Closet Clean Out: How to Declutter Your Closet Like a Pro

If you find that you aren’t wearing most of your clothing and want to re-evaluate what you actually use, consider getting a start on spring cleaning. Decluttering your closet can be an intimidating task, however, with these simple steps you can tackle it like a pro!

Step 1: Take Everything Out

This means everything. If it is not permanently attached to your closet, it should be in a pile outside of your closet. Don’t forget to bring out your shoes, jackets, belts and clothing accessories, purses and bags, and other clothing items you may not store directly in your closet but are still a part of your wardrobe. If you work well in chaos, put it all in a mass pile in the middle of your bed. If instead you prefer to stay a bit more organized, take things out and put them in piles: bottoms in one, tops in another, and so on and so forth.

Step 2: Clean Your Closet

Once your closet is empty, take the opportunity to give it a much-needed deep cleaning! If you are anything like the rest of us, you probably don’t even think about cleaning your closet, but taking some cleaner and a cloth to wipe down the inside of your closet can make it feel fresh again.

Step 3: Time To Declutter

Start with going through your clothing and sorting it into three piles: Keep, Donate, and Toss. For those who have a hard time deciding, add in a fourth pile: the In-Betweens.

When figuring out which pile each item belongs on, there are a few things to consider:

• ●  Fit: Does this piece of clothing fit properly? Is it comfortable?

• ●  Use: Have you worn this piece of clothing in the past year? Will you wear it again in

  the next few months? If the item is something seasonal, such as shorts, will you wear

  it again next season?

• ●  Versatility: Does this item work in multiple outfits in your closet?

• ●  Practicality: Does this item work for your lifestyle?

• ●  Necessity: If this item went missing, would you replace it?

  Remember, don’t overthink it too much! The goal is to make it through the pile and declutter.

  Now, for a bit more on the different piles:

  Pile 1: Keep

  The first pile will be your keep pile. These are things that fit you well, that you wear often, and that are a style you like. It will likely include a lot of staples and everyday pieces for each season (all of which are highly versatile). You may also choose to keep clothing that has sentimental value or holds memories, even if you don’t wear it often (like a wedding dress, grad gown, or other special outfits). You can put these items somewhere other than your main closet if you are short on space, but they are well worth keeping.

You may also choose to keep some items that need a bit of help to be a functioning part of your wardrobe again. Use caution with these items, and only add items you know you will actually fix or have them fixed right away. Items that need hemming or other altering can be brought to a tailor. Some items may need a patch, a hole sewn up, or stain remover. If this is the case, get this all done right away- if you put it off for later, it’s most likely not going to get done.

Pile 2: Donate

Your donate pile should be made up of things that are in good condition, but aren’t working for you anymore.This may include things such as:

• ●  Bedsheets that are the wrong size or are going unused

• ●  Things you don’t wear that are in good condition

• ●  Multiples of clothing items that you don’t wear

• ●  Clothing that doesn’t suit your style or that you dislike wearing

• ●  Items that are uncomfortable

• ●  Clothing that doesn’t fit you

• ●  Anything that isn’t super versatile in your closet and doesn’t get much wear as a

  result

  Pile 3: Toss

  These are the items that don’t have any purpose for anyone. Think shirts worn beyond repair, socks with holes in them, single mittens, that well-loved pair of jeans that are starting to look more like sweatpants, worn-through shoes, old and worn towels with significant stains or holes, and other similar items. With a bit of creativity, some of these items can be recycled, such as turning old t-shirts and towels into cleaning rags.

  Pile 4: The In-Betweens (Optional)

  These are the items that you go to throw out, then pause and second guess with a “....maybe?” You aren’t sure you need to keep it, but you don’t quite want to get rid of it. Set these items aside for a few weeks, and if you find yourself pulling an item out to wear it, re-evaluate if you should be keeping that piece. After the few weeks are up, donate the items in the pile that you haven’t thought about or used.

  Step 4: Organize Your Closet

  Now it is time to put your clothing back into your closet. Don’t just put it all in one heap. If your organization wasn’t working before, consider investing in some new hangers or a closet system.

  Step 5: Fill in the Gaps

  Emptying out your closet isn’t an excuse to go buy a whole new wardrobe, but it is an opportunity to evaluate the gaps in your closet that need to be filled. While decluttering, make a list of items that need to be replaced or other holes that need to be filled that can make your pre-existing wardrobe more functional.

  The majority of this list will likely be staples. Maybe you realized that you have a lot of outer layers, but no basic shirts to act as base layers. Or your old go-to jeans aren’t fitting comfortably, and you need to go find a new pair. Review your needs list and see what needs

to be addressed, then go shopping for a few high-quality items that will fill these gaps! Not sure where to find these items? Visit us at Bella Maas Boutique onlineor in-person in Sherwood Park and St. Albert and browse our wide selection of high-quality items!