Currently, life has seemed like a busy blur of journey. And whereas I’ve liked making reminiscences, connecting with associates, and leaping into new experiences, maybe probably the most surprising results of life on the go has been the way it’s motivated me to do a closet clear out. Let me clarify. Over the previous two months, I’ve been touring at the least each different week and dwelling out of a suitcase. Which means I’m rotating between the best and most versatile outfits that 1) slot in my carry-on and a couple of) effortlessly take me from day to nighttime.
These unicorn items embody my favourite Freda Salvador slip-on sneakers, this cozy Frank & Eileen journey set for the flight, an previous DOEN costume that has simply develop into my most-worn (and complimented) costume, a leather-based jacket, just a few exercise outfits, and something that may be particular to the event, whether or not a marriage or work journey.
Grabbing these staples weekly has illuminated the truth that a small portion of my closet is for my tried-and-true staples, minus just a few particular items. Possibly you are feeling comparable about your closet: that nothing appears to be getting worn and a majority of things take up an excessive amount of house. Clearly, a closet clear out is asking our names.
Function picture from our interview with Clare V by Michelle Nash.
5 Suggestions for an Efficient Closet Clear Out
I can’t inform you what number of occasions I’ve decluttered my closet solely to seek out it stuffed up once more with impulse buys, gifted objects, and items I want I wore however by no means do. And let’s be sincere—some issues stick round merely due to how a lot I spent on them (ouch).
Each time I open it up, I really feel the overwhelm creeping in: I’ve an excessive amount of.
However right here’s the factor—closet clean-outs don’t need to be an all-day, all-or-nothing occasion. Small, intentional steps can create lasting change when you strategy them deliberately and are affected person with your self. In case your closet is likewise due for a refresh, right here’s how I’m approaching mine, one step at a time.
Step 1: Begin With the Best Items
If I haven’t worn it in years, then it’s a straightforward goodbye. Working example: my stash of biking gear from 2015-2017. The final time I hopped on my street bike was in 2017. Secure to say, it’s time to let go.
Not every little thing has to depart—I’ll preserve two units of substances simply in case—however the remaining is heading to resale (biking kits maintain their worth!). The identical applies to the rest that’s been gathering mud. If it hasn’t seen the sunshine of day in ages, likelihood is it by no means will.
Step 2: Reduce Duplicates
Increase your hand if in case you have a favourite sweatshirt you at all times attain for. Now elevate your hand if in case you have 17 extra sitting in your closet which can be stiff, unworn, or simply not fairly proper. Yep, identical.
The truth? Extra isn’t extra—it’s simply taking over house. The aim right here is to curate, not simply clear. I’m preserving solely the issues I truly put on and love. (The exception: white tees. In case you’re a fellow spiller, then you recognize backups are important.)
Step 3: Get Trustworthy About “One Day”
An enormous chunk of my closet is made up of garments I attain for possibly a couple of times a yr. They both don’t match fairly proper, really feel uncomfortable, or simply aren’t me anymore. And but… I wrestle to half with them.
I’m reframing the way in which I take into consideration these items. If I can alter it to suit—and I’d truly put on it—then I’ll preserve it. In any other case, it’s out. As a result of the reality is, types evolve and clinging to the previous isn’t doing me (or my house) any favors. Give your self permission to recollect the identical.
Step 4: Donate, Promote, Present
The ultimate step is to discover a new dwelling for the items I not want. Whether or not it’s ThredUp, Poshmark, eBay, or a neighborhood nonprofit like Costume for Success, I’m committing to getting these things out of my house and into the fingers of somebody who’ll love them.
It’s straightforward to procrastinate on this half as a result of taking pictures and itemizing objects will be a course of, however I’m tackling it in small increments—just some hours on the weekend till it’s finished. I do know it’s going to really feel so good as soon as it’s.
Step 5: Set Future Floor Guidelines
My sister has a pal who embodies a real minimalist’s perspective. If she buys one thing new, then she removes the identical variety of objects from her closet. She additionally by no means buys one thing except she will be able to put on it proper then. I really like this strategy. It creates an consciousness of what’s truly in your wardrobe and prevents the “I forgot I even owned this” second—of which I’ve many.
This mindset isn’t only for closets, both. Currently, I’ve realized my pantry and fridge may most likely use a deep clear and higher group too.
Whereas the method could seem daunting proper now, know there’s nothing extra grounding than moving into an area that feels mild, organized, and aligned with who you’re. Purposeful and intentional. Think about this your signal: Begin small, go step-by-step, and belief that with each bit you let go of, you’re making room for extra of what you like.
This submit was final up to date on March 10, 2025 to incorporate new insights.
