Are you tired of feeling like your closet is a cluttered mess? Do you want to make more space and get rid of clothes you no longer wear? If so, then you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled three easy steps on how to clean out your closet.

Starting the season out with a prepped closet is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. You have to know what you have to determine what you need. Our recommendation is to go through these steps once a season. After you complete it the first time, each time thereafter should get easier. This guarantees that you curate a closet full of only the pieces you wear and love.

The process may seem daunting, but we promise it’s not as difficult as it seems! Follow these three simple steps: 

Step 1: Prepare to Sort

Find three medium to large boxes and label them CASH, STASH and TRASH. If you don’t have boxes on hand, trash bags will do. In each box, you will categorize the following:

  • CASH: These are items that can be sold or donated. They are in good condition, but you haven’t worn them in a year or more and will probably never wear them again.
  • TRASH: Anything stained, worn out or damaged beyond repair.
  • STASH: This is clothing purgatory. Put anything in here that you haven’t worn in two seasons but don’t want to part with. This will go into storage, at least for now. Let’s call this the “maybe” box.

Step 2: Pull & Assign

Pull every item out of your closet one by one, including shoes, handbags and scarves or other accessories. Find a category for each item and place it in its respective box. All items that you decide to keep can be put in a pile on your bed for now.

But how do I know what to keep???

  • Have I worn it in the past year?
  • Is it a classic piece that will stay in style?
  • Is it still in good condition?
  • Can I pair it up in more than one way?

If you answered “no” to one or more of the questions above, it’s probably not a keeper. But you can always put it in the STASH box and store it for now. If you’re still thinking about it within the next six months, pull it out of the box and use it. If not, tape up the box and donate it.

Step 3: Organize the Keepers

Once you’re done categorizing what you have, it’s time to organize what’s left in your KEEP pile. Most people have a preferred method of organizing their clothing. You can organize your pieces in groups of like items, by season, or by color. It really doesn’t matter as long as it makes sense to you and you know where to find everything.

If you don’t have velvet covered hangers yet, run, don’t walk to replace and upgrade your hangers TODAY! The velvet keeps pieces in place so they won’t slip off and they usually have a slimmer profile than wooden hangers, which gives you more space on the rail. You can thank us later!

Once you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll be in a GREAT position to rebuild your wardrobe. Pay attention to items that you need to replace or upgrade and also any gaps in your wardrobe. These are the items you will want to have on your shopping list.

If you’re looking to build a closet you love with less, The Closet Staples Casual Capsule Wardrobe is perfect for you! It includes coordinating tops, bottoms, shoes, and accessories every woman needs in their closet for Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter looks. It’s the ultimate style guide!