As the seasons change and you have to rotate your clothing it’s the perfect time to let go of those clothes you really no longer want or need.

Tips for a clutter-free closet

Before you dig out the winter clothes, think about what you want to keep from last season’s clothing. Be sure you have enough time to complete the task of cleaning and clearing out your closet before you get started.

There is nothing more frustrating than starting a big project like this, having your clothes all over your bed and then having to stop for some reason. Not only do you have to put your clothes back into your closet quickly so you can sleep that night, but you also lose the momentum and desire to work on the task at all.

Get a couple of empty boxes

Mark each of the boxes with one of these S words: Swap, Sell, Store and Scrap.

* Swap Items: in the Swap box are those you will give or swap with a friend who wears your size. You can also donate them to Salvation Army or Goodwill. These are clothes you do not wear any longer but are usable. Set yourself a rule of thumb – something like, not been worn for two years – out!

* Sell Items: in this box are those you will sell at a consignment store or online. These clothes are still in good repair but no longer fit.

* Store Items: in this box are those you will store for next year’s use or something that has sentimental value to it. These are the evergreen items that always come in useful and rarely seem to go out of fashion. 

* Scrap Items: in this box are stained or torn and therefore no longer usable – yet you still have them!

All of your clothes (cleaned and pressed) and accessories for this season should go into one of these boxes. Of course, depending upon the number of clothes you have, you may need more than one store box. Be sure to set the boxes aside out of the way. Leave the remaining boxes open so you can place other items in them as you take out the clothes for this season.

Now that you have cleaned out your closet

Well, it is time to start putting this seasons clothes and accessories into the closet. Pick out the things you know you will use most often and place them in a prominent place in your closet. Consider whether you want to keep the rest of the clothes that are not your favorites. Get rid of clothes you no longer like or you know will not fit any longer. Take the remaining boxes out to the car so they are not cluttering your room.

You may want to use this trick to help you learn which clothes you can purge once the season starts. As you place items into your closet, turn the hangers around backwards. At the end of the month, look through your closet and see how many hangers face the wrong way. Take those items out and re-evaluate whether you want to keep them or if they can find a new home with someone else.

Choose how you organize your closet. Some like to place clothes in the closet by colors, others by length and still others by whether you wear them together. You will know the best way to organize them based on your own personal needs. When you are done, you can step back with satisfaction and breathe a sigh of relief that you now have a clutter-free closet.

See also:

My man cave
Why you should de-clutter
How to get organised