3 Simple Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Closet

When it comes to spring cleaning, I think we all can agree that your closet is the toughest place to tackle. You’ve got clothes from college that would be too heartbreaking to part with, plus an overflow of trendy pieces, like those leather overalls you bought when you were feeling extra adventurous, of which you’ve only worn a handful… once.

If you feel overwhelmed when you open your closet and don’t even really know what’s in there, then it’s time for a clean-out. But just because it may seem overwhelming and daunting, doesn't mean it has to be: cleaning your closet can actually be fairly easy if you have a simple game plan. Here's how to make the process go as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

1. Make Piles

First, you’re going to have to go through your closet one item at a time. Sounds intimidating, I know. But it will go by fast once you get the hang of making your decisions quickly.

As you go through each item, create three piles: KEEP, NOT SURE, & TOSS. Anything you’re 100% sure about, without having to think about it, you should put in the “keep” pile. If you’re hesitating on an item, either because you love it but never wear it, or you wear it but aren’t in love with it, then add it to your “not sure” pile. Anything you haven’t worn in a year, doesn’t fit you perfectly, or doesn’t make you feel amazing, you should put in your “toss” pile (to give away or sell).

2. Tackle the “NOT SURE” Pile

This seems to be where most people get stuck. Here’s how to figure out what is worth keeping and what’s not. Ask yourself these questions:

1. When was the last time you wore it?If you can’t remember, or it’s been over a year, then it’s time to say goodbye. Even if you liked it at some point, or even if you like it now, there’s a reason you haven’t put it on, so it’s time to part with it. If it’s for special occasions and you absolutely love it, then it’s okay to keep.

2. Do you get excited to wear it?It sounds silly, but you should truly get excited about each and every piece of clothing in your closet. From your most basic tees to your fanciest dresses, every item should make you feel amazing. If it doesn’t, get rid of it. Being able to look at your closet and love every single piece you own is a great feeling. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

3. Why haven’t you worn it?A lot of times, you may own something that you really liked when you bought it, and you really like on the hanger, but for some reason, you just don’t gravitate towards wearing it. These are those pieces that sneak into your closet and take up extra space. It doesn’t matter why you’re not wearing it — the point is, it’s not worth keeping. If you want to give it another chance, keep it for one more month. If you still don’t wear it, it’s time to move on.

3. Get Organized

Now that you’re only left with a “keep” pile (feels good, doesn’t it?), it’s time to get organized. I recommend hanging as much as you can, rather than keeping things in drawers. It allows you to see what you own so you’ll be more likely to wear it, and it’s better for the clothes to be hung than stuffed in drawers.

I recommend hanging things according to type and season, and then by color. So start with your tops. Hang your sweaters together, your button-downs, your tees and tanks. Keep the dressier ones together and the more casual pieces together. For example, I separate my button-downs into dressier blouses and more casual pieces like flannels & plaids. Within each category, I like to color code… although that could just be my OCD speaking. Also pay attention to the season. In the spring and summer, I like to keep my dresses, skirts, tees and tanks all in the front so I can access them more easily. You can even store your sweaters under your bed or up on a high shelf to give you more space in the warmer months.

Now that you’ve tackled spring cleaning (like a boss), you’ll notice that choosing an outfit each morning will be easier, you’ll be happier in what you’re wearing, and you won’t be so ashamed when friends get a peek into your impeccably organized closet. Enjoy!

Image: Advice from a 20 Something; Giphy (3)