The closet clean out sparks joy in me. Although, I’m not on Marie Kondo’s level of freeing yourself and keeping the good stuff, I’m on some level.
As someone that has accumulated a lot of clothes (hello working at A&F), I’ve started to clean my closet out more and more. It’s something that gives me joy and helps me let go of things I don’t wear. I used to be that person that held onto certain articles from years and years, but I’ve learned to let go.
Check this out — I recently just donated a pair of American Eagle jeans that I’ve sworn by since I was in college. I’m 28 years old. The closet clean out was necessary. I will say that the style was still in because it’s easy to roll skinny jeans up into a cuffed look.
Honestly, I am all about tidying up your closet and your life.
It’s refreshing to let go of pieces and to clean out your closet. For some reason, it gives me peace.
Nonetheless, I’m about to share some of my tips that help me let things go. I know it’s hard, but it’s a good thing to move on. Some things just have an expiration date and we have to respect that.
If you haven’t worn it in a year, let it go.
Like many other people, I have a hard time letting my clothes go. What if I find a place to wear this top? Or if I can still squeeze into these jeans? That’s my issue. I need to stop thinking like that and just let it go. If you haven’t worn it in a year, then you’re not going to wear it. We can agree to disagree, but I don’t think you’re going to wear it again. It’s taking up space that could be utilized by another piece. Are you truly going to miss it? And let’s be real, does it fit your current lifestyle? You need to ask yourself these questions. Remember there is someone else out there that will love that piece of clothing. Share your fashion sense!
If it’s out of style, it has to leave the closet.
Why keep something in your closet that isn’t in style? What exactly would be the purpose for that piece? And, does it fit your current lifestyle (this question is important)? Hopefully, that doesn’t come across as harsh. But, think about it… why keep something that you know isn’t in style? You’re holding on to something that’s not going to happen again for a while. And, I get it. Many trends are repeated from the past but like 20+ years ago. The things that are in style now, were in style when my parents were my age. The trends don’t come back around with a snap of the fingers is what I’m saying.
Keep your timeless pieces.
This is something that I can get behind. If a piece is timeless and can be continuously worn, keep it in the closet. I have classic pieces that will work for any look which is why I keep them. Those are the types of pieces that you want in your closet — staple items. When you shop, look for things that you know will impact your life for a long time if you’re going to splurge. If it’s fast fashion, buy the basics that you aren’t necessarily going to care about if it gets ruined. Many staples are the little black dress, an outfit or two for cocktail hour, amazing quality jeans, nice blazers, etc.
If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit (yourself from those items).
Full disclosure: OJ did it. But this isn’t about that man. Don’t hold on to any clothes that no longer fit. The memories don’t mean anything when a piece is hanging off of you or squeezing the life out of you. Just get rid of it. I promise there is something better out there. As someone that just let go of her favorite American Eagle jeans that lasted for like 9+ years, you have to let things go rather than hold on hope to fit them again. Let’s be real, you’re probably not going to miss it as much once you get rid of it.
Oh, it’s ruined. Let it go.
Sometimes, we don’t notice the small stains or when there’s a hole in our favorite garment until it’s too late. Trust me, I’ve been there and done that. I’ve had a hole in my favorite pair of leggings, on the upper butt, that I didn’t notice until after I wore them. It hurt to get rid of them, but they had to go. If something is ruined to the point where it can’t be fixed, it’s okay to let it go. You can replace leggings with better leggings and get that new shirt since your old one is ruined. If I could play Keyshia Cole, I would let you know to just let it goooo.
Once in lifetime wear.
We all have those pieces, the ones that we only wear once. It’s not a bad thing to admit. I can admit that in college, I would buy dresses and outfits to go out with the intention to wear them once. Why did I keep them in my closet for long? No clue. Maybe to give my roommates an option. That was positive of living with friends who wear your size, by the way. Samantha and I exchanged closets like every other weekend, but only after she wore the piece because owners get first dibs.
New year, let it go is the new mantra for many things.
For me, I’m focusing on clothes and clutter. Things that no longer serve their purpose in my life. And, it’s great. Not only am I cleaning out my closets, but I’m able to donate pieces that someone else is going to love. That’s how I see it. Especially my corporate wear that I stocked up on two years ago. These days, I work in a casual vibe… although, I’ll get dressed up when I think it matters.
Let go of pieces that don’t serve you in your closet.
If you leave here with any advice, it’s to rid of the things that no longer serve you in life. It’s a new year, you can start brand new in a way. Don’t run out and buy all new clothes. Not that it would defeat the purpose or anything, but you’ll want to enjoy the space in your closet for a moment.
Cleaning out your closet is exhilarating. Maybe not to you, but to me I love it. It’s removing something from my life that doesn’t serve me anymore.
Happy closet cleaning out, my friends!
Do you clean your closet out? What are your tips?
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