Decluttering Your Closet & How to Decide What to Keep

Your closet is that magical place where clothes go to hibernate, shoes multiply mysteriously, and that one shirt you bought on impulse five years ago still hangs with its tag on. Or perhaps you’re already super organized and have it all together?

Well, if opening your closet door feels like you’re about to star in your own episode of ‘Hoarders: Closet Edition,’ it might be time for a decluttering session. But don’t worry! We’re here to guide you through the process of deciding what to keep and what to bid a fond farewell to!

Let’s dive into some strategies and ideas that will help you transform your closet from a chaotic clothing cave into an organized oasis.

The ‘When Did I Last Wear This?’ Rule

First up, let’s talk about the golden rule of closet decluttering:

If you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to say goodbye to it.

This rule is simple but effective. Go through your clothes, and for each piece of clothing, ask yourself, ‘When was the last time I wore this?’ If you can’t remember, or if it was more than a year ago, it’s probably time for that item to find a new home – you know, someone who will actually make use of it.

Of course, there might be a few exceptions, like that fancy dress you wear to weddings and special occasions. Or that really warm winter coat you only need when it’s blistering cold.

Use your judgment, but do be honest with yourself. Don’t lie to yourself and say, ‘I know I haven’t worn it in a year, but I really will.’

The “Does It Spark Joy?” Method

The next rule to help you get a handle on your wardrobe is the ‘Does it spark joy?’ rule.

Although this might sound a little strange, there is definitely some wisdom here.

Hold each item and ask yourself, ‘Does this spark joy?’ If it doesn’t make you feel good or you don’t love wearing it, why keep it?

This method is particularly useful for those items you’re on the fence about. If you’re not excited about wearing it, chances are it’ll just continue taking up valuable closet real estate in favor of items you prefer.

The Fit Test

Next up, it’s time for a fashion show – for an audience of one.

Try on some of the clothes you’re unsure about. Does it fit well? Do you feel comfortable and confident wearing it? If the answer is no, it might be time to let it go.

Remember, keeping clothes that don’t fit well ‘just in case’ rarely ends well. Your closet isn’t a time capsule or a museum of your former sizes. It should be filled with clothes that fit and flatter the current you – not you after a year of gym!

The Lifestyle Check

Our lives change, and so should our wardrobes. Take a moment to think about your current lifestyle and how your clothes fit into it.

If you’ve switched from a corporate job to a work-from-home gig, do you really need all those smart outfits now?

Likewise, if you’ve moved somewhere much warmer, do you still need so many warm clothes? These are practical questions for consideration.

Consider only keeping clothes that align with your current lifestyle and activities. It’s okay to keep a few items for special occasions, but the bulk of your wardrobe should suit your day-to-day life.

The Condition Inspection

Are there items in your closet that have seen better days? If so, it’s probably time to let them go.

Check for:

• Clothes with stains that won’t come out
• Clothes that have holes or tears
• Clothes with faded or stretched-out fabrics
• Clothes that have broken zippers or missing buttons

If an item is beyond repair, you have no interest in fixing, or you know you won’t get around to fixing, it’s time to let it go.

You want your closet filled with clothes you can actually wear, not projects you’ll ‘get to someday.’

The Emotion Factor

We all have those items we keep for sentimental reasons.

These could be items of clothing like what you wore on the first date with your spouse or a t-shirt from your favorite concert.

But, unless something has extremely sentimental value, consider letting it go – especially if it’s motivated by guilt or obligation, like a gift someone gave you.

Remember, the memories are in your heart, not in the clothes.

Maintaining Order (One in, One Out)

Once you’ve decluttered, how do you keep your closet from becoming overwhelming again? Enter the ‘One In, One Out’ rule.

For every new item you bring into your closet, let one item go. This helps maintain the balance and prevents clutter from creeping back in.

It also makes you think twice before buying something new. Before a purchase, ask yourself, ‘Do I love this enough to let go of something else?’ If the answer is ‘No,’ maybe that new item isn’t actually necessary?

Order Above Fashion

Decluttering your closet isn’t just about creating more space (though that’s certainly an added bonus). It’s about curating a wardrobe that makes you feel good, suits your lifestyle, and simplifies your daily routine.

Remember, the goal isn’t to get rid of everything. It’s to keep the items that truly add value to your life and let go of the rest.

Armed with these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the task of closet decluttering.

And hey, you might even find that shirt you thought you lost years ago!