The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Out Your Closet
‘Tis the season for a wardrobe refresh.
I have a confession: I was once a chronic clothing hoarder. Coupled with a lack of space and some mildly concerning shopaholic tendencies, my problem didn’t end with just clothes either. Throw in my massive collection of accessories, shoes and bags, and I’m sure you can imagine the state my closets (yes, plural) were once in.
As a child of the 2000s, I’d like to partially blame my formerly catastrophic wardrobe situation on Hannah Montana. The show was largely responsible for raising my expectations of what a dream closet could look like, to frankly unrealistic standards. But even Ms. Miley Stewart herself would have probably been appalled by just how much stuff I had.
After years of living in a state of clutter, I underwent a massive closet cleanout last spring, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that my newly-organized wardrobe has changed my life. Previously spanning two rooms, a number of overflowing drawers and several under-the-bed storage containers, I cut down my closet to less than half, and I can now honestly affirm that I actually love (and wear) everything I own.
All that’s to say, if I can transform my wardrobe, so can you. Plus, with the weather changing and our outfits adapting to the new season, there’s no better time for a little refresh. Ready to start closet cleaning? Here are my surefire tips to get your wardrobe in check this spring.
Try everything on
A one-person fashion show might just be the path to enlightenment. If trying on everything (and yes, I mean everything) sounds like the most awful, tedious task, I apologize—but it must be done. Although an item might look great hanging in the far corner of your wardrobe, it’s impossible to decide if you truly like how it fits on you without, well, putting it on. If a piece doesn’t make you feel your best, consider saying your goodbyes. So put on some tunes and grab your favourite drink; we’re going to be here a while.
Follow the two-season rule
As much as it pains me to say this, if you haven’t worn a particular item at least once in the past two seasons, it’s time to say goodbye. While most organizational experts suggest saying farewell to a piece if you haven’t worn it at least once in the past quarter, my forever-hoarder heart is inclined to bump this rule to two seasons for a little extra time—but that’s the absolute maximum.
Another tip: When you come across an older item, ask yourself why you haven’t worn it in ages. This will not only help you edit your closet with a clearer head, but it can also empower you to shop smarter in the future as you develop your personal style.
Try the Marie Kondo method
Would this really be a closet cleanout guide without mentioning the queen of organization? It may sound cliché, but using Marie Kondo‘s system of holding up an item and asking yourself if it “sparks joy” really works. Those jeans you’ve been ignoring because they don’t fit quite right anymore? Out. But that old t-shirt from high school that, despite being a little snug or worn out, still holds so many memories? That’s a keeper. There’s no exact science to it, but in hindsight, this decluttering method has saved me so much stress.
Consider the classics
Now for the fun part: Once you’ve cut down your wardrobe, it’s time to optimize it for the current season. To do so, place your favourite seasonal pieces front and centre so they’re top of mind, which will help reduce that dreaded “I have nothing to wear!" feeling and stimulate your creativity for the best outfits. If you have clothes or accessories that you keep in storage, now’s the time to swap them out. For instance, consider prioritizing lighter sweaters and linens in place of chunkier knits and wools for spring.
The best part of all this? If you’ve done a really good job at cleaning out your closet, you may find that a little supplementary shopping is needed to replace a few items you’ve given away (but you didn’t hear that from me…).
Opt for elevated essentials
Even if a capsule wardrobe isn’t your thing (and honestly, we don’t blame you), stocking your closet with a handful of staple pieces will make the process of putting together outfits so much more enjoyable. A tried-and-true white t-shirt provides the perfect base for your favourite fun pants to shine. A solid pair of black trousers can anchor even the wildest leopard print button-down. A foundation of essential pieces also gives you the space to accessorize to your heart’s content—and isn’t that what fashion’s all about?
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Stephanie Davoli is the editorial assistant at FASHION Magazine. With a passion for all things fashion, beauty and pop culture, she’s inspired by fashion psychology, sustainability and industry innovations. Her previous bylines include The Toronto Star, Chatelaine and The Quality Edit. When she’s not working, you can find her shopping, taking a Pilates class or combing through the Vogue archives.
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