As a simple living advocate, simple closet organization tactics should come with the territory, right? Well, when we downsized to our little farmhouse with a tiny master bedroom closet, there was a learning curve for me, let me tell you. I can’t believe it’s been nearly a year ago now when I first blogged about cleaning up my closet. That was a necessary exercise at the time. Then, after Covid hit, I revisited the idea with a WFH closet makeover. Now, with the fear of a late frost finally over, it’s time to get out warmer weather clothing. Honestly, with temps in the 80s this week, I can’t wait to get this task done. And share some of my simple closet organization tips with you at the same time!
My Simple Closet Organization Process
The Big Questions
If you switch out your clothes seasonally, it’s the perfect time to assess what you’ve worn during the fall and winter. I keep seasonal clothing in these large storage bins in our attic. My goal each time I switch out my clothes seasonally is to unload at least twenty items each from my winter AND my spring and summer stash. My lifestyle and job, which now involves primarily working from home, simply don’t warrant having a ton of clothes!
As you go through your closet, start by identifying the surefire things that have to go. I have a few pairs of boots and sweaters that have had their day in the sun. Then ask yourself what you’re planning to keep and what you vow to never buy again. Sadly, I have a few of those buyers’ remorse items, too.
Decision Time
I confess to losing all sense of time when it comes to the clothes I have. Then invariably, I’ll scroll through photos on my phone and stop at one, realizing I still have that shirt from 8 years ago. ? How can this happen? Once you decide to streamline and pare down, though, letting go of an old top is an easy choice! So are the heels that hurt. So start with the ridiculously old and uncomfortable items and work from there.
Before I even start to unpack all those shorts and tank tops, I go through all my winter clothing with a critical eye. It can make quite a mess to take everything out of your closet and unpack all that fun summer stuff at the same time. Therefore, I take out all the winter stuff first, not just from my closet but wardrobes and under the bed baskets, too. I have some scarves that are going in the “toss” pile as well as dress pants that I won’t be wearing again.
Clean Your Closet Shelves
I think I’m a pretty good weekly cleaner, but there’s nothing like cleaning out your closet to discover layers of hiding dust. Grab a cloth and some cleaner and dust it all down so your closet is sparkling clean and ready for everything you’re unpacking.
Evaluate As You Unpack
I’ll tell you, one way to keep yourself from buying a lot of new clothes is just unpacking what you have! At least it is for me. As I unpack storage bins, everything is placed on our bed to evaluate. Honestly, with the exception of a few basics, I don’t need a thing! Matt will be so happy.
Seriously, though, I tend to forget about dresses and shorts I have in storage, and unpacking them is like a fun rediscovery. Hardly anything nice was ever worn last summer. It was a gorgeous one here in Northwest Ohio, but everyone was pretty much holed up at home. Some of those nicer pieces are also going to be hitting the ditch pile now, too. As much as you may not want to, it’s a good idea to try on some of your summery favorites to make sure they still fit. Thanks, Covid!
What To Do With Your Unwanted Items
When I finally got my closet switched out, I had filled one very large and two smaller shopping bags worth of clothes that I was ready to let go of. I also had a small pile of shoes and boots.
When it comes to unloading unwanted clothing these days, you have quite a few options:
- Have a clothing swap with family members or friends
- Host a garage sale
- Post items to Facebook’s marketplace or in Facebook garage sale groups
- Sell them on Poshmark or a similar resale online venue
- Donate them to Goodwill or Dress for Success
Regardless, don’t let them sit around. Get them in your car and ready to go if they’re being donated!
Every season, the process of cleaning out my closet is exhausting, but my simple closet organization tactics are liberating at the same time. It feels good to keep whittling down and donating or selling instead of just discarding things I no longer want. What’s your process? I’d love to hear!
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