Spring Cleaning Your Closet: Tips and Tricks for a Fresh Start

Spring is ALMOST here, and you know what that means—it’s time to toss out those sad winter layers and embrace the light, breezy vibes of the season! Cleaning out your closet may not sound like the most exciting way to spend a Saturday, but trust me, it’s the perfect excuse to rediscover your wardrobe, show your clothes some much-needed love, and make room for fresh new pieces that you’ll actually wear. So, let’s roll up those sleeves, grab some trash bags, and give our closets the spring refresh they deserve. 

1. Get Ready!

Before we dive into the chaotic joy of throwing things out, create a little bit of space. Remove all the clutter around your closet so you have a clean, open area to spread your wardrobe.  Have bags or bins ready for the items you plan to donate or toss.  Bonus points if you turn on your favorite playlist!  May we suggest one from the 90's?  You won't regret it. :)  

2. Start with a Clean Slate

Take everything out of your closet. Yes, everything! Even the things you’ve shoved to the back “just in case.” Lay it all out on your bed, on the floor, wherever you can. This gives you a bird's-eye view of what you own and helps you see what you wear often and what you don’t.

3. The 3-Pile Rule: Keep, Donate, Toss

Alright, now it’s time for some decision-making! We’re going with the 3-Pile Rule—and it’s as easy as it sounds:

• Keep: These are your staple items that you wear often and truly love. Think jeans that fit well, your favorite sweater, or a dress you can dress up or down.  Ask yourself how you feel when you wear it too!  Is it just ok or do you feel great while wearing it?
• Donate: These are the clothes you like in theory but haven’t worn in the last 6 months. They’re just taking up space, so pass them on to someone who will appreciate them.
• Toss: These are clothes that are worn out, stained, or beyond repair. Don't hang on to something that you know you will never wear.

4. Honesty Is Key: Ask Yourself, “Would I Actually Wear This?”

Take a moment to reflect on your current lifestyle. Is your wardrobe reflecting who you are today? Are there any items you keep because you used to wear them, or because they were trendy at one point? Be honest with yourself about what you truly wear and what just takes up space that you probably don't really need in your rotation.  Bonus points for sharing and tagging us with some of the funniest things you've held on to over the years!

5. Fit Check: Time to Try Things On

Sometimes, it's hard to let go of clothes we think we’ll wear again or that we used to love. Try on items you’re unsure about. If it doesn’t fit well or make you feel good, it’s time to let go. If something is uncomfortable you are more than likely never going to pull it out and wear it.  Also, think about today's trends and if you have anything you know will eventually come back in to style that you love, I say hold on to it- which might not be the best advice in this case. :) Yes, I'm holding on to my favorite skinny jeans because we all know those will come back around!  Right?!

Your closet deserves clothes that make you feel confident—not uncomfortable.

6. Create an Organized, Efficient Closet

Once you’ve pared down your closet, it’s time to organize what’s left. Here are a few tips for keeping things organized:

• Seasonal Rotation: Store out-of-season clothes in bins or under-bed storage to make room for your spring and summer items. This keeps your closet from feeling cluttered year-round.
• Hang with Purpose: Group your clothes by category—workwear, casual, dressy, whatever works for you. You don’t have to color-code (like I do!), but just make it easy to grab what you need when you need it.
• Use Hangers Wisely: Invest in good-quality hangers that will help preserve the shape of your clothes. Velvet or wooden hangers are great options.
• Drawer Dividers: For smaller items like scarves, belts, or shoes, use drawer dividers or organizers to keep everything in place.

7. Consider a Capsule Wardrobe

If you’re looking for a more minimalistic approach, now might be the time to consider creating a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of versatile, timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to create numerous outfits. Think of it as curating the essentials that you can wear season after season without feeling overwhelmed by options.

Think of it like your closet’s A-team—always ready to make you look fabulous with minimal effort.

8. Add a Few Fresh Pieces for Spring

After all that decluttering, you deserve a little treat, right? Spring is the perfect time to pick up a few fresh pieces that will brighten up your wardrobe. Look for items that are versatile, easy to pair with what you already have, and most importantly—make you feel awesome when you wear them. No impulse buys, though! We don’t need another pile of regret in the back of the closet.  Bonus points if you stop in to the shop and let us help you find some great new pieces!

9. Give your closet some TLC

While you’re in the zone, give your closet some love. Dust those shelves, wipe down the doors, and vacuum the floor. A little cleaning goes a long way in creating a fresh, welcoming space. If you want to get fancy, consider some cute baskets or storage bins to keep small items in check. Your closet will feel like a boutique in no time.

10. The Maintenance Plan

The hardest part is over! To keep your closet clean and organized, try implementing a rule where you donate one item every time you buy a new one. Doing a quick tidy-up every few weeks will also keep things from getting out of hand.

Bonus Tip: Try using the Hanger Trick

Still unsure about that one item in the back of your closet? Try the hanger trick! Turn all your hangers backward when you put things away. After wearing something, turn the hanger the right way. In a few months, any clothes with hangers still backward are likely ones you haven’t worn in ages—time to donate or toss!

Here's hoping Spring is on it's way soon!!