5 Tips to De-clutter Your Closet

The first step to pursuing a more minimal wardrobe is to begin the process of de-cluttering. It can be scary, daunting, and stressful, trust me - but these steps were ones that I implemented to make the minimizing process less difficult.

1. Begin with one season at a time. Here in Texas, we have two seasons - really, really hot (summer), and bearable season (winter - usually Nov-April). So, this really helps be to know the difference between my seasons - but you can break it up by summer, spring, fall, and winter. Trying to go through your entire wardrobe is very overwhelming - and not to mention, it’s harder to know what you ACTUALLY need and wear if you aren’t currently in that season, and wearing those clothing items.

2. Organize your clothing by the type or category. For example, tees, blouses, jackets, coats, pants, skirts, jeans, etc. This will help you to further break down the load, and not have to analyze hundreds of items at a time.

3. Look at every single item. Yes - EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. If your response indicates a ‘set it aside’, make a pile of these clothes. If not, you can return it to your closet. Ask yourself these questions about each piece:

   1. Do you actually like this item? (If yes, return it to your closet.)

   2. When was the last time you wore it? Was it in the last 6 months? (If you haven’t worn in the past 6 months, put it in your discard pile.)

   3. Is it in good condition? If not, can you repair it? (If you answered no, place it in your discard pile.)

   4. Is it outdated? (If yes, perhaps set it aside).

   5. Does it align with your aspirational style? (The style you long to wear). If your answer is NO, it doesn’t align with your style goals - set it aside.

   6. Does it actually FIT? (Not something you hope to wear in 6 months, when you lose a few pounds, etc.) If yes, return it to your closet.

   I have found that if something hasn’t been worn recently, is too tattered or worn beyond repair, doesn’t align with my style goals, or doesn’t fit properly right now - chances are, you will not wear that item anytime soon. Hopefully you now find yourself with significantly LESS in your wardrobe!

4. Sell or donate the items that are in your discard pile. If you sell them, perhaps consider saving that money to invest in quality pieces that align with your style goals!

I hope these tips were helpful in your beginning process to minimize your wardrobe!

— Kenzie