal closet.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

            The first step of this process is to take everything out of your closet, seriously. I mean it. This way, you can separate your clothes from how they look in your closet and analyze them properly. If you’re feeling extra motivated you can separate your clothing into pants, shirts, sweaters, coats, scarves, etc. Next, is the harder step. You will then need to go through each item and ask yourself the following questions:

1.     Does it still fit?

2.     Have I worn it in the last 12 months?

3.     Would I wear it again?

4.     If I saw it in a store now, would I buy it?

5.     Do I love the way it looks on me?

6.     Is it damaged?

If you answered no to one or more of these questions, it’s time to toss that piece and move on.

SO, I GOT RID OF SOME STUFF. NOW WHAT?

            Once you have separated all of the clothes that you are keeping, it’s time to neatly place them in your closet. Using hanging drawers, matching hangers, and shoe racks is a great way to make your closet look top notch. Another way to make your clothes look more appealing is to colour co-ordinate or organize by style – because if you’re more likely to see it you’re more likely to wear it. Also make sure to fold heavy sweaters and clothing that may lose its shape on a hanger in a way that makes sense to you and reminds you of all the clothes you have that you love.

TACKLING YOUR REJECT PILE

            So now you probably have a pinterest-worthy closet, but there is still the looming pile of reject clothes that need to be tended to. The great thing about getting rid of clothes is that you can most likely get some cash and help out someone who needs them more. Donating to second hand stores, the Salvation Army, or Goodwill are some great options if you’re feeling charitable. If you have some coin worthy pieces that you want to sell, apps like Varage allow you to post your pieces and communicate with buyers.

YOU DID IT!

            Open your windows, let the fresh air in and look at that glistening bedroom floor you haven’t seen in months. Your clean closet is going to result in many more outfit options for you, and a fresh spring feeling that you’ve been hoping for. To maintain your clean closet – be sure to use that hamper and leave your closet doors open so you will feel guiltier if you slip up on your organizational skills. For more information on tidying up, read up on books such as:

The Life Changing Magic if Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Minimalism: Leading a Meaningful life by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus