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September 16, 2015

How to Purge Your Closet

Today, I am sharing my best practice for How to Purge Your Closet! 

While everyone will have a different approach to tackling this chore, these tips have helped us be successful in eliminating clothing clutter and staying organized!

Purge Closet

1. Remove everything from the closet (or dresser)! This will allow you to take a close look at each item. Check for stains/wear. Check the size - Does it still fit? Do you truly love the item? If you had the chance to buy it all over again, would you? Do you actually wear the piece - not someday, but right now?

2. Think carefully about each item that you return to the closet/dresser. Purge items that are stained/worn. Purge items that no longer fit. Purge items that no longer fit your season of life. Purge items that you don't truly love. Purge items that are high maintenance. Purge items that you pass over every single time you go to pick out an outfit to wear.

I organize my closet by:

Sleeveless Tops
Short Sleeve Tops
Long Sleeve Tops
Sweaters
Sweatshirts
Skirts
Dresses
Pants
Jeans
Coats

Within in section, [I will admit] that I keep things color-coded (for the most part). 
When it's time to put laundry away, everything has a place. 
When it's time to pick out an outfit, I know where everything is. 

*Your approach to this may differ depends on where you live (We are in the Carolinas where many items work year-round.), the size of your closets, etc.*

 Have you heard of a capsule wardrobe? I share a little bit about it here, and I would love to know if this something you do! While this may not exactly be your style, there are some great insights to be gained from those who have embraced this approach. I really love the ideas and inspiration included in this post from The Dallas Moms Blog: Why I Got Rid of My Whole Wardrobe.

Photo Credit: Dallas Moms Blog

3. Make smart decisions about what to do with items you have purged:

My Favorite Ideas

 Return any/all recently purchased/gifted items that still have the tags - Yes, even if you don't have a receipt. Many stores will offer you store credit toward/or the option to trade for something you will actually wear.

Sell higher end name brand items on eBay or another great on-line marketplace - new options seem to be popping up all the time!

Have a yard sale! Now hear me out...I'm not talking about a yard sale where you practically give your items away - charging customers only $.25 or $.50 per item simply because you want to get rid of the stuff. There are ways for you to actually make money having a yard sale, and I would love for you to read my tips for how that is possible! 


Donate your items! Help a charity of your choice while also taking a tax deduction for yourself - It's a win/win for everyone! 

I love this tip from A Bowl Full of Lemons: 
Keep a laundry basket (with a trash bag inside) in your closet. Whenever you want to purge clothing, just toss it into the basket. Once the trash bag is full, it's time to donate!

A Little Encouragement: 
Keep few (if any) sentimental items. When it comes to purging items that are no longer needed, sell them...donate them...pass them along to someone else before they yellow...before they become dated/out-of-style. Release them - allowing someone else to enjoy the life that's left in them rather than you hoarding them for years to come.

Want to have a cleaner home? Own less stuff. It works every time. - becoming minimalist
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