How to Prepare Your Closet for Fall In 6 Simple Steps
I always get the urge to tackle my closet as fall gets closer. It’s a good time to put away the summer things I’m finished with, pull out my fall clothes, and remind myself what I already own before anything new catches my eye. I usually find a few things I’d completely forgotten about, which is both a pleasant surprise and a fairly accurate assessment of my closet.
It’s also the moment when all those small jobs we’ve been ignoring become impossible to miss. Sweaters need de-pilling, shoes need attention, and a few clothes are still hanging there despite no longer fitting or being worn. They aren’t improving with age while they wait.
A little work now makes the whole closet feel calmer and getting dressed much easier when fall finally arrives. Or when the weather decides to pretend it has.
Quick Checklist: Fall Closet Transition
- Set aside three or four uninterrupted hours.
- Sort clothes into store, donate, discard, repair, and not-sure groups.
- Clean, repair, and de-pill clothes before putting them away.
- Store summer clothes where they’ll stay clean and protected.
- Organize fall clothes so you can see and reach what you wear.
- Make a list of genuine wardrobe gaps before shopping.
How to Prepare Your Closet for Fall
Step 1: Set Aside Enough Time
Cleaning out a closet always takes longer than we think. This is not a job to start an hour before an appointment, unless you enjoy coming home to a bed buried under sweaters.
Set aside three or four uninterrupted hours so you can finish what you start. If your closet needs more than that, work through it one section at a time rather than emptying everything at once.
Step 2: Assess and Declutter Your Wardrobe
Some people recommend emptying the entire closet and laying everything out at once. I don’t. I prefer to start at one end of the rod or work through one drawer at a time. It’s less overwhelming, and you can stop without leaving the room looking as though the closet exploded.
Have five bags or boxes ready:
- Store: Summer clothes you’re finished wearing for the season.
- Donate or consign: Clothes in good condition that no longer work for you.
- Recycle or discard: Pieces too worn to donate. Check whether a local organization accepts textiles before sending them to a landfill.
- Repair: Anything worth keeping that needs cleaning, alterations, new buttons, or other attention.
- Not sure: The pieces you can’t quite release but aren’t wearing either.
The not-sure box matters because the decision isn’t permanent. Tape it closed, put it somewhere out of sight, and revisit it in six months. If you haven’t missed anything inside, you have your answer.
As you work, ask:
- Does this fit my body now?
- Have I worn it in the last year?
- Is it in good condition?
- Do I feel good wearing it?
- Does it suit my current style and the life I’m actually living?
That last question catches a lot. Many of us keep clothes for a life we no longer lead, or one we imagined we might. The clothes aren’t guilty, but they don’t need permanent housing either.
Step 3: Clean, Repair, and De-Pill
Wash or clean summer clothes before storing them, and inspect fall pieces as they come out. Look for stains, odors, missing buttons, loose hems, and anything that needs a trip to the tailor or cobbler.
Doing it now means the clothes are ready when you want them, which is far better than discovering a moth hole five minutes before dinner.
I give my sweaters a quick pass with this Conair fabric shaver. I’ve used mine for years, and it makes tired knitwear look remarkably better. I also use a battery-free Gleener on more delicate knits.
Step 4: Store Summer Clothes Safely
Once everything is clean and completely dry, protect it from dust and pests. I hang my out-of-season clothes in clear garment bags because I can see what’s inside.
Under-bed storage bags, clear bins, and vacuum bags work too. Whatever you use, label it. I’m always convinced I’ll remember what’s in an unmarked box six months from now. I never do.
Don’t Put Away Every Summer Piece
Early fall weather is fickle, so keep a few short-sleeve tees, lightweight tops, button-down shirts, and summer dresses within reach.
They’ll work under cardigans, blazers, and denim jackets when the morning says October and the afternoon says otherwise.
Step 5: Organize Fall Clothes So You Can See Them
There’s no point organizing a closet according to a system you won’t maintain. I group by category first, then by color. Shirts face the same direction, jeans and trousers stay together, and jackets, sweaters, skirts, and knit tops have their own sections.
The things I wear most stay at eye level, not tucked on a high shelf where they can quietly disappear.
Uniform hangers also reduce visual clutter. I used wooden hangers for years, but velvet hangers take up far less room. I use four-bar hangers for scarves and pants, a hanging organizer for sweaters, and this inexpensive belt organizer for belts.
If your denim could use an update, I’ve also rounded up some of the best straight-leg jeans for women over 60. If you’re taking a bigger look at what deserves space in your closet, my guide to building a wardrobe for your real life is a good place to start.
Step 6: Find the Gaps Before You Shop
Figuring out what your wardrobe is missing is key when shopping for a new season. Now that the pieces you don’t or can’t wear are removed, you can look at what you already have and spot the items you need. Do you need a new winter coat, new workout wear, or versatile pieces for in-between weather? Don’t forget to check your shoes, accessories, and basics, too.
If shoes are on your list, take a look at my comfortable fall shoes that were the most popular with readers last year. If your denim could use an update, I’ve also rounded up some of the best straight-leg jeans for women over 60. If you’re taking a bigger look at what deserves space in your closet, my guide to building a wardrobe for your real life is a good place to start.
What are you adding, replacing, or happily rediscovering in your closet this fall?
This relates to your column on travel clothes. Just traveled to France wearing the Athleta high-waisted pants, t-shirt and fleece jacket you recommended with comfy black Skechers. Perfect for very cold airport and sleeping overnight on plane.
Yay!! I adore those pants.
I am so excited because I am having two of my closets redone by California Closets. No I don’t work for them but now all my clothes are on the bed or the floor. I can truly edit my clothes now and free myself of clutter. I did read once to declutter while you can still walk!
That is exciting! I’ve seen some of the closet systems they build, and they’re gorgeous.
I am firmly in the camp of sorting clothes in small categories. I don’t want to spend more than an hour at a time.
Thanks for the nudge to begin preparing for fall. Its still in the 90s here (ugh) so I’ll be wearing linen for a while. But I washed all my white and pale pants and culled out the items that weren’t worn this summer and divided them to donate or consign next spring. Its easier for me to do it in stages and work on one category at a time. I
Breaking it down by category is a great way to organize it.
Jennifer, I love this post. It is such a good reminder and very timely. Thank you
Jayne
My neighborhood has had a rummage sale the Saturday after Labor Day for 52 years. It’s a good time to get clothes & other things I no longer want or need out of my house. This summer I’ve been trying to wear things I usually ignore. If they haven’t made me feel good, I keep a bag in my laundry room for the rejects. I have 7 garbage bags of clothing to go out for sale tomorrow, among other things.
Way to go!!
Thanks for the great advice!
I do my closet turnover in stages, as we can get a summer weather alternating with fall weather into mid October some years. I started last week by putting away my bright coloured and very light weight pieces. I have kept the darker and heavier linen pieces, in addition to cotton shirts, tees, light sweaters and jackets in my closet. I went through all my fall/winter clothes to pull out the lighter fall sweaters, pants and jackets and also to see what needs replacing and where the gaps are (shoes, boots and full length black pants) and will start to shop for those now.
Have a great weekend Jennifer.
You too, Yvonne
Wonderful organization ideas!
Already have the velvet coat hangers and love them…..saves so much space in your closet plus not as heavy as the plastic hangers.
Super tips, Jennifer! As for myself since the children have left the nest I am able to have seasonal closet space (Spring ‘n Summer/Fall ‘n Winter plus Holiday and Outerwear). On that note what I also do is at each seasonal end I ‘store the pieces inside out that can be’, which gives me an idea what I favour which will be hung right side out once worn the following year. Also it safeguards against outer discoloration (often seen on shoulders) of those garments that I may miss a few seasons of not wearing but still wish to hold on to. (Hope that makes sense.)
-Brenda-
P.S.: Love the orange sweater on you and at first thought it might be one of your creations as do know you knit and most probably could with your talent.
That makes totally sense Brenda! Great idea.
NOT going to think about Fall! Summer is not over until September 21 and that is almost 2 months away!
I am so happy that I stumbled onto your blog. ☺️ it has certainly upped my attention to what I am doing with my clothing choices! I love the outfits you put together and your practical common sense guidance. Although the exchange rate and duties make so many items out of my price range, it gives me items to try and source out here in Canada . Thanks so much for your posts!🙏
I’m so glad you’ve joined us Leslie
Love the opening photo of you in the orange mohair sweater. All you need is a pumpkin! Fall will be here before we know it (Sept. 21 – next month!). All great ideas.
Fortunately I have enough space to keep out-of-season clothes in a different closet, then change them out from season to season. I sort my clothes by type, but not by color or casual/dressy because I think it limits my thinking. Sometimes it’s cool to wear a dressy top with a pair of jeans. I also rotate the clothes in each category, so I don’t miss something and wear the same things too often. Years ago, I started the practice of keeping a shopping bag in the corner of my closet. Since I rotate my clothes, if something comes up and I don’t want to wear it, depending on the reason, it goes in the bag. When it’s full I take it to the local “helping hands”. My clothes stay updated and I don’t have to do a major clean-out.
I have a bag in my closet too for the same reason. Occasionally, something comes out of the laundry looking unfixable and in the bag it goes!
Oh gosh I feel kind of inadequate. All of my fall/winter clothes hang in a spare bedroom closet, my summer clothes in the master bedroom closet, and my coats in a coat closet/mudroom. Plenty of room for all of it and my husband’s too. We are retired, enjoy gardening and travel. There’s not much I need every year, and even now I see a row of jacket toppers from Chico and Macy’s that I simply don’t wear any more with my more casual (but not sloppy) lifestyle. I’ve been keeping them in case I gained weight. I need to let them go. I also need to let some coats go, I have far too many and tend to wear the same Ralph coat all the time for dress up. I own
probably six dresses, mostly summer ones, a good black winter dress, and a fun scarf print winter dress I wear with boots that are 10 years old. I take good care of my stuff, and buy good things to begin with. I really like the idea Shari W. had, of listing things I don’t need (black pants! White shirts! Third layer jackets!).
I like Shari’s idea too. I should never look at another pair of new black pants!
Love the orange sweater, I have one somewhat similar from Everlane, it’s my fall go to. thanks for the tips on closet clean out.mine is long overdue….looking foward to Fall….I do lean towards casual, but casual can still be chic….
Casual chic is my favorite way to dress 🥰
A great organizational post. Years ago I switched out all my mismatched hangers to all thicker white ones. I love to see the line of white down my closet. I have shelves to organize my handbags so I can easily see what I have. I find I’m not changing them out as often though. Getting lazy in my old age. 😉
I’m not ready to think of fall yet. I’m going to get every minute out of summer right into September. I do have cashmere sweaters on my buy list and dark brown leather booties at the moment.
Are fuzzy sweaters trending? Yours is very pretty!
It’s an old sweater but fuzzy sweaters are always nice in chilly weather.
I love the handbag organizer!
One thing I’m going to try during closet transition is put together prospective outfits for a variety of occasions from what I already own.
Looking at prospective outfits for dinner out, theatre, church, meeting friends for lunch, volunteer meetings. Should save me some time and impulse buying. Will see how this goes.
That’s a great idea Susan
I’m interested in the Conair fabric shaver. Do you have the battery operated or rechargeable version?
I have the battery version. It lasts a long long time
Yes, that sweater is really nice! Too bad it’s gone😞
This post was terrific – just what I needed to get inspired to change my closet for the fall and winter.
Do you recommend wooden hangars for knits and sweaters instead of the velvet ones?
If they’re heavy, I fold the sweater in half over a velvet hanger. Lightweight ones I hang. I used to prefer wood but they tended to slip off.
Thanks Jennifer for all the great closet cleaning Ideas.
Need to start this project soon. Great push in the right direction.
Where did you get that gorgeous orange cardigan? I have been looking for one for years.
Thanks,
Connie
I’m now on the hunt for one for you ladies. Mine came from a little boutique in Victoria many years ago.
Your orange sweater brought back special memories of traveling with my family in Canada when I was a teen. My mom and I found beautiful orange wool and she knit me a sweater that year when we were home in Illinois. It was my favorite for many years!
What a beautiful memory!!
Would love to have the link to that beautiful orange sweater.
Also, When you send things to the cleaners do you leave in bags or take them out of bags and hangers and hang on your own hangers?
It’s sold out but this one is similar.
I only dry clean things with a lining like jackets, blazers,and coats. I remove the plastic bags then hang on larger wooden hangers at home. It’s better for the shoulders.
Love the mohair orange sweater. Is that available. Used to have sweaters like that but haven’t seen them in a long time.. Thanks
It’s sadly sold out.
It’s way too early! I live in NW Washington State and our summer’s are short – but we’ve got at least 6 weeks left. I go through the process you described in late September or early October.
Good morning, thank you for the closet clean out post. I already utilize a number of your suggestions, the velvet hangars are a must! They save SO much room in your closet. However, I now have a few of your space saving items in my Amazon cart. Great ideas and helpful post.
Cindy
I’m glad this was helpful. I replaced all the plastic hangers they left in our apt with the velvet ones.
I love this eyelash cardigan you are wearing today. Please tell me needed information so I can order it. Thank u.
I wish I could! It’s old and sold out. I’ll try to find some similar.
Good morning, Jennifer…. This was so helpful to me. I just ordered the handbag organizer and can’t wait to arrange my bags. I always put them away carefully with tissue inside, however, then place them in cloth bags which don’t allow me to see what’s inside. This will be wonderful…thank you for the inspiration!! Have a great weekend.
I agree Violet. If I don’t see them, I forget to use them. Have a great weekend!
Tell us about the luscious peachy/orange sweater please!!
Sadly it’s sold out. I found this great alternative. and it’s got a huge markdown.
Jennifer, your previous article on B Corps was very interesting and appreciated as are many of your posts.
Could you provide the details on your lovely fuzzy sweater in the top picture? Thank you. Leslie
I’m sorry it’s sold out. I’ll look for some similar ones.
Great post! In addition to keeping a list of items I need, I have also started a list of things I don’t need any more of. I can get attracted to certain items and end up with more than I really wear. (No more jeans!) I’m also having a frank discussion with myself about my true lifestyle and how many items of certain categories I really need. How often do I dress up, need business wear? Maybe a few times a year. I’m focusing on casual but not sloppy. Finally, my body has changed with age. Things I wore for years no longer look good. So I’m continuing to navigate that and I’ve made some mistakes. I’ve given myself grace on those itmes and passed them on to someone who can enjoy them. It’s a journey.
I love your comment Shari. Such wisdom in your observations. Casual but not sloppy Thank you!
This column reminded me of a friend who also takes this opportunity/transition time to pack away favorite summer clothes and shoes for a planned winter trip or extended stay in a warm climate. Then she is mostly “ready to go” when the time comes,