Spring is on it’s way and even though it may already be tempting to spend
day outside, take a few hours to clean out your closet. You’ll be glad you did when it is finally time to dig out those t-shirts and shorts. Before you start: Try to have all your clothes washed and in your closet before you start, so you have a good idea of what you actually own at this point. Wear some comfortable cloths and turn on some up beat music. Grab a couple of rags and some all-purpose cleaner to wipe off shelves and rods in your closet. Grab a couple of large trash bags and a few empty laundry baskets.
Start out by sorting everything into three piles. 1. Things you will throw away or use as rags. 2. Things you will give away. 3. Things to keep.
Make these piles outside of your closet. With closet empty, take some time to wipe all shelves off with a rag and some all-purpose cleaner or some soapy water. If you have wooden shelves, use a dusting spray or a barely damp cloth. If you’re not sure what you can use on your shelves, just give it a good dusting.
Take some time to sweep or vacuum floor as well. Don’t forget to wipe rods and clothes hangers as well.
Take a look at your three piles. If you are anything like me, pile 1 and 2 are probably pretty small and almost everything in your closet ends up in pile 3.
Time to go over pile again. Here are a few “rules” to help you figure out what’s worth keeping:
If you haven’t worn something in 9-12 months it is probably not worth hanging on to. You may like looks of a particular sweater, but end up not wearing it because it itches. Or you found a blouse you love, but haven’t been able to find anything to go with it. If you don’t have a very good reason to keep it, give it away or toss it.
Do you have a pair of pants or a dress that is several sizes to small, but you keep telling yourself that you will fit in it one of these days? I know this is hard, but be honest with yourself. Are you going to lose enough weight in near future to fit in it? If you think you will, give yourself 6 months to fit into those cloths. Put them in a bag with a dated note. Set yourself an email reminder, or keep a note on your fridge to check back 6 months from now. If cloths still don’t fit, toss them or give them away.
