As we approach spring, prepping your closet for the warmer weather ahead can not only streamline your morning routine, it can also help you determine what you no longer need. Here are some tips for cleaning out your closet this spring.
BUILD AROUND BASICS
Some articles of clothing will never go out of style. This includes items such as jeans, t-shirts, tanks, etc. By making these the focal point of your wardrobe, you can cut down on spending by pairing these basics with less expensive trendier items.
LOOK FOR DUPLICATES
If your closet is overflowing with items, you may have duplicates of certain pieces of clothing that you don’t even realize you owned. If items are similar, pick the one you are more likely to wear.
TIME AUDIT
When was the last time you wore an item? 6 months ago? A year ago? Can you not even remember? For these pieces that just sit in your closet without ever being worn, ask yourself why you are keeping it. Is there an emotional tie or just something you hope comes back in style? If you aren't sure where to start, try the backwards hanger method. Turn all of your hangers so the opening faces you. After you've worn an item, place it back in your closet the regular way. At the end of the pre-set time period, such as six months, check to see which are still facing backwards.
SELL OR GIVE AWAY
Once you’ve decided what you want to get rid of, start sorting through to see if there is anything you can sell or give away. For items that are not in great shape, see if there are nearby resources available to you that will allow you to recycle these items. Once recycled, they can be turned into new textiles and reused for another purpose.
