How to Clean Out Your Closet

Co-authored by Melissa Maker

Last Updated: May 1, 2024 Approved

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Cleaning out your closet can be overwhelming, but the end result is always worth the effort. Once you remove all the items from your closet, you can evaluate each item of clothing. Then you will decide whether to keep, store, sell, or donate the items. Once you’ve sorted through all your clothes, you can then organize your closet according to colors, styles, or seasons.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Clearing out the Closet

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1
Remove all clothes, shoes, and accessories from your closet. Take every item out of the closet and lay it out on the bed, table, or floor. This will allow you to examine all of your clothes. Having everything removed from the closet will also help you make more efficient decisions about what you should keep, donate, or sell.
2
Set up four piles. As you clean out your closet, you will be dividing your clothes into four categories – keep, store, sell, and donate. After you try on and assess each item, you will place it in its respective pile. Grab a trash bag for donated clothes, a storage container for off-season clothes, and a box for clothes you will sell.

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3
Try on each item. It is important to try on all of your clothes and accessories when you are cleaning out your closet. This will help you make informed decisions about whether you should keep the item, donate the item, or attempt to sell the item.
4
Place donations in a trash bag. You will need a large trash bag for clothes you decide to donate. Having one set up near your closet will make the cleanout process go smoothly. Go for an extra-large or contractor’s garbage bag if you anticipate you will be donating a lot of clothes. Once you decide to donate an item, place it in the trash bag.
5
Place items you will sell in a box or basket. When you clean out your closet, you will decide what items you will try to sell. Find a large box in which you can place these clothes and accessories. The box will allow you to keep the clothes folded and free of wrinkles. You can also use a laundry basket instead of a box.
- Folding the clothes nicely means you won't need to iron them before selling.
- If you are selling online, use this opportunity to take nice photos of the clothes to post with your online listings.
6
Store off-season clothes and accessories. Once you’ve decided what to keep and what to let go of, you can divide your wardrobe into seasonal piles. Take clothes that are out of season and store them in a container with a lid, like a Rubbermaid container or a basket. For example, if you clean out your closet in the summer, you can store off-season items like sweaters, gloves, and winter boots.
7
Consider all accessories carefully. Your cleaning mission should also include accessories like belts, scarves, and shoes. Try each accessory on with a coordinating outfit. If it's out of date, you don't love it, or it doesn't fit, get rid of it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Deciding What to Keep, Donate, or Sell

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1
Let go of items that don’t fit. Once you have the item on, make an assessment as to whether it truly fits you. You should be able to move around comfortably in the item and it should flatter your figure. You should not hang on to clothing that is too small, too big, or unflattering. If the item doesn’t fit, get rid of it!^{[1]
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- If you decide to get an item tailored, make sure you do it within two weeks. If you don’t get around to it, get rid of the item.
2
Get rid of items that are out of style. Generally speaking, you should not hang on to clothing that is no longer in style. These items are taking up valuable real estate in your closet. For example, if your closet is filled with mom jeans from the late 1990s, you should probably donate them. You can then use the space for jeans that flatter your figure and are in style.^{[2]
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3
Follow the one-year rule. If an item fits, you will next need to think about the last time you wore it. If you can’t remember when you wore it last, get rid of it! If you wore the item within the last year, and you still have a use for it, keep it.^{[3]
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- Try putting all your hangers in the same position when you hang the clothes up after the closet clean-up. After you wear an item, flip the hanger in the opposite direction. At the end of the year, get rid of all clothes that have hangers that haven't been flipped.
4
Don’t hang on to damaged items. Look over the item carefully for any signs of damage. Keep your eyes peeled for stains, rips, and holes. Depending on the degree of damage, you will want to donate, recycle, or throw the item out. If you can repair the item, make a plan to do so within the next week.^{[4]
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5
Sell high-quality clothes and accessories. You can sell clothing that is in good shape, of high quality, and in style. Try selling higher-end clothing online through a website like eBay, ThredUp, or Poshmark. You can also take clothes to local consignment stores, or have a yard sale.^{[5]
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Donate clothes and accessories you can’t sell. Find a local charity that is accepting clothing donations. You can take all the clothes you no longer want and cannot sell to the charity. For example, you can try calling the local women’s shelter to find out if they are currently accepting clothing donations.^{[6]
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- Do not donate significantly damaged clothing or used underwear.
7
Organize the clothes and accessories you keep. You can now organize the clothes in your closet. Try hanging items up on slim hangers by clothing type or color. You can also utilize storage solutions like shoe racks, shelving, and storage containers to make your closet more user-friendly.^{[7]
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Question

My closet has literally everything I have ever owned stuffed into it. Help? I have tried cleaning it before to no avail.

Community Answer

If everything is stuffed in, try using a bag and neatly folding or putting things in the bag and it will look neater. You can also use baskets, but it might be hard to fit them in the closet. If you have other stuff in there like toys, books, etc., but those things on shelves or in a storage container under your bed. Also, try to get rid of some stuff. If you haven't worn or looked at something in over a year, toss it!

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Question

Should sweatshirts be folded on a shelf or hung on a hanger? What about turtlenecks?

kayce adams

Community Answer

They should be folded. Hanging is for flowing shirts, button-downs, etc. There should be space in your drawers for t-shirts, sweatshirts, and turtlenecks.

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Question

What if I share my closet with my sister who is only five, and doesn't know how to clean it out?

Community Answer

Try helping or teaching her how to. It'll take effort, but kids that age usually like to be helpful. If that doesn't work, divide the closet in half - her side and your side. Use tape to split it down the middle. Ask her to keep her things on her side of the closet, and get a parent/guardian to explain it to her if necessary.

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