Here’s how to to clean out the closet and love your wardrobe! There are so many benefits of decluttering clothes. Tips that will help you create a minimalist, capsule wardrobe that you will want to wear. The instructions are everywhere, we’ve been taught how to do clean our closets. Many of us are minimalists, however there are still certain clothing pieces that seem hard to part with. It is always so worth it when the task is done. In addition, I so appreciate a simple organized closet where the hangers slide easily and categories of clothing are easy to see!
Benefits of Decluttering Clothes
There is a trend toward minimalist wardrobes, Capsule wardrobes and simplifying our clothing. So that means cleaning out the closet. Don’t get me wrong. I love packing up bags and bringing them to people who I think would get use out of them. Don’t you love the feeling when you see it on them? It makes me feel great. However I seem to procrastinate the task of cleaning out my closet. I would bet you feel the same so I created some motivation for you to figure out how to clean out the closet and tips for creating a wardrobe you love.
How to clean out the closet and start decluttering clothes?
Let’s get started, here’s how to declutter clothes! Pull out a top in a style that you seem to buy repeatedly, but do not wear. Take a minute to look at the details, notice what attracts you to this style. Is there a similar style that would work better in your wardrobe?
For example, tops with ruffles. Sleeves with big ruffles do not layer well. They are cute, but if your are not wearing them this could be one reason why. The new more modified puffy sleeve tops could work for you if your style is somewhat romantic . Ruffles at the bottom of a top have to fall exactly right on your body. Try it on and take a picture. See what you think. For me I know that a peplum works well because I am not very tall. I plan on adding a simple black peplum into my capsule wardrobe.
Knowing a better option helps you get rid of unused clothing. It’s good motivation ? Keep looking at pieces and details. You will find things you loved at one time but do not use any longer. Use Marie Kondo’s advice of thanking the item for serving a purpose at one time and purge it.
Go to the link to get your own printable style sheet!
I created a style sheet that is your tool to motivate you to clean out your closet! This way, in the future you will have a solid guide that enables you to maintain a wardrobe that you love! Let’s keep moving on to the next category. Tackling pants and jeans! Pants can be easy to purge because they can be hard to love. Style and fit are your criteria here. Make a pile of those you will get rid of. Now take a look at each pair and make a note on your style sheet for what you did like about each pair. One of the best benefits of decluttering clothing? No more looking at pants that you really never liked!
A wardrobe you will love!
You could go as far as to measure inseam for leg length. Pay attention to the rise, how far up the pant comes on your waist. Is there a theme for what you like or dislike? Put that down on your style sheet, you want to reference it when you go shopping. Part of this whole process is getting rid of the extra unused items so you can create a smaller, capsule or minimalist wardrobe.
For jackets and coats take a look at what you have. See if linings need to be repaired Any thing you need to fix could go into a pile to take to the tailor. See if there are styles that do not work or outdated. Write anything down on your style sheet that needs to be replaced, note the details that you think will work with the clothes you have. One of the great benefits of decluttering clothing is the way it will make you feel more put together! Much easier to get dressed in the morning with a paired down wardrobe! Check out this post for inspiration. 31 Simple Habits that Make You Look Polished Every Day!
Keep Going!
Follow the same steps for other clothing in your closet. If you can’t part with items make 2 boxes. One for items that you are unsure about and one for sentimental items. Both of these boxes may be easier to pair down later. Just don’t keep too much. Be real with yourself about what should go, doesn’t it seem simple, now that you have started decluttering clothing?
How to Declutter Shoes
Back to the closet to look at shoes! It’s looking better isn’t it! Clean out any pairs that were an impulse buy and never worked with your outfits. See what is worn out and pile those up to clear out. Make notes on your style sheet of what to look for. No better time to decide what type of shoes will work. When you can see all your clothes you can see what might work. You will be less likely to buy on impulse. Less cleaning out the closet in the future!
Almost like a badge of style, so many women are shoe collectors! Did you invest in a nice pair of shoes that you still love to look at? Even if you don’t wear them anymore, if they really make you feel good, it is ok to keep them! On the other hand, if they are weighing you down and worn out from being well loved? Then its time to part with them.
In general though, most of our shoes are not collectible pieces. They serve a function, go with a certain outfit or work with a certain pant or skirt length. So just like you would sort out a blouse that you won’t wear any longer, get rid of worn out shoes and pairs that don’t work with your current everyday wardrobe. Save a pair of special occasion shoes, especially if they will work with a dress style that is flattering to you. Knowing how to declutter shoes is simple if you apply the test of fit and condition. Next, see which outfits the shoes work with. If they just don’t work with outfits you would wear now, time to donate them and make room for a new pair that works with the clothes that you love!
Simplify your Color Scheme for a Clutter-Free Closet!
Do you follow any guidelines as far as colors? Are there things in your closet that don’t fall into your color scheme? Some in shades that you know don’t look right on you but you’ve been saving them? If an item doesn’t make you feel good then you could definitely get rid of it. Think of someone who it would look nice on and pass it on and feel good about that. If there are colors that you’ve been drawn to in the past and you know don’t work write those down on your style sheet so that you do not buy them again.
Look for trends in color and patterns and put those on your style sheet any colors that seem to be predominate in your wardrobe can really help you later when you go to create a capsule wardrobe. So pile up those items that are unflattering to clean out the closet! Pick the ones that work well and take notes on your style sheet!
Remember the style sheet is your motivation!
It is almost like a quiz. It’s an open book test, you have just been looking at your clothes. At the top circle the styles that seem to apply to the way you dress. Knowing this can help you decide whether a piece is for you or not. Having sizes and details written down is key.
Add items that will create outfits!
What pieces are missing to make outfits with the items you already have? Thinking about this will help you pick only items that you love! Use the style sheet to make notes of what works and what does not. Having just cleaned the closet is great motivation to try things on on the future.
Clean out the Closet and Love your Wardrobe!
Dress comfortable to shop and take a few minutes to try things on! Take your style sheet with you. Sometimes it pays to “chunk out” your shopping. One day go out looking just for a great pair of jeans. Select pairs that fit your criteria on your style sheet. Try each one on and see if there are any that you love. Even if you don’t find any that day you have still accomplished something and you have not added useless items to your closet. Finally, if ordering online works better for you use your sheet as you try on your clothes. Keep the ones that have the details you have wanted and the fit that you need! How are you feeling about decluttering clothing? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Shopping!
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