Your Tiny Closet Cleanout Guide
I'm not here to tell you it's time to spring clean everything you own- but it is time to tend to your wardrobe. If you're reading this, this is your sign. It's time! Let's skip past tips and tricks for spring cleaning the entire home and focus on your clothes, shoes, accessories, and the closet or dresser they live in.
Our closets and dressers may have gotten disorganized or cluttered over the past few months, as life is opening back up and blooming again. As we're just starting to come out of hibernation from both winter and quarantine, this is THE perfect time to purge.
Get ready to cleanse out old stagnant energy and excess to open up space for your wardrobe to breathe fresh new air!
I've got you covered. I've been around the sun several times cleaning out closets and I've got a system down. And I'm sharing it with you. Here's your guide to cleaning out your wardrobe.
Your spring closet cleanout is a RITUAL.
You do it every year. Take time to elevate the experience. How? Set a vibe, set your mindset, and make it fun. Wear comfortable clothing, turn on your favorite music, diffuse those essential oils, pour yourself a cup of coffee (or glass of wine), and begin.
Take a moment to express gratitude for all the items you own, all they have given you, and get ready to conquer.
STEP 1: Take everything out
This step is not optional. It may be overwhelming so brace yourself. Assess actually how many clothes, shoes, accessories, and bags you have. More likely than not, you have more than you need and items you've never worn, or will never wear again. Accept that and move on to the next step.
STEP 2: Clean the closet space
Get that old stagnant energy out to make a nice, clean home for your wardrobe to live in. Start at the top, then work your way down with a nice natural cleaner (This one is my favorite). Does your closet have a light fixture? Clean that first, then move to the top shelves, racks, any other shelving you have. Vacuum the floor and this step is complete! Unless you'd like to burn palo santo or sage to further cleanse the energy if you're into that. Always a nice touch.
STEP 3: Sort your Items into 3 piles
Read this 5 Step Post Pandemic Closet Purge and 3 Ways to Purge Your Closet for further inspiration and tips on purging.
Sort your items into 3 piles. Pile #1 for keepers, Pile #2 Resale, and Pile #3 Donate.
Before you begin sorting- the one-year rule doesn't necessarily apply to 2020. Usually, if you haven't worn or used an item in one year, it is unlikely you will wear or use it again. But 2020 happened so let's scratch that rule this year. But seriously consider each piece carefully. Let go of what you don't think you'll ever wear again.
RESELL
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TheRealReal is authenticated luxury consignment. I'm a luxury manager at TheRealReal, so I've got you covered on this step. Give your unused, unwanted items a new home and make $$ while you do it. You can earn up to 85% of the selling price for your items.
The RealReal is the top Authenticated Luxury Consignment company (and I'm your top luxury manager ;). We take Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton... but we also take lifestyle brands you may have in your closet like Michael Kors, Ray-Ban, UGG's, Patagonia, and more. It is worth considering before you begin your Closet Cleanout. Make sure your items are going in the right pile, keeping in mind they may be worth $$$.
Let’s take a look at your Resell Pile together.
Send me an email at jennmapp@mappcraft.com
DONATE
The hassle-free method, toss it in a trash bag, and get it out of your house fast! Donating not only helps you purge, but it also helps the environment and other people. It is one of the easiest ways to help people out. Many people need useable clothing. Giving makes you feel good! You’re doing a good deed. Good Karma, anyone?
Find a family in need, call a local organization to arrange to pick up, or find a Planet Aid bin to drop it and drive away. So satisfying! - It can be a generous tax write off- keep your receipts
(For the keepers, follow step 4)
STEP 4: ORGANIZE AND PLACE
Put seasonal items in storage or a bin in the back of a closet or under your bed. Organize them neatly then say "thank you and see you later" to your winter accessories, hats, gloves, and scarves.
Drawer items
Roll them nicely and organize them by color, darkest in the back, lightest in the front.
For hanging items
Make sure you have matching hangers. These are my favorite. Hang them by category - jackets, long sleeve tops, blouses, short sleeve tops, pants, skirts, dresses, jumpsuits, and rompers. Try organizing them by color as well. Dark to light.
Shoes
Organize them on a shoe rack or organizer. Sort them by shoe type- heels, flats, boots, sandals, athletics. Put your most worn shoes in the front.
Accessories and loose items
Organize them in bins. I love clear plastic bins for accessories and other loose items.
Remember, every item in your wardrobe has a home. Take time to find or make a nice home for the items you are keeping.
Cleaning out and tending to your closets each season is CRUCIAL. Make it a cleansing ritual. Enjoy the process. It can be an intentional time to connect with each item and the memories or significance of them.
Schedule your free consultation call with me to consign, clean, or style your wardrobe.
Re-Read SPRING 2020 How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe E-Book to help you get started.
Download a FREE copy of my book: Clothes the Deal | The Guide for Transformative Personal Style
Also, If you haven’t already, join the fun on my private Facebook group MappCraft | Tiny Closet, Tons of Style® Survival Guide
xoxo Jenn