9 Rules to Cleaning Out Your Closet

Although cleaning out your closet may seem like an easy task, we all know that it can become very difficult. My experience has taught me a thing or two about cleaning/organizing a full closet.

Changing my style was the trigger for my first major closet clean out. Now I do it regularly to keep myself organized as well as keep my style current to my needs.

Rules for the initial cleanup:

1. Throw away everything that is really old.
By this I mean items in your closet that are not wearable for anyone. Do not keep a garment for back up wear or “emergency” wear such as faded clothes and/or ripped.

2. Donate clothes/shoes/ accessories you haven’t worn in a year or more.
Donate items that no longer suit your style and items you no longer enjoy wearing. Donating can be extremely rewarding because you know someone else will enjoy them.

3. If you have items that hold “sentimental value” keep them all for now.
But be honest with yourself, do not label all your clothes “sentimental” just because it’s scary to let go.

4. Organize your closet after you only have the items you truly want.
There will be more room to organize and make everything nice and neat. It will be pretty to look at! And will make you feel good, trust me! :)

Once you do your first full clean out, you will feel comfortable with the process. And you will be ready to do maintenance clean outs every 6 to 9 month. I strongly suggest 6 month clean outs at the beginning.

Next 5 rules are for the following/ future cleanups:

5. Whatever you did not wear during the six months at least once, donate.
If you saved an item because you felt you liked it or it fit your style but did not wear it at all and didn’t even consider wearing it, get rid of it. If you did not wear an item but you truly, truly feel you will in the next 6 months keep only until the next clean out.

6. Get rid of items labeled “sentimental” if they really aren’t – you know!
You might be afraid to get rid of these items but a lot of things we consider “sentimental” are not. Sometimes we want to hold on to things because we feel they’re a part of us. Who you really are is inside of you not in what you wear. Style is only to display your creativity. It’s an accessory to your physical self but not who you are.
(Are you labeling everything sentimental? See blog named “But It’s Special!”)

7. Keep anything that is truly sentimental.
You can always label something sentimental but if ever you decide something is no longer “sentimental”, just take it out of your closet and either donate it or throw it out.

8. Keep your closet neat.
A neatly organized closet makes you feel good- try it! :)

9. Enjoy the process.
Follow the rules as far as you feel comfortable, like everything, you will feel more comfortable once you gain experience. Don’t do anything that makes you nervous or anxious – save it for the next clean out. Go at your pace; start slowly or start drastically – your choice!

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Peace&Love
Alvid G. Couture