Simple Steps to Declutter Your Wardrobe
Iāve spent the last few weeks going through my wardrobe with a fine-tooth comb, being more honest than usual about what I do and donāt want to wear again. The last year delivered more than a few outfit frustrations, and Iād like to avoid repeating them.
I donāt have a crystal-clear vision of how I want to dress in 2026, but Iām very clear about what I didnāt enjoy wearing in 2025. Since my personal style continues to evolve, staying on top of what no longer works has become part of the process.
Decluttering isnāt just about creating space. Itās a way to remove the distractions that make getting dressed harder than it needs to be and to take a closer look at what still aligns with how I want to live and dress now.
Before youĀ declutter, be sure you donāt just need to reorganize what you own. If yourĀ closetĀ is messy, itās hard to find the right pieces to put together a cohesive look.Ā
Iām updating this post from last year because this is not a one-and-done exercise. Our wardrobes change as we do, and a simple, thoughtful reset goes a long way.
How To Start
Many people like to attack their wardrobe, ala Marie Kondo, but thatās never appealed to me. It’s not realistic for me to take everything out of my closet at one time and toss it into a pile. That process creates a mountain of work, and it would depress me long before I finished it. If the job is overwhelming, decision fatigue can set in, so you end up rushing to finish and start making poor decisions.
I like to make this simple, so I start at one end of the rod or go through one drawer at a time.
Have four bags or boxes at the ready:
1- This box is for items you want to donate or send to consignment stores.
2- This bag is for things that are too worn to salvage or donate. Our landfills are clogged with discarded clothes, so you could also investigate non-profits that will accept textiles in any condition.
3- This bag is for garments you want to keep wearing but they’re in need of repair, cleaning, or alterations.
4- This not-sure box is for anything you’re on the fence about.
The not-sure box is super important! You can bravely place things into this box because you know itās not leaving your house. The decision is temporary and allows you to revisit the pieces later, but they arenāt hanging in your closet to see each day. Tape the box closed and store it in a guest room closet or the garage to examine in 6+ months.
Questions To Ask as You Declutter Your Wardrobe
If your taste and style are evolving like mine, you may find it helpful to revisit the three-word method to find your personal style. I’m in the process of redefining my words this year, so I’m being extra careful about what I donate.
For each item you pick up, ask yourself:
- Does it fit you properly at your current weight?
- Do you have 5 or 6 multiples of the same type of garment?
- Is it expressing who you are now at this stage of life and with your current style goals?
- Is it still in good shape, or does it need repairing or altering?
- Does the color and style flatter your current hair color and body shape?
- Do you feel fabulous wearing it, or does it spark joy per the Konmari method?
- Is it still in style, or has the trend passed so you’ll look dated if you wear it?
- Have you reached for it in the last year or so? Some people recommend getting rid of things you haven’t worn in six months, but I disagree. There are several categories of clothes we need in our wardrobes that are rarely worn but invaluable to have on hand, such as formal wear or what to wear to a funeral.
Closet Cleanout Tips and Mistakes
Take Your Time
Listen to your intuition, and don’t be too hasty. If youāre unsure about an item, remember that it can go into your not-sure box #4 above.
Don’t Be Overly Emotional
Is this theĀ scarfĀ your friend gave you, but you dislike how it looks on you, and never wear it? Is this the suit you wore when you got that fabulous promotion, but you’ve retired and now live a casual lifestyle?
Decluttering Essentials
Have a notepad nearby to jot down items you need to add to your wardrobe. If you discover that your favorite black pants are looking a little worse for wear, make a note to keep an eye out for a new pair. Be sure to replace them before you donate your old ones.
Cost Does Not Equal Value
This is a slippery slope. Just because you paid a lot for something doesnāt mean you should keep it. And if you got a smokinā hot deal on something that doesnāt look great on you, itās not serving you well either. If you did pay a lot for something, sell it at a consignment shop to recoup some of your original investment.
Relying Solely On Joy
A functionalĀ wardrobeĀ needs items that serve a purpose, and they donāt all have toĀ spark joyā¦sorry,Ā Marie Kondo. Wardrobes need functional basics that we may feel neutral about, but that are essential pieces for completing ourĀ outfits. That said, don’t keep anything you donāt like!
You Keep Too Many Duplicates.
My hand is raised on this one. Itās so easy to justify another great pair of blackĀ pantsĀ because I like and wear them so often. Keep a few of the best, and release the rest. Last year, I struggled to declutter my jeans collection. Surprise! I find myself in the same spot again this year, with multiple pairs in a donation bag!
You’re Overzealous
We often talk aboutĀ finding yourĀ personal styleĀ here on AWSL. Our style evolves as we learn and grow, so getting rid of large portions of yourĀ wardrobeĀ in one fell swoop can lead to remorse. Iād rather have three not-sure boxes than regretĀ donatingĀ a piece prematurely. Packing things up and removing them from your dailyĀ wardrobeĀ will help clear your mind so you can get a better idea of how you want to look going forward.
The one category I seldom declutter from my wardrobe is accessories. They take up very little space, and I often change my mind about them.
How To Organize Your Wardrobe
As you go through this process, begin to organize yourĀ wardrobeĀ in a user-friendly way. Some people like to organize by color, and others use categories. I find that categories make the most sense, and then I further refine them by color within each category.
Hang all your shirts on the rod, facing in the same direction. Group all jeans together and all pants together. The same goes for skirts, jackets, sweaters, and knit tops. You can further categorize them by color (light to dark) or formality level (casual to dressy). This helps you see what you have, identify duplicates, and spot the things you’re missing from your wardrobe essentials.
Note – I no longer separate my items by formality because life is too short not to wear the good stuff. It’s fun to wear a silk blouse; add jeans, sneakers, some amazing earrings, and a faux fur vest. I firmly believe we should not save our best pieces. We deserve to enjoy them every chance we can get.
Get a good lint remover and fabric shaver to keep your clothes in good shape moving forward. My favorite is this Gleener and this shaver.
Wardrobe Storage Tools
Velvet hangersĀ save a ton of room on yourĀ rodsĀ and virtually double yourĀ closet space. The flocked surface helps grip your tops so they don’t slip to the floor.
I like to hang my seasonal clothes,Ā sweaters, and woolens in these clear wardrobe storage bags so I can see what I have while they keep the moths at bay. You can also use under-the-bedĀ storageĀ bins, but I fear I would forget what I own!
Hardest clothing to declutter
Some categories feel easier toĀ declutterĀ than others. The pieces you struggle with most will likely be your favorite types of garments. For me…it’s jeans because I wear them most days. Try not to justify keeping too many duplicates because it’ll make it harder to get dressed each morning.
The goal isnāt a perfect closet. Itās one that works better. A little space goes a long way, and you donāt have to be ruthless to get there. When something gives you pause, set it aside and move on.
Whatās the category thatās hardest for you to declutter?
This is one of the best articles I’ve ever read on de-cluttering! I love the box for “not sure”, I’m going to try out that idea. I too have way too many items in some categories and I realize I have changed my feelings towards tunics, used to love them but now think they make me look frumpy. Your article confirmed some of my thoughts and gave me some new ideas too, thanks.
I’m glad you found this helpful.
These suggestions/guidelines/ideas have really motivated me to take a new look at my closet. I’ve always been of the “purge” mindset, but “decluttering” is a much better approach for me. Thank you for this great and timely information!
This was absolutely amazing!
Thank you for breaking it all down.
With aging (soon to be 73) and body changes seems daily, I get confused about the old (younger) me and the new 70,s me.
I plan on doing this soon.
Thank you!
It sounds like you hang all your sweaters, even the cashmere. Do you turn them inside out so they don’t get bulges on the shoulders? Thanks. Appreciate blogs like this one!
No I hang them on flocked hangers right along the seam and have never had bulges. If they’re heavy I fold over the bar of a flocked hanger.
All our clothes and shoes are in boxes, totes, on the floor as we are waiting to have our master closet done (we just moved into our house a few weeks ago.) I want to be very diligent when the closet is done is a few weeks, and we put our clothes into our new closet. Thank you for your suggestions.
Good luck with your move, it sounds exciting.
This is a great post with declutterring tips I will actually use. I love all your post- you really understand how I feel as a 69 year old who is retired but still likes to look good!
Your blog itopic s perfectly timed, Jennifer. I’ve been looking at my closet for a couple weeks. This weekend may be when I get in there and do something about itš
. It was a very useful article.
Can those velvet hangers be used to hang sweaters?
Yes, that’s what I hang mine on
I have 2 ( both colors) of the AYR denim shirt and I really like them. I also have their jeans in several cuts and washes. Good brand!
Thanks Susan, now I’m even more excited to get it.
I need to tackle mine this weekend. Iāve gained weight around my waist and many pants are too tight, and some tops show my muffin top. It causes me immense frustration when I put something on only to take it off again. Marking Sunday Closet purge on my calendar.
I hear you! The extra 7 pounds Iām carrying has made muffin top a reality more times than I like.
Such a much needed post! I struggle with jeans also. I have so many and every year I struggle with which ones to keep. I try them all on and decide from there. This year seems extremely hard as I love all my skinny jeans but they don’t seem to be in anymore. I need to be ruthless, lol.
Thanks for the motivation to finally tackle this job. My biggest problem is with weight. I have that extra yuck in the midsection and I keep āplanningā to lose it.
One of the tricks I have used in the past is turning hangers backwards. If I havenāt reached for something in a year I have to be honest about whether it is serving me. Unfortunately, itās harder to eliminate than one would think. As you pointed out, itās more difficult when it was a gift or expensive.
Living in Ontario in a snow belt, the seasons are quite extreme.
So I sort warm and cold clothes late sept/oct and march/april.
I find that a great time to go through things and sort.
I love your boxes of uncertainty – very helpful !
I think the hardest for me to sort are shoes. Until they wear out, I generally keep them all!
Thanks for all the great tips Jennifer!
I noticed a recurring theme of ladies worried about their waist line. I started Mayo Clinic diet in August with a goal of 15 lbs. It has been slow, down 10 lbs, but the surprising win was my waist has shrunk even without the weight loss. Appears it is the “white” things in my diet, white rice, white bread, white pasta etc. A simple swap. Happy New Year.
Happy New Year!
I order items online and then never wear them, missing the return window. I end up donating new clothing. I found a thrift store that helps women in need. That makes me feel better about my mistakes. My new years resolution is to stop online impulse shopping.
I self find impulse buys helpful, unless itās unique accessories or beauty item.
I group mine in categories, but nothing more, then I wear whatever is first in that category. Itās amazing how many new combinations you can come up with that you wouldnāt think of before. If itās a piece I donāt want to wear, doesnāt feel good or doesnāt look good, it goes in my permanent giveaway box. When itās full, I donate it. Iāve done this for years and it works for me and keeps my closet uncluttered with things I donāt wear.
Great idea!
This post hits home, I have a lot ready to go to the consignment shop! One quick tip is to turn your hangers around so you know if you have worn something (obviously turning them the right way after you’ve worn that item). If it hasn’t been touch through a season, it’s time to re-look at it. I have too many “what was I thinking” clothes!
Such a difficult task. I keep 2 different sizes for weight fluctuation. The 3 word technique is š«¤ meh for me. My mood that day may not for one of my āstyleā words. Maybe the answer is less is more ? I think I may go to my grave struggling with a closet declutter š¤·āāļø
I often wake up wanting to express something new and fun with my outfit. Thatās where accessories work for me.
On NYE I decided I wasnāt going to be cold or uncomfortable. Wore comfy black velvet pants, black lacy cardigan, hot pink velvet comfy Sam E. loafers and a cozy dark blurple faux fur. Also vintage Weiss rhinestone necklace whose quality beats anything you can buy now! I have been eyeing AYR (those shirts and those one pants that are popular) canāt wait to hear hoe you like them. Happy New Year!
Love the sound of your fun NYE outfit!! I wore pjs and a cozy robe š. Iām excited to see the AYR quality! Happy New Year Shari.
Jennifer, I appreciate this article and think organizing oneās clothes closet is a great idea. I also appreciated that you said the Marie Kondo approach of anything that sparks joy keep and the rest let go is not good rule for all clothes. I have things in my wardrobe that are more formal that I wear infrequently but am glad I have them when I need them. To me they donāt have to spark joy and I keep those pieces in clear plastic dress bags in a second bedroom.
I think facing my closet means admitting to an always casual lifestyle and that I need to get rid of the clothes waiting for me to lose 20 pounds. I am 70 and retired and live in a warm climate. This year I vow to buy a pair of dress pants and a few nice blouses, because I’ve devolved into not going places when I have to dress up. Some of the better items I no longer wore I gave to my 2 cousins when they visited because they were too nice to donate. Now I will be culling Tshirts. I wear the same ones so I’ll avoid buying the styles from now on that I hardly wear. I’m a believer in having fewer clothes but spending more to get the item that fits well and flatters, so that will be my guideline. Jjill is my favorite place, so I guess I’ll be visiting when they get their warm weather clothes!
Good luck! You will feel so much better facing a closet with only things that fit you.
Good hangers are important. I’ve finally cleared out the last of the velvet hangers that I bought at a popular store. They kept breaking and gave me a bad impression of velvet hangers. So frustrating! Nobody else seemed to have this problem. Now I know that this was a bad batch.
I still use wooden hangers for my pants and jeans, but don’t intermingle them with velvet hangers.
I agree that taking all the clothes out of the closet at once makes the task overwhelming. I prefer to work in time blocks, one category at a time, or simply removing clothes that no longer work for me as I go. I’m learning that “clothes that don’t show dirt” is the category I love, as we’re in yet another water crisis. (ā ā ā āæā āā )
Happy new year! Great post!
I think the trickiest category is Ā«Ā kept too long/not worth donating?Ā Ā» but not raggy/throwAway yet.
This is where your mental encouragement comments
are so valuable!
Happy New Year, I absolutely love your suggestions for decluttering my closet.
I do clean it out twice a year but your suggestions are very useful and valuable. Thank you and have a great weekend
Happy Weekend Pat!
Of all the declutter and reorganize posts I have seen for 2025, yours has hit the mark 100%! Thank you for you clear and thoughtful tips.
I’m so glad this helps Joann
I found Velvet hangers at Samās Club. They come in different colors too! They are on sale now for 10.98 for 50! Certainly worth the price to help organize closets.
Great post. I retired in April and went through my closet. I keep a bag I. The closet and as I dress if something doesnāt fit or decide it doesnāt work I put I put I. The bag. Then donate when full.
Jennifer, thank you for your thoughts , I need to declutter..my Achilles heel is a white t-shirt , I’m afraid to count how many I have..I do know that anything with a round neckline will have to go, along with jeans….and I seriously need to edit my shoes. Your guidelines are by far the best I’ve read….Happy 2025 and I look forward to reading. your every morning…
Iāve just tossed a few white tees because they got a yellow cast. I hate to be an enabler but the COS ones I replaced them with, are awesome quality.
Very helpful post! I’m afraid I’m a belt hoarder with my 35+ after reading the recommendation online that only 3-5 belts are necessary in a wardrobe. I was wondering how many you have and any thoughts you have on belts?
Belts are accessories so I have many. Some are over 25 years old. I like unique ones so I donāt limit myself plus storage is easy.
Since retiring, I’ve moved away from structured garments. I find my new wardrobe easy to care for, comfortable, and versatile. However, I’m struggling to store it. Almost everything is knit or silk. The bottoms are easy to hang. I almost always wear a third piece. Many of the tops and third pieces can’t be hung without distorting the shoulders. The same is true for dresses with sleeves. Additionally, I downsized my home, and the closets are small. There has to be a way to store my wardrobe. So far, it eludes me.
Try folding soft tops and drape over a hanger with other tops.
I’m a bit of a minimalist. Although I wear jeans most of the time, I don’t think I’ve ever owned 6 pairs at once! I do, however, have to weed things out of my wardrobe from time to time for many of the reasons that you’ve touched on here. This winter, I’m trying to put on every item in my closet at least once and when I do, I evaluate whether it’s something I should keep or not by asking myself many of the questions that you’ve suggested. It’s a gradual clean out, but it works for me.
Itās important to note that I am a fashion blogger and brands send me clothes throughout the year so my collection is larger than most womenās.
I totally agree with you on donations — and some stores take clothes even if not from them (e.g. Madewell takes jeans). I think the more important thing by far, however, is not to purchase some much to begin with. When I go to the grocery store, I have a list. The same should be true of clothes. My biggest issue is jeans — love them and a good deal — but I am a lot smarter about purchasing sustainable clothing. I’m a work in progress. I also believe in ‘buy one new item, donate one old one. This year I am putting myself on a clothes allowance — number of items not cost. I am exempting lingerie, socks, required footwear, and things that have to be replaced.
Happy New Year! Thanks for all you do.
Decluttering for me is always ongoing. Since I retired a couple years ago, have a rule, if something is added in, another garment comes out. Really helps to keep things under control. Love the tips!
Iām trying to get my husband to do the sameā¦and I need to as well.
I constantly edit my closet, but Iām doing a #nonew90 for a pause and to reassess what I have, how it fits and how it goes together (proportion wise). Around two years ago I started transitioning my wardrobe to my seasonal color palette and it was the best thing I have done. Everything goes together color wise and I no longer have those orphans that donāt match anything else. My biggest struggle is a size change and I can no longer rely on styles I used to wear. I keep some of the favorite older items in an underbed box just in case, with my skinny jeans that I never liked but was stuck with all those years.
Knowing how to see and alter is so valuable.
Sweaters, coats and shoes are my downfall. I have sweaters from 6th grade ( Iām now 73!). I wear coats from my Mom and Mother-in-law that date back to the 40ties. Unfortunately I have heals in all colors and styles that I canāt wear til I resolve my vertigo issues. Other shoes and boots are from 25 years ago to last week. Buying good things, taking care of them, and having space to organize things is the key.
Your idea of a not sure box is brilliant! It takes away that black and white decision making and offers some wiggle room for a decision to to be finalized later.
Gotta say I totally appreciated all your input on closet reorganizing and put it into practice immediately. Can be such a chore but when broken down into bite-size pieces is totally freeing. You speak my language of practicality!
Definitely jeans! I have way more pairs than I wear, and when I find a pair I love, I buy another. Time to purge.
I also ordered some of the wardrobe storage bags. Besides clothing, I think one will be perfect for my seasonal table runners. They’re in dry cleaning bags right now, and it’s time to upgrade. š
I love to declutter! It should be my profession. lol
I went through everything with the change of seasons. When my two grown daughters were out in the summer & fall I told them to take any footwear they wanted except a choice few. I also donated some. Now, I have on,y my favourites and those that are comfy. I kept one pair black heels for those special occasions. My closet has only those pieces that fit me at this weight. Anything I donāt reach for often during the winter months will be donated come spring, I also went through my totes of smaller sizes yesterday. Anything in a size 6, I put in a garbage bag and dropped off at the thrift store. I donāt think Iāll reach that low weight again. But to be honest, I did hold onto a select few of my quality, favourite pieces. š¤«
I wear jeans most days. I have four pairs in my closet – two indigo, straight leg, one black, straight leg and one grey, slim leg. Anything with a wider leg, I donated too. I just wasnāt reaching for them as I didnāt find them as flattering.
I have used the trash, donate, and maybe box. It works well. I left the maybe box sitting by my closet and each day as I passed I glimpsed in and thought do I really want to keep this? I ended up donated most but gave myself time to think first.
Thatās fabulous! I still have some to go through but it feels so good to clear things out.
Black pants. I just counted 8 pair in my closet. I think I might have a problem!
I have you beat there Kay!! I had 9 and too many of them were similar.
Jennifer, thanks for the tips….I’m in a process to declutter my closet. Most of my clothes will go to a local shelter, and some have been in a donation bag….this is my New Years resolution…donate!! Sometimes , though I do think of a few items I donated an regret not giving them a second chance. But hopefully they have good homes…
I have regretted a few donations myself so I use the not sure box as long as necessary now until I am sure.
Thank you for this post. I definitely need to move some things out of my closet, and replace some with more flattering colors and fit. The area I have the most trouble with is things that fall in the sentimental category.
I think many of us struggle with sentimental items. I know I do.
You’re certainly not alone with that one.
Jennifer, what a great post! I love the idea of a ānot sureā box. My issue is kind of unique. I have Lyme Disease and have been through many years of antibiotic and a type of chemo treatments. My abdomen is extremely swollen and my doctors and nutritionists call me their Unicorn. My swelling fluctuates and losing longed for weight has proven difficult. My point is I hang on to clothes hoping and determined to find āmy answerā. I buy what I can wear for now. Iām quite organized but my closet crams up with whatever works for the swelling. It makes it difficult to streamline. I think a box of ānot sureā will help weed things out for now. Thank you for the great ideas.
Happy New Year!
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with that. Would loose, casual dresses be a good option for you? They would bypass your wasitline and might be more comfy too.
Thanks Jennifer. Dresses are a good option but difficult to find. I either look like Iām trying to be a teenager or Iām pregnant! A lovely dress is a treasure. Any suggestions are most welcomed!
I will keep my eye out for some.
Box #5 – Practical. These are the solid tees and blouses that I may rarely wear but when you need a certain color, it’s there!
All those pieces that don’t spark joy but take up so much “prime real esate” room now go into a box. Often enough, I buy a new piece of clothing and need a certain color shell and rather than start the hunt, I am likely to find something in that box that works!
Great post! So much good advice. Happy New Year!
Great idea Marian!
Obviously this topic was spot on for many of us! Regarding your mention of sentimental items such as gifts, take a photo of the item, it will be easier to donate and still remember the special moment and/or the giver.
One thing I have done is to develop categories of what I wear most and look best in, by style. For example, I am petite with narrow hips, and I know I look best in narrow pants so all but a half-dozen trouser-style or palazzo pants went out. I feel best in tops with collars: I am very fair skinned and in summer they provide more protection and always more comfortable in places that are overly air-conditioned. And as a fair skinned golfer, got rid of almost every sleeveless polo shirt as I always got burned across my shoulders. And I found I really donāt look good in boatneck sweaters/tops: out they went.
Happy New Year! Great post! I love decluttering! Not only closet but everywhere. Love the idea of the see through storage bags. Seasonal/Special occasion clothing can get dusty over time-ordering some of those . My hardest category is jackets – the third piece. Love, love jackets and blazers. Last year I had a good friend come over and take away some I wasnāt wearing and donated some. Itās really made me pause on buying any new after realizing how much I spent in the give aways! š
Happy New Year! I actually donated a few scarves this year which surprised me but they were very unflattering colors on me.
Two thoughts: When I purge and am unsure about whether I want to keep something, I hang it inside out and attach a ribbon to the hanger. Black= a fall fall/winter purge; pastel=spring/summer purge. Since all the kids have moved out, I have an extra closet that I use for out-of-season clothes. When I change closets, I leave the inside out clothes only putting them right side out if Iāve worn them. At the end of the season whatever has not been turned right side out gets donated! Secondly, we have a facebook group, formerly called Buy Nothing (city) which is a national group by city or neighborhood. People post #ask or #gift and others respond. I canāt tell you how many items – clothing and kitchen – I have given to people. I recently posted items in a kitchen purge and all were given away. The same w/sweaters I purged from unturned hangers this fall! I really love when others can use things I no longer want or need. Sorry this is such a long post!
That sounds like a great group. I do like knowing someone is enjoying what Iāve donated.
Love the inside out idea. I have done that with clothes that need a repair or hemming.
You are so on the mark. I am retired 3 years now and still have working clothes in my closet as well as Chico leather (real) leather jackets. I donāt wear because they donāt fit but canāt part with. So silly. I too have a Jean issue but I keep trying. I did notice once I take the article of clothing out of my closet I can better part with it. I sell on Poshmark and what does not sell I take to Goodwill. Iām 73 but your style and tips work great for me. Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year!
Great Post!.
I need help with wardrobe tools. I like to hang pants and skirts by their waistlines, not their hemlines. I can’ t find hangers wide enough to do the job properly. 14 inches is the widest I have been able to find. Do you know where to find wider hangers? How do you hang skirts and pants?
I hang all my pants, skirts and jeans. I havenāt found wider ones so I just center them on the hanger and let a few inches extend past the clip.
To avoid giving away the critical “black, yet old” pant, I group my pants, skirts, jacket and jeans into mini capsules by color (use a plastic hanger to separate). Then line up the tees, blouses and sweaters by color. This way I know the core neutral color is complete (not large: skirt, pant or 2, topper or 2). And, I can quickly infuse color. Makes packing a breeze, too.
What a great idea! That would make packing so much easier.
Hello, like many women who have transitioned to a new chapter, I have closets (yes, I know!) Of clothes I haven’t worn for years, and many pounds ago. I finally tackled a closet about 4 years ago when one of my daughters started her first “professional” job in the financial services field. After many lectures, head-shaking and laughter we came across one of my very favorite and most expensive suits from 30 years ago. And she loved it! A classic black and white Glen pliad, fully lined, that I distinctly remember buying in Manhatten on one of my monthly business trips to NYC. The skirt was mid calf and a size 8 (sigh!) A little too small for my athletic daughter, but the jacket fit well and she loved it. She did make one adjustment which kind of makes me cringe- cut out the shoulder pads! – but, she looked great in it and still wears it. Often with good jeans , which I never would have thought of, but it makes me smile every time I see her wear it, or when she tells me that someone made a comment on it. Retro and vintage are stylish today! A great investment piece does stand the test of time!! I am still working on the other closets…anyone need any bridesmaid dresses? Love the blog, Jennifer! Happy New Year!
I absolutely love your story Maureen. Thank you for sharing it! I have multiple closets that have been getting edited too. The struggle is real. Now if I could just break down and donate that opera cape I made back in the 70ās š¤£
My dilemmaā¦I value all decluttering advice but have found over the years that my color preferences run in cycles. The past two or three years have been burgundy/cassis/fig and blues/black but two or three years ago it was shades of greens, and the year before that, dark rose. I may find that in six months it is time for greens and rose again. Also, I have gone up and down 10 to 15 pounds for the last 10 or so years. As soon as I give something away based on size, I go back to that size. I have tried getting rid of things. I know I will not wear anymore, such as light pink, which phase has ended for me, permanently, I think. So I save colors so that when my preferences return to that palette, I do not need to start shopping again. It leads to a great many garments and I do try to get rid of duplicates, but I seem to always have more than I should. But I can shop my closet in each subsequent phase.
That is a dilemma but shopping your closet is the best so if you have space, it works for you.
My weakness is t-shirts. I have finally put my really old ones aside to eventually make into a quilt, but I still own a ton of shirts. I’m trying to move away from wearing them all the time by replacing them with comfortable, more stylish blouses but t-shirts are my go-to item.
Thanks for all you do!
A quilt sounds like a clever idea. Youāre very creative!
I store my purses in cloth bins from TJX. I line up the large purses in standing position so I can grab them easily. I have been trying to use smaller purses more often and have a few in different colors stored in the front bin. The bins are on a shelf under the shelves where I keep my jewelry
Thatās a great idea. I find purses hard to get rid of but did manage to donate a few last week.
This is a great article Jennifer. I clean out my closet at the start and end of each season so I don’t usually have that much to de-clutter, with the exception of evening clothes. It took me many years to finally donate some items that I knew I would never wear again but loved looking at.
My husband is a pack-rat and finally after 2 years of nudging (okay, maybe nagging) he finally tackled his closet and we have many bags to take to the textile recycling centre today. I swear that some of the sweaters he had were from the 80’s!
I can assure you my pack rat husband has many sweaters from the 80ās!š¤£ He keeps everything, just in case.
Great post! I am constantly decluttering and evaluating my closet. When the mood hits I fill up a bag and take it to my local assistance league before I can change my mind.
I found Allyson Bournsteinās bok āWear It Wellā very helpful. Most of all she encourages you to dig deeper into the āunsureā pile. Does it need alterations? Do you lack something to wear it with?
Weight changes are the most challenging and what Iām facing now. I also used to love the flowy asymmetrical draped stuff but now it overwhelms. My current words are simple, sporty and modern. I work hybrid and the office is much more casual than the before times yet I still occasionally need a business oufit. I also realized a huge portion of my life is dog walking, working out and camping/hiking/outdoorsy stuff so itās time to recognize that and incorporate some nicer looking items instead of ratty old ts and fleeces.
Happy 2024 all!
Happy 2024! Nice athleisure wear sounds like a smart move for you. I updated mine last year and Iām so glad I did.
I find that shoes are the hardest thing to part with. I am retired and have knee problems. Iāve tried selling the shoes at Poshmark and consignment stores but Iāve only succeeded with one pair. They are beautiful, expensive and in great condition, but they occupied a big portion of my closet. I would like to donate them to young girls that are trying to find a job and dress for success. I need to find such organization. Thank you Jennifer for all your great tips.
Dress for Success does help women get back on track in the workforce. They might be a good resource for you.
I have a lot of clothes! Organizing my closet by outfit works for me. I hang complimentary top and bottom next to each other. I will also place a necklace or scarf on the shirt/sweater hanger. After wearing the outfit once, each gets placed in separate hampers. I run out of pants first, so that load gets washed and matched with remaining tops in the closet. The necklace and scarf (once worn) will also get matched with unpaired tops. Once all of the tops have been worned, they will be washed and the cycle begins again.
If I recognize that the same top always remains unworn, it will be donated.
Great post, I think everyone should declutter their home at least once a year. Although I do it every time the season changes and I go through my clothes for the season. Well done so keep it up!
Thank you for the post. I’m very inspired to get busy. I struggle with multiple white T-shirts. I use them a lot to layer. The neckline as well as the hemline needs to vary depending on the outfit and jewelry, but labeling to locate when needed is my issue. I also struggle with having the right shoe for the jean type in brown and black. I don’t wear any very much, but want to be prepared. The shoes are out of style before worn out. Thanks!
My two pet peeves that makes items exit my closet: twisted leg seams on jeans and twisted sleeves on knit items. These items weren’t properly cut by the manufacturer but were not apparent at the time of purchase. This is a result of batch cutting in too many layers. The flaws show after laundering.
I agree. Those things make me hate an item too. They feel āoffā!
Thanks for all of your advice to improve our beauty, especially for us who are more of a mature age! I love your fit of bootcut jeans. Can you share your source? As a petite, I find it hard to get the right jeans. Iām 5ā2ā, 113 pounds, but proportionately, my thighs are my heavy point. Some bootcuts are so snug from the thigh to the knee that I look knock-kneed. Thanks for sharing your styling skills!
Hi Barbara. I like NYDJ and Talbots bootcut jeans. It’s really a matter of trial and error to find your best fit.
Jennifer…this was a wonderful post, so helpful. I’ve already started the process but the wardrobe is so hard for me to do. Thanks again!
I’m so glad it was helpful.
I find parting with special occasion pieces the most difficult. I also see that fancier occasions are not as common these days. A good jacket is like a work of art to me. Since my weight fluctuates and I am dealing with a larger waistline I did decide to treat myself to having a semi dressy jacket made to my own design. It was expensive but it is a forgiving swing jacket design which can easily accommodate fluctuations. It was a thrill to design and choose the colors and fabric I wanted.I made it reversible and I deserve it! All I can say to those who are struggling with weight for the first timeā¦Be grateful you had the ease of wearing what you wanted for so long. Iām not sure you realize how lucky you are.
Your jacket sounds fabulous, Teri!
My hardest items to declutter is my dressy blouses. It is hard to find the right ones as a petite. So you have challenged me with the not sure box. Thanks
This works for me!
I tried various methods of sorting. Taking everything out of the closets at one time? Overwhelming. Minimalism? No, not for me. Do I love my socks or thermals? No, I need them.
I bought a half-dozen soft-sided transparent clothing storage bags with zippers from IKEA. I fold the out-of-season items and store them in the bags on shelves. These bags stack well. The weather here goes backward and forward during shoulder seasons, so I can easily take something out or put something in until the weather settles. Best of all, I can see what’s in each bag without taking them off the shelves.
I pull items that are no longer useful to me out of circulation in the season when I’m wearing them. This way I know if they fit or look worn without a mega try-on session. They go directly into a clear plastics bag. I wash them up and donate when the bag is full.
It would be so much easier to deal with one season all year long, but we do need clothing for all extremes here.
I love shoes, so they are the hardest to cull.
Okā¦now Iām not only in the mood to purge – but motivated to start decluttering both mine and my hubbyās closet too! Great post, so thanks for the nudgeā¦š
It has been three years since a California wildfire burned down my house and “decluttered” for me. I’m now at the point where I need to refine my new closet and get rid of some stuff. I have things I bought without much thought right after the fire. When you need to start from scratch, you can’t be too picky. I have things donated to me from kind friends, but most of them are not “me.” I have also collected things I thought a wardrobe needs but turn out to be not necessary (mostly cold-weather accessories in this category.) I bought “cheap” in the beginning, and I regret several choices. So my new mantra is “If not now, when?” I was pulling something out of the closet, hesitating and putting it back, thinking I would wear it eventually, maybe. My new mantra is helping. If I can’t identify a time I would wear the garment, it goes into the donation pile. It’s a process, but I’m aiming for a useable wardrobe of things I really want.
I’m so sorry you went through that, Kay. I love your new mantra. We need to all have that attitude about our things.
A Plan! Now, if you cold only give me the energy to dig in! Happy New Year, and thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you very much for sharing your decluttering method! I feel ready to tackle this chore just knowing I donāt have to purge everything. Iām going to get that Not Sure tote ready now!
I will also give myself time to get out my rolling rack and array my jeans (and white tops) and try them on.
I have eclectic taste, but feel best in classic wear so I often love what I see (and buy)ā¦ on someone else. Does anyone else have trouble letting go of things you loveā¦ but donāt really love you?
I have eclectic taste too, and that’s what usually gets me into trouble.
Hi there
This should mean you will not be buying anything this year – right? Just kidding!
I’m always amazed as to how much clothes you have. I wish I enjoyed shopping.
Thanks for the tips.
Happy New Year to you.
Iām hoping for help here. Feeling desperate. Most sweaters and tees have big, round neck openings. My neck is thin and becoming very wrinkled and my most worrisome area. Only collared shirts help a bit. Turtlenecks catch on the wrinkles. Necklaces bring attention to the problem I would love to donate them all but I have to wear something. Help. Hi
I have a suggestion for you Verna. Perhaps try out some soft scarves, lightly tied. The scarf could add a pretty punch of colour near your face , which if itās the right colours, would be very cheery. Thereās fullness and softness .
I have had fun watching videos about ways to use different shaped scarves.
Hope this gives you some ideas. We all have areas we like to hide a bit. At 72+ my neck has changed a lot too!
Look for a crew neck or high v-necklines, which will be the most forgiving. You could also try scarves.
You could try a fake collar to put under the sweaters. There are lots on Amazon.
I lost a lot of weight in 2021 and 2022. Plus we moved 1,500 miles and the area is much more casual than city life and opposite in climate. I donated and sold a lot of clothes on Mercari. It is a wonderful site and easy to work with. Just an idea for others.
Thank you, Jennifer, for this wonderful post. So many helpful hints for decluttering.
Thanks for the decluttering tips. I need the nudge, and your tips were good! I really like the Not-Sure box (or boxes! š )! That could really help me. Lately, I feel so much guilt if I donāt try to sell items on Poshmark or ThredUp. And, gosh, that takes so much time and effort. Happy New Year!
Great post! And perfect time of year to do it!
12 years ago when we retired and relocated permanently from the Washington, DC area to SWFL I had a massive purging job to do since we already had a completely furnished house/wardrobe in FL at our part time home. I had to get rid of about 3/4 of my clothes since SWFL is pretty much summer all year with seasonal cooling at night. I had a sitting room attached to our bedroom where I laid all of one category of clothing on the floor on one side of the empty space at that point. I then walked down the room and moved everything to the opposite side of the room that I knew immediately I did not want to take with me. When the job got tough I left and went and did something else for a few hours or rest of the day. When I went back to the job at hand it was amazing how many additional items I could add to the “not take with me” side of the room. At the end of each day I bagged the “not take with me” items and donated them the following morning so I couldn’t change my mind. It took a while to go through my entire closet but at the end I tried all the “keeps” on and still donated some as they didn’t look as great as I remembered them. I still kept too many business type clothes as I retired when I left and I now have gotten rid of all but a very few of them for meetings I still attend now and again.
Now that I live in a pretty much 1 season climate I’m trying your process!
Great post! Jeans, sweaters and casual shoes are the things that accumulate in my wardrobe, mostly out of a fear that I wonāt have enough choice when I get dressed every day. However, like many ( most?) of us, I constantly reach for the same few things, leaving the others languishing. Iām feeling inspired today to get ārealā about these items, knowing that if I TRULY ever feel thereās not enough choice, I can go shopping!š
I need this despite the fact that I have a smallish wardrobe I think. After retiring from teaching I donated bags and bags of blazers, skirts, dress pants and classic shirts. I kept 2 blazers. I need jeans that are smaller but Iām tough to fit. I own only 4 pair.
I invest in cashmere tops mainly and some cute work out clothes, but not too many of anything except sweaters
and unique tops. .
In my climate, I go from short sleeve tees to heavy gauge wool sweaters. There aren’t really shoulder seasons. I have too many pretty, J Crew, fine gauge sweaters and silk blouses. They don’t get worn but I love them. My rule is if I love it, it can stay.
I decluttered my overflowing cosmetic drawer over the weekend. My resolution is to throw out/assess it four times a year.
My makeup drawer got cleaned out too.
Magnificent column! Thank you! I retired exactly a year ago and am struggling with suits and blazers. Iāve decided to keep one winter suit and one summer suitāwhichever ones fit best and look most classic. Iām allowing myself to keep only my four favorite blazers because I love to pair them with jeans. Ok, Iāve decided this without looking at my closet yet, but am doing so todayāwish me luck!
Along with some of the other suggestions for donations, I like to also recommend Suits for Vets. These items go to service women (and men) who are re-entering the workforce after their service to our country.
Many times I take photos of myself with my phone in a mirror (front, back and side views). I then realize that a particular item I thought looked great really doesnāt
That’s a great way to determine how things look
I love the ānot sure pileā idea. I will definitely use that when I get my courage up to tackle my closet.
Good advice that I’ll save for later. I declutter and examine my closet at the end of each season — we have 4 in the Northeast — and right now, we are in early winter with more to come. I would add one tip: ask yourself what you need BEFORE buying new clothes. This will save you money and keep you from having a dozen pairs of jeans. The ‘save for later’ tip doesn’t work for me. It simply kicks the can down the field, and I need to deal with things once and done.
I just decluttered my closet yesterday! Also need to declutter my costume jewelryā¦.excellent article, and I bought the hanging sweater shelves. Neat idea! Please consider showing us a capsule wardrobe for some inspiration. Iām thinking this will help me with decluttering as well. Now to start on the kitchen pantryā¦.
Cheers!
Great article. I started decluttering this weekend. (I also have 25+ pairs of jeans with price tags still attached.) It has made me realize how many things I have purchased on a whim. I also have “corporate world” suits that I will never wear again. I found a site fineclothing.com that is a re-sale shop for higher end clothing. This is a wonderful site, the owner is wonderful to work with. She will work with you on how to package your items and will arrange for a shipping label to be provided. She has a complete selection of St John items and will rate the condition of the item when posting for sale. I have also purchased items from her website. Wishing all a Wonderful 2023!!
Hi Jennifer,
Very timely post. I reorganized my small walk in closet in the last year.
I use Une Femme d’un certain age method to hang my tunics and sweaters and it works well. https://unefemme.net/how-to-hang-sweaters.html
I am on a “do not buy anything for 6 months”- but if you know of a great light gray jeans let me know! In terms of recycling: a shout out to Ridwell. They are an adjunct to the trash people and several households could purchase the service. My neighbors contribute all their used batteries biweekly and I can recycle a large part of my plastic regularly. They are a Seattle based service and just started in Berkeley.
Thanks for a fabulous blog!
Thatās how Iāve hung my sweaters for several years! I never get āhanger shouldersā that way. Didnāt know it had a name!
I love your posts, Jennifer. They are practical, thoughtful and most of all inspirational. This one about decluttering the closet certainly got me thinking and up off the couch!!! Look forward every morning to your musings and other gems from your posts.
I’m so glad you found it helpful
Thank you, Jennifer! I scheduled a donation pickup and will start with jeans and corduroys, some of which are close to 10 years old, and will move on to winter scarves. Hopefully, someone else will find a treasure. Good luck to all!
This is a well thought out post. All good advice. The Marie Kondo way of attacking your wardrobe doesnāt work for me either. Putting all your clothes on a pile on the bed? I can see every piece better hanging. Does it spark Joy? Youāre right, every piece does not need to bring you joy. I do ask myself, ā Would I buy this today?ā if undecided. If not, it goes.
I never thought to go through my husbandās closet until you mentioned tackling yours. I promptly went into his and selected old, washed out or tattered jeans, one too many white shirts, and shirts that are too big now. I removed them and when he came home we went through it together. They are being donated today!
Good job Jennifer! This free video by a professional organizer is what helped me declutter and reorganize my closet. She has a fun sense of humor about the topic. https://youtu.be/QPidZ5kBRVs
It is fun!
The toughest items for me to part with are shoes & handbags! I do have a metal tree for my handbags that I hang my favorites on. Shoes are beginning to be easier to part with, as I am definitely donating the uncomfortable, obvious outdated ones.
Thank you for the New Year nudge!
Wow is this ever timely and helpful! I intuitively started going through my wardrobe with a vengeance this weekend. It seems Iām not the only one! These are great tips. I actually packed my no longer lovables in unused suitcases which are normally standing empty. I love all your ideas. Thank you Jennifer, and I hope 2023 is just fabulous for everyone!
I love the suitcase idea!!
Thanks for great tips ! .. it helps me to feel good about where i donate too .! if i picture someone needs Clothes I donate, then i clear out more !.. i found a place that gives directly to homeless or needy families and i like knowing theyll get them .āŗļø Recently lost a size and some tight things fit again and some are way too baggy. So im really tossing things
ā¦i have most trouble getting rid of special dressier clothes, i just dont wear but keep in cases an occasion arises ,,ā¦. But rarely does . After covid even more rarely š©š©.Just purged all my jeans and my abundance of black pants ..
A lot of good suggestions in today’s post! I declutter at the end of each season (4). I decluttered my jeans at the start of fall and have been very pleased with the selection that has remained. My biggest problem is tunic length tops. I haven’t been wearing leggings or jeggings but some of the tops are still so nice and comfy but don’t look good with a bootcut jean. I may hang on to them till next fall and then decide if I need to get rid of them. Womens styles change so much…. skinny jeans to bootcut…that it definitely changes your mind about what you’ll be wearing on the top part of your body too. Well, happy decluttering everyone!!
Wonderful post Jennifer, I know I will refer back to this one often. I also find jeans the hardest thing to let go of. I literally have a tote full of jeans in my quest to find the ‘perfect pair’.
This is a keeper post! I am so glad I signed up for your newsletter! This post gives very good guidelines for organization and purging my closet. As stated before my waistline is disappearing and very little fitted not stretchy clothes fit me anymore. Thanks for the help.
What a helpful and much needed post. I recently went through all my jeans and tried on each pair. Some were actually worn out. That showed me how much I wear jeans. I never want to part with any but I do know that I will always be buying new pairs so that made it easier. I like the idea of putting things you are unsure of in a box. On the spot decisions are hard so that can ease your mind. Thanks for being so helpful.
A terrific post. I love the organized, reasoned approach. (I’ve never been able to relate to spark of joy…). I do relate to others in their comments about how work clothes still hang in closets long after retirement. I’m inspired to tackle my closet. Thank you for the nudge. And Happy New Year.
Happy New Year!
One reader mentioned a question I had and forgot to askā¦. How DO you store your clothingā¦ tees, pants, sweaters, scarves, purses. Iām sure we all would love to see your closet as well! Come on ladiesā¦letās cheer her on!
My closet is tiny! I hang tee shirts too. If I fold things they get wrinkles š Iāll see if I can get some photos.
Visuals are everything! Please do share how your closet looks and how you store shoes and accessories. Itās so helpful to see a closet that works and your closet is busier than most of us who are retired. Thanks!
Yes please, I was just going to request the same thing.
Great ideas here, very helpful. Thank you and happy New Year!
I also hang my tees! Summer weight tees are folded and go in my summer bin during winter. The same with shorts, pajamas, etc. That opens up room for winter clothes that come out of that same bin. I hang everything. I have a walk-in closet I share with my husband. I have to switch out his clothes too. Fortunately, we have big closets in our family room that are for off season clothes and coats. I group all jeans together and then by color. All tops by color in a low hanging rod. Sweaters are on satin padded hangers, as I donāt have drawer space to fold them. All of my cardigans are together then by color, light to dark. I purge in the spring and fall. Maybes go in the family room closet again to be reevaluated in the fall. My weight has been stable but like the other Sydney, my waist is expanding so many things have been donated to Goodwill.
I enjoy decluttering and organizing my closet by color and type of garment but this has not always been true for me. I do love good cotton socks so I hang on to them past their prime as itās hard to find good cotton socks. I also hang on to shoes even when they are worn out or uncomfortable. I have challenged myself to declutter shoes and socks over the last six months. And lastly, I am hanging onto my good ponte pants that fit well even though I am now retired. They are hard to find in a high quality fabric at this point, so I reasoned it would be better to save them. And they still fit, are in style, and look great.
Ponte pants are some of my favorites so I certainly hold on to them!!
It so hard , I KEEP trying.
I’ve found that Eileen Fisher Ponte items fit and last well; worth the extra money. They also have petite sizing – important to someone who’s 5’2″!
I love the Quince ponte pants. Iām also 5ā2ā and they carry petites that are just right. They are very reasonable at $39.99 a pair and come in several colors. Theyāre a great fabric weight and thick enough to hide any lumps and bumps! They carry straight leg (my choice) and boot leg (they were too long and too wide for me). You might want to check them out!
Jennifer, this post on decluttering is the best I have read. I moved last year and I had some of the issues you discuss. I think it is great that you include jeans in our decluttering. We keep way too many. Thanks for posting this timely articleš„³
I wish Iād done more decluttering when we moved. Itās the perfect time!
Great read!! I am about your size and soon turning 64. We live and work on our dairy farm. Jeans that fit always get moved to the work pile. I work I more than I go to town, so my theory is be comfy and love what I work in! I lost 20 lbs in 2022! I had donated all my smaller sizes before I decided to loose those excess pounds. I kind of wish I still had some of them! I am a soft summer color palette and shopping for smaller sizes has been fun!!! Thanks Jennifer for advice and inspiration!!!
Great ideas here! Thanks so much for allowing me to have my not-sure box without guilt. I tried on all of my jeans recently and found a couple of pairs I did not remember I owned and that now fit perfectly.
Thatās a fun discovery!
What a great post! I have to declutter 10 at a time as I tend to get rid of things too quickly. I absolutely love your method. Not sure what I have the most problems with. Maybe tee shirts and sweaters. I have too many.
Excellent tips Jennifer, so pinned for future reference as ’tis the season being winter’ ‘ for me to declutter paperwork as use the fireplace instead of shredding otherwise for garments I try to do it at the end of each season. On that note though, do hope you kept at least one pair of your straight leg slimmer cut and/or skinny jeans which IMHO work/look best with tunic length tops.
-Brenda-
I do have one pair I really like but theyāre shabby looking so I plan to hit Talbots to replace, then Iāll donate my old ones š
I put all my ‘go to’ clothes in my bathroom, which serves as my dressing room, my panties are in a cabinet drawer by the toilet, along with any necessary hygeine products my bras are in a Victorias Secret bag that hangs next to my bathrobe on a hook, and my exercise pants and sweats hang over the towel rod. I put my tops on the stylish hooks that hang over the door. Right ouside the bathroom, I place my hoodies on hooks, and socks in a cool basket next to my umbrellas. Oh yeah, my favorite pj.s hang next to my robe and over the laundry basket. These minimal articles of clothing have served me well while healing from an injury and now after a year of using a makeshift dressing room I am ready to debulk my stores of clothing that more than occupy my bedroom.
Start with a dressing room that is small, then declutter, keeping those few extras that fill your heart, for example my Wedding Dress, my Graduation Gown, my babies little walkers, and of course my favorite purses.
Great information! Thank you. I struggle with how to store handbags. Any ideas?
@Marcia: For storing/organizing outerwear winter accessories (scarves/gloves etc.) I invested in ‘hanging closet shelves’ (similar to Jennifer’s link) however also discovered they work well for handbags (and some do come with dust covers or zippers) plus there is the ‘pocket design’ (i.e.: Zober/@ Amazon) which is another option that I use for small scale bags fitting at least two per pouch. Hope this helps. -Brenda-
Many like to store them hanging from a rack. I find they get dusty that way so store them in bags in my armoire. Thanks for reminding me I have to declutter those too!!
I have put several hooks on the back wall behind my hanging clothes where I now hang 2-3 purses on each. With 2 levels where my shirts hang and 1 level for my slacks/dresses, I can have at least 9 hooks. The few I only use occasionally are in clear plastic boxes on a shelf with a label on the outside as to which purses are inside. Works great!!
Totally agree with Beverly about Poshmark. I do sell some, but buy way too much. Jeans and J.Jill finds are my obsession. Thanks for the gentle reminders and great techniques for decluttering our closets!! Happy New Year!
Jennifer, great tips! When I retired as an educator in 2016 I disposed of twenty pairs of black pants, really!
After brunch with a friend today I am going into my closet and begin the purge!
Thanks Jennifer, love your blog!
You are humble and by the way your hair looks great.
Have a great lunch and happy closer clean out! I have much left to do in mine.
This is the perfect time of year to de-clutter! My closet is over-full of good t-shirts; the kind that form a base layer for outfits. I have too many that don’t fit well, but I keep them because they are just the right color to coordinate with a shirt or jacket. Or I find a bargain, but it doesn’t fit quite right. These will be my first de-clutter project. Your closet-cleaning ideas are really helpful, Jennifer!
Great post! I did the same thing over the week end, starting with jeans. I decided I do no need 34 pairs of jeans (yes I have an issue but in my defense I buy a lot on Poshmark). We have an amazing buy nothing group in my community so I was able to find homes for all of them. Moving forward, Iām promising myself to do better in the new year. Happy New Year to you!
I plan to be much more selective going forward
I use my old tee shirts, for pajama tops. I have knit bottoms for summer and flannel for winter. I have all hanging and divided by color. All blues together, etc. My off season clothes are in large bins. Only hanging clothes are in season. I had to give all of my beloved jeans away a few years ago when at the end of that summer I couldnāt get any of them to close at my ever enlarging waistline! My hips fit in a size 12, bust also or a Medium but I need about a 16 for my 35ā waist! So I am wearing knit put on pants and leggings with long tunics now. Much more comfortable in the winter.
I do the same thing with tees I no longer wear or like (use as pajama tops if comfy and breathable material). Before retirement I leaned to a boho style…fast forward almost ten I’m years, I’m considering going back to that boho style with some leggings (I just haven’t decided how to incorporate and look stylish).
Great tips. I have way too many pants. Skinnies, slim leg, flare leg, ankle length, full length, denim, colored denim. My weight can fluctuate 10-12 lbs. so I have many of these in 2 different sizes.
The struggle is real.
Iām up 8 pounds and not happy about it so understand completely.
Great post! I have also just completed a major purge of everything…tops, sweaters, jackets, pants, dresses, pajamas, work out gear…except…jeans! Didn’t even try them on! I think I have more work to do.
I went from 138 pounds to 141 pounds but it is the redistribution of weight around my middle that is giving me a fit! I was always slim! This is hard to accept. I am disabled and no longer able to walk for exercise so I am dealing with a thick middle. Ugh!
Ditto here. Where is the solution to this? Always skinny but am not now and cannot take those long walks. Ugh is right.
An expanding waistline is so common for older women and so frustrating.
Much needed post, thank you! I had no trouble getting rid of work clothes when I retired (from a hospital so the scrubs were easily donated) but pandemic weight gain, a more casual lifestyle and being unsure of my personal style has left my closet a mish mash of styles. Your post inspires me to start getting it together today!
Like many other responders, I have a thicker waist than I used to but hips arensame nothingness as always. I am learning to alter waistbands! Really. Often elastic waist woven pants have huge hips so donāt work, and knit pants that donāt cling are few and far between ( Eileen Fisher had some wide leg washable crepe that work). Iām also 4ā11ā so must have petite size.
For dress oants I take off the waistband and open up the darts in the pants. The I either add materiat to make the waistband bigger or shift it so thereās no overlap in the front. Lotsnof work but it works. Of course you can pay someone to do it for you. Here in CT itās very very expensive.
I am a pretty good at decluttering because I buy clothes all the time, but the one thing I haven’t gotten rid of is my work suits. I work from home 100% of the time now, and have for three years, but for some reason those suits are still hanging there. I occasionally will wear a skirt or jacket separately but never together.
I think a lot of people are in your same situation. Working from home requires a very different wardrobe.
The work suits are the most difficult challenge as I attack my closet this weekend. I like a few so much that I could possibly wear them to other occasions. I might have to make a 5th box called “Suits.” heehee
I’m all for decluttering my clothes closet. I don’t have a problem (ha!) with ridding myself of clothes but I get bogged down with where to put my clothes. For example: hang sweaters, t-shirts, scarves or put them in drawers? When I put things in drawers I tend to forget them but do the clothes wear longer/better in a drawer? Any suggestions for this Jennifer? BTW, I read a number of clothing blogs and yours is one of my favourites. Sound, reasonable advice at a price point that regular, everyday people can afford. I’m not going to Paris anytime soon so why do I need to dress like a Parisian to go to the grocery store or other errands! Thanks for the great advice and suggestions.
I often forget whatās in drawers so I hang everything but my pajamas, lingerie and workout clothes. Maybe I should hang my workout clothes š¤£
I kept the jackets but sent on the skirts and matching pants. I find that I wear the jackets often now with jeans or a basic pant. I love knitting and buying lightweight pullover sweaters. Tees not much.
I just ordered a new, updated closet organizer kit for my small closet. I am going to start today by removing everything and at that time, sorting out what to keep. I will donate but I really like your suggestion to have a box/bag for items youāre just not sure about. I will add a fresh coat of paint! My closet became a landing spot for much more than clothing. Why? Because it was just so easy to drop a small bag or surplus supplies.
This is such a timely post! My word for this new year is āmindfulness ā.
I havenāt chosen a word for this year yet! Must get on it.
I chose “muted” for as my word for this year. It’s the feeling I have now, not too flashy and bright but reserved and calming.
Nice!
I retired 2 years ago but have been unable to part with all my beautiful suits. I am making it a priority this year. Thanks for the inspiration.
Another reader will have a great resource for you!
Just an idea Cheryl, when you go through you suits, try them on as separates with your other clothes. Depending on your style, suit jacket(s) May look great with a pair of jeans.
I know office attire can be donated to organizations such as Dress for Success too. Just an idea, it is so easy to donate items and the next year find you need a nice jacket or dress pant.! Yes it happened to me!
We have an org called āClothes that workā which is a 501c3 org. It helps those who are coming off welfare or otherwise financially strapped to āshopā for appropriate attire for job interviews and/or positions that require professional dress. Clients are referred by their social worker, counselor, etc. so you know the right people are using the āstore.ā The volunteers who work there help clients choose the right outfit(s) for the type of job they are preparing for. Your suits would be a great addition! Maybe there is a similar org in your area. The bonus is a tax deduction, but for me it is helping people restart their lives.
What a great organization. Thanks for sharing it with us
I spend the week between Christmas and New Yearās doing the same. For me itās jeans also. Iām tall and lanky so Iām still wearing my skinny jeans. Iāve purchased a couple pair of bootcut, but returned the flares, theyāre just not āmeā and at 71 straight legs, unless fitted still feel like Mom jeans to me ,lol! Have adopted your motto, where what makes you feel comfortable. Happy New Year!
I have needed to de-clutter my closet but have kept putting it off. There is something about a New Year that makes me want to be better, to be more organized and your posts and especially the tips have inspired me to get started today! Surprisingly the things that I have the hardest time getting rid of is the old stretched out pj’s and the comfortable clothes that are just worn out that I usually wear around the house. I’m sure 5 pairs of pajamas are too much! Thanks for the help!! Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year,
Excellent, excellent post Jennifer, I always declutter once a year, but now I have a better plan of attack with your suggestions.
Enjoy the week.
Great articleā¦ It is very difficult to part with clothesā¦though I never give up trying. The world has become so relaxed we no longer need dress up clothes. I have also found inexpensive trendy items are easier to donate after the trend is over. Basic quality items make such a difference to dress up or go casual. And donāt forget comfortā¦ jeans that pinch must be ditched! LOL
Happy New Year Ladiesā¦.
I totally agree. Plus where we live matters. My new hometown is much more casual than my previous one.
Excellent post.
Last year we down sized to a smaller house, but I up sized my closet. My husband designed the house with a huge walk in closet for me. I love it, but have found since I have so much room I hang on to things I havenāt worn in years.
When we moved in I put the hangers all facing one way. As I wore something I reversed the hanger. I found the old saying that we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time true for me.
You have inspired me to pass clothing on to someone who would wear and love things I donāt.
I look forward to your blog. You do a great job Jennifer. Thank you.
Iāll have to try that hanger trick. I think Iāll be inspired and enlightened.
I’ve used the hanger trick consistently for tops for a couple of years, resetting them all at the “start” of each season (usually after a major holiday). I force myself to wear each of my tops before returning to something I’ve already worn. It’s a struggle sometimes, so I have a much easier time saying goodbye to the pieces that never seem to spark joy! (Note: I work remotely full-time and don’t like repeating tops too often, making it easier to get through them.)
I love your blog – keep up the great work!
Happy New Year Laura!
I am recovering from a bad cold, so this is a home project I can accomplish while isolating. Thanks for the inspiration, Jennifer. Happy New Year!
What is it about January that compels decluttering? I find myself doing the same thing and really appreciate the tips (& tools) you recommend. Happy New Year!
Your tips to de-clutter are spot on. I utilized pretty much the same theory recently when moving. It was so freeing to remove clothing that was not being worn or had so gone out of fashion that it was shocking to find it still in my closet. Not only that, donating clothing in good shape was so satisfying knowing that someone in need would be able to utilize something of good quality, in good shape, for a small, affordable price. Am loving your blog!
I love donating my new with tags (I have most because of my job) to the battered womenās shelter. It feels so good to help in any way.
I have reread Marie Condo many times. But like you I knew emptying my closet was a failure waiting to happen. I roll the rail that lives next to my washer and dryer into my bedroom. Then just pull out by category and color. This process allows me to leave the rail should I get tired and want to continue the next day?
Brilliant Suzi