5 Steps to Spring Clean Your Closet

Spring is all about new beginnings, so what better time to clear out the clutter and update your wardrobe?  As a personal stylist, it’s my job to edit my client’s closets each season to ensure that they’re always looking their best.  Of course as my own best spokesperson, I also have to practice what I preach - and so my own closet is an ever rotating collection of old and new.  

Although the idea of getting rid of anything can be daunting (especially if it cost a pretty penny) it’s actually quite cathartic, trust me.  By ousting the things that you don’t love, you will be able to see the things that you do.  Plus, with all of the consignment stores on the market, it’s easier than ever to resell unwanted goodies and get some of that cash back into your pocket.  

Check out my 5 step guide to pain-free Closet Cleansing, sure to put a spring in your step this season…

STEPS PASS VS KEEP

STEPS

1. Get Ready.

Clear your schedule for a couple of hours without distraction. Put on some awesome tunes to get you in the mood and prep a few big trash bags to fill with anything you decide to ditch. The sooner out of sight, the sooner out of mind.

2. Evaluate.

Comb through each item and evaluate it based on the criteria below, taking time to try things on if you haven’t in a while. As a general rule, if you need to think too long and hard about whether or not something should go, chances are - it should!

3. Separate.

Make a pile of “keep”, “pass” and “maybe”, as well as a pile of items to be repaired, cleaned and altered. (To be followed up by actually take them to your cleaner/tailor.)

4. Reorganize.

Toss the “passed” items into a trash bag, and neatly re-organize everything that you’re keeping. Then try the “maybe’s” on again at the end of the process and decide where they belong.

5. Wait a week before shopping.

Before you get too excited about the new found space in your closet, take at least a week or more to see what life is like with a more minimal wardrobe. This will help you focus on finding the items you really need.

PASS

Worn Out.

Anything stained, worn out or irreparably damaged.

Sentimental.

Sentimental styles that you no longer wear. If you absolutely can't get rid of the sweater you wore when you got engaged, put it in storage. Having it in your closet only creates clutter and blocks your more wearable items.

Too Small.

Clothes that are too small, and won't fit within the next 2-3 months. If you're actively losing weight and plan to return to a certain size within 2-3 months, it's worth keeping something you love, assuming that it will be seasonally appropriate by then. Otherwise, assume that by next season you'll be ready for an update regardless of size.

Ill Fitting.

Clothes that are ill fitted and either unable to be altered, or not worth the cost of alterations. Sometimes it's just worth buying a version that fits!

Uncomfortable.

Especially shoes that are too uncomfortable to wear. If you know you can't realistically wear them, regardless of how great they look on your shelf - they've gotta go. Make room for a pair that's gorgeous AND wearable!

KEEP

Wardrobe Basics.

Functional wardrobe staples that you ACTUALLY use. Don't keep a black pencil skirt just because you think everyone should own one, unless you actually wear it.

Things You Love.

Things that make you feel confident and beautiful, regardless of whether or not they’re trendy. Again, the key here is keeping things that you actually wear, not what you love from afar...

That's it.

If it doesn't fit one of those two categories, it's not worth the closet space!

WHERE TO SELL

Once you've done the dirty, work, these online consignment stores are available to anyone in the country, and are a great way to earn cash on your closet!

• Thread Up: Consignment and either keep the proceeds, or donate to a charity of your choice.
• The Real Real: Consignment with white glove service (home pick up) available.  (Contact Skye Lehman at skye.lehman@therealreal.com)
• Linda’s Stuff: An Ebay store with great rates, and free pick-ups by mail.  (Contact sell@shoplindasstuff.com)
• Bella Bag: Cash for handbags.
• Rebagg: Cash for handbags.
• Walk in My Closet: Online consignment for clothing and accessories.

Photo credit: Getty Images for Reed Krakoff