How To Clean Out Your Closet in Three Simple Steps

If you’re anything like me, you love shopping- especially thrifting. I mean who doesn’t love a good bargain? The thrill of a good find- new or thrifted- is always exciting, unless your closet is barely hanging by a thread. When my closet rod broke the second time, I knew it was time to say goodbye to the chaos that was overtaking our walk-in-closet. Here are three tips that helped me get the ball rolling when it came to finally cleaning out my closet and purging all the things that didn’t fit or gave me joy!

If it doesn‘t fit, it’s time to split

Many of us have experienced the cycle of trying on our "goal jeans" or "goal dress" in hopes of fitting into them again, only to be met with feelings of guilt and frustration. I found myself trapped in this cycle, feeling burdened by the constant reminder of my “failure”. It wasn't until I realized that my worth wasn't tied to the size of my clothes that I decided to make a change. Purging my closet of anything that didn't serve me positively, I embraced self-acceptance and let go of the toxic mindset that I needed to lose weight asap. Now, I open my closet to clothes that make me feel confident and comfortable in the body I have now, free from the pressure of "goal clothes."

Say Goodbye to Neglected Threads

Here is a common truth: tucked away in the depths of our closets lie garments collecting dust, justified by excuses like "I might need it one day" or "it's ideal for a special occasion," yet often that occasion never materializes. The reality is, if an item hasn't seen the light of day in six months, chances are it won't in the foreseeable future. Channel your inner minimalist and liberate yourself from the burden of excess. Donate, sell, or swap those neglected threads and make room for pieces that deserve the spotlight. And if by chance you find yourself in need of that item again, don’t worry—there's always another stunning piece waiting to fill its place.

Does it bring you joy?  

When was the last time you took a moment to connect with each item in your wardrobe and asked a simple question: does it spark joy? If the answer is yes, it earns its rightful place in your closet. But if it fails to bring you joy and happiness and excitement of when you’ll wear it again, it's time to say goodbye. Remember, your wardrobe should be a curated collection of pieces that not only are a reflection of your style, but they also uplift and inspire you.

By embracing these three principles- purging things that don’t fit, saying goodbye to unworn pieces, and choosing joy over “cuteness,” you'll transform your closet into a sanctuary of style and serenity. This process took months for me to complete because I decided to do it in stages. I first got rid of everything I knew 100% didn’t belong, the second round included items I was second-guessing myself on, and third round I had to make some tough decisions. But I promise the hard work you put into clearing out your closet will be so worth it in the end. Your future self will thank you for the peace of mind it will bring to your life.

Make sure to read "Three Ways to Deal with Your Preloved Clothes After Closet Cleanout" to learn about the next steps you can take with your clothes!