Having to clean out your closet is probably the worst chore you can have. That’s why I usually put it off for years. As I mentioned in this post, the last time I cleaned out my closet I found stuff from over 3 years ago that I hadn’t touched… and I moved two years ago.
But that is because it’s so overwhelming trying to get rid of things. We have sentimental memories with these different items and it makes it difficult for us to move on. But when we don’t get rid of things, we accumulate so much stuff, to the point that we can’t keep up with it anymore.
So I created a guide filled with questions for you to use as you go through your closet to help you decide what needs to stay and what needs to go.
DO YOU LIKE THE COLOR?
If not, you probably won’t wear it often. You want to stick with colors you absolutely love when building a minimalist wardrobe. For me, my colors are Navy, White, Gray and Black. Does it mean I stick to these colors? No. But the majority of my clothing falls into those categories.
DO YOU LIKE THE CUT?
Building a minimalist wardrobe relies on comfort. If you don’t like the way something is cut, you could be uncomfortable when you wear it. If you don’t feel comfortable in it, then it has no place in your wardrobe.
DO YOU LIKE THE LENGTH?
See reason above.
DOES IT FIT?
It’s not just about comfort, it’s also about the way it actually looks on your body. If you have a button up shirt that is gaping across your chest, it doesn’t fit you properly. If your jeans are so loose that you can hold the waist-band an inch out from your body, you need new jeans.
DOES IT ACTUALLY FIT?
Yes, I’m asking you again. Because I can guarantee that you just tried to rationalize in your brain that you should hold on to something that doesn’t fit you properly. If it doesn’t fit, get rid of it. If you’re unsure, ask your most honest and blunt friend. I know everyone has one of those. Second opinions are always welcome when it comes to cleaning out your stuff.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WORE IT?
If it has been longer than a year since you’ve worn it, it probably doesn’t have a place in your closet. Exceptions include a good winter coat. Keep your wardrobe current and quit buying clothes you only wear once!
DOES IT HAVE SENTIMENTAL VALUE?
This is the one question that can save something. I am in no way telling you to throw out your wedding dress. I love vintage pieces that have been passed down in the family. If something has sentimental value, true sentimental value (not “I wore this on the first day of high school”), then hold on to it.
CAN YOU REPURPOSE IT?
One of my plans with a lot of my t-shirts I accumulated throughout my college career is to have someone make a t-shirt quilt out of them. This way, I still have the memories tied in with those shirts, but I don’t have a ton of t-shirts laying around that I don’t wear.
I hope this guide has been helpful for you all! Remember, once you’ve gone through all of your things, divide it into two piles: trash (for those clothing items that are just too worn out) and donate! There are many people in this world who don’t have adequate clothing.
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