As someone that buys a lot of clothes but has limited space for storage, I tend to do closet clean outs pretty frequently. I’ve developed a routine to do a closet purge or closet “cleanse” once a season and with it being the start of a new year, I thought it’d be good to talk about how I approach this. This post is a round up of my recommendations for those looking to start 2018 with a clean closet and more room for new pieces. After the first initial purge, these closet clean outs will take a lot less time and effort because if you stick to this list, there’ll be a lot less extraneous stuff to pitch. So let’s get into it…

1. Homecoming, Prom, Bridesmaid Dresses: Chances are, you have at least one of these things in your closet. After 4 homecomings, 2 proms and 5 weddings, my closet was full of formal dresses I was never going to wear again. There were thoughts of taking some of these to an alterations shop and getting them re-done but I’ve just come to the conclusion that it’s never going to happen and that all of these just need to go. These also take a ton of space up so this is a great place to start your purge. Put these up on Poshmark, take them to your local consignment shop, or give them away to siblings/cousins/etc., but get them out of your closet.
2. Things That Have Never Fit / Don’t Fit Anymore: You know that one item that you’re saving for that magical day when you’re going to lose that extra pound or you’re going to get that stomach to look flatter than ever and then finally that shirt or dress will look good enough to wear? Yeah, toss that item. It’s been in the closet long enough and all it does is make you feel bad about not getting to that goal.
3. That Shirt You Have a Million Variations Of: I used to be one of those people that when I liked something, I wanted it in every color. Hence why I have probably 10 versions of the Portofino shirt from Express and 3 versions of their Barcelona dress but those days are over. I do think it’s okay sometimes to have the same thing in two, max three colors but if your closet is full of the same thing in many different colors, it’s time to introduce some variety into your life.
4. T-Shirts: This includes race (5K,10K, etc), volunteer events, sorority, concert and other types of T-shirts. Unless you’re someone that works out in T-shirts and actually goes through them, you don’t need to have that many. I say five is a good number. Some to sleep in, some to work out in or wear around the house and some with sentimental value that you feel like you have to keep.
5. Cheap Quality: When you’re in high school or just starting college, you are on a budget and a lot of times end up settling for lower quality clothing just to be able to get more of it. I used to be all about “more, more, more” so I would buy cheaper stuff just so I could have more variety. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that quality is more important and will settle for buying just a few items but having them be of higher quality because I know they will last in the long run. For example, I no longer buy sweaters that are made of acrylic because that material is itchy and lower quality and would rather pay more but get something that’s either cotton or wool blend.
6. That Item Your Mom/Friend Gave You That You’re Keeping to Be Nice: It’s always hard to tell someone that you don’t like what they got you and that’s not what I’m telling you to do. I’m telling you there’s no sense of keeping that item for a long time if you’re literally never going to wear it. If you’re okay asking whether they have a return receipt, that is the best case scenario but not everyone is able to do that. Sometimes it’s best just to donate that item or give it to someone that will actually find it useful.
7. Pieces That You Never Seem To Want to Wear: You know that one item you always seem to look past when you’re choosing what to wear and think “not today”. Yeah, that item needs to go. If it’s been in your closet for 6 months to a year and you never seem to reach for it, it’s time to reconsider whether or not you actually need it.
8. Pieces that Make You Self – Conscious or Uncomfortable: I’ve been guilty of keeping and wearing items that make me self conscious because they’re either too tight or too short and I’ve finally realized that there is literally no sense of doing that and ever since I’ve gotten rid of all the things in my closet that make me feel that way, I’ve been much happier.
9. Trendy Items That Are No Longer Relevant : You know that one top you got from Forever21 that you wore out that one time? That one top that is no longer is trendy or relevant at all and you know in the back of your mind that you’ll probably never wear again? That top needs to go. Hi-lo dresses, lace tops, you know the type.
10. Uncomfortable Shoes: I’m 100% guilty of having so many heels and boots that are super uncomfortable that have either made my feet bleed or just made me hate life while I was walking around in them. One of my style resolutions for this year is to only buy comfortable shoes. No, that doesn’t mean I won’t be buying any heels but that does mean I’m only going to keep the ones that are at least somewhat comfortable and offer some support. Brands like Jessica Simpson and Steve Madden are better about comfort than brands like ShoeDazzle where I used to purchase a lot of my shoes.

I hope this inspired you to go through your closet and get rid of some of the items that fit the categories mentioned above. Let me know if you have any other recommendations for this list and what you’re getting rid of in your next closet clean out. As always, thank you for reading and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and like my Facebook page!