Closet Cleanout Guide 2021: What to Keep, Sell, Donate, & Ditch!
by Maura
I get it; sometimes it seems impossible to sort through your closet at the start of the season! Part of that feeling comes from having a closet overflowing with items you just don’t need anymore. Doing a closet cleanse does wonders for my mental health because it makes me feel as though I am going out with the old and in with the new. This past year is one that was especially challenging, so let’s rid ourselves of all of the negative memories of the past year and get your closet ready for a spring season that is sure to make you feel lighter, more gratified, and cheerier toward the journey ahead. Follow along as I help you sort through which items you should keep, sell, donate, and ditch from your closet.
Keep
Look for things that you have worn within the last year. Since we haven’t had a completely normal year, I’ll even let it slide and say the past two years! These items are yours to keep. If you haven’t worn it, there’s a good chance you won’t this year either!
Sell
Look for clothes that you have not worn within the past year, but are still in style with life left for future wear. Try taking some of your past season threads to resale shops or selling online! I love selling on Poshmark and at Plato’s Closet or Buffalo Exchange. To me, clothes have a soul and a story that comes with them. Maybe the top you wore for your first kiss or the shoes you were wearing when you raced inside to tell your family about your acceptance to your dream school have a little magic left in them for someone else’s story, too. And if not all of your items sell? Move those pieces to the “donate” pile!
Donate
After a trip to the resale shop, reevaluate what you have left. Likely, these are the items that are either in poor condition or out of style. These items are perfect to be donated! Look for a local non-profit that is accepting clothing and textile donations. You can look great and feel even better knowing that you are doing a good deed.
Ditch
Sort through your collection for anything with stains, holes, or other imperfections. Some of these things are just not meant for wear anymore; we know it sucks! If it is something minor, like a loose button, you may be able to patch it up to be good as new! But let’s be honest, those sweatpants with the hole in the inseam that you’ve had since middle school? Nobody wants those! If you are really feeling guilty about the waste, you can repurpose these items as dust rags or even dog toys! Just cut up some old t-shirts and braid the pieces into a chew toy for your furry friend!
XOXO,
Maura