Top 10 Things to Purge from Your Closet

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Looking for a fresh start and wish to know what to purge from your closet? This guide will help you kickstart your closet cleanup, maintain focus throughout the process, and identify the top 10 items to discard so you can be more organized with less clutter.

Looking for a fresh start and wish to know what to purge from your closet? This guide will help you kickstart your closet cleanup, maintain focus throughout the process, and identify the top 10 items to discard so you can be more organized with less clutter.

As 2024 unfolds, it’s a perfect moment for a fresh start, especially in our closets. For busy women, like me, decluttering might seem like a herculean task, but with a structured approach, it can be surprisingly rewarding.

You might be surprised to know that I am messy by nature so I have had to learn systems to be more organized. When it comes to my closet, if I don’t follow those systems and tips from experts I have met over the years, chaos ensues. I’ve compiled the best tips and tricks I have learned to clean up your closet, organize and stay focused on keeping things in their place.

I hope this list and guide helps you as well!

How to Start Your Closet Cleanup

The first step is to start. Set aside time and use this three step process:

  1. Plan Your Approach: Set a date and time for your closet purge and stick to it. Consider it a crucial step towards a more organized life.
  2. Prepare the Essentials: Keep boxes and trash bags handy for different categories – donations, selling, and trash. Label them to avoid confusion. You can use a Sharpie. No need to be fancy!
  3. Create a Pleasant Atmosphere: A good playlist or an engaging podcast can make the process enjoyable. A comfortable outfit can also set the right mood, and yes, your favorite beverage, too.
Wish to know what to purge from your closet? This guide will help you kickstart your closet cleanup, maintain focus throughout the process, and identify the top 10 items to discard so you can be more organized with less clutter.

How to Stay on Task

Staying focused is a big challenge for me because I don’t enjoy the process. I can easily get to the point that I feel overwhelmed. That’s why I recommend you:

  1. Segment Your Closet: Start with one section – perhaps tops, bottoms, or dresses. Completing small sections offers a sense of accomplishment. Or start with ONE drawer, ONE shelf or ONE manageable area.
  2. Use a Timer: Work in focused bursts. For instance, 30 minutes of sorting followed by a 5-minute break can enhance efficiency.
  3. Make Quick Decisions: Use the one-year rule – if you haven’t worn it in the past year, it’s likely time to let it go. Trust your initial instinct.
Wish to know what to purge from your closet? This guide will help you kickstart your closet cleanup, maintain focus throughout the process, and identify the top 10 items to discard so you can be more organized with less clutter.

Top 10 Things to Purge From Your Closet

Looking for a fresh start and wish to know what to purge from your closet? This guide will help you kickstart your closet cleanup, maintain focus throughout the process, and identify the top 10 items to discard so you can be more organized with less clutter. here is a printable checklist.
  1. Out-of-Style Trends: Fashion evolves. Remove items that feel outdated or don’t align with your current style. For example, consider purging skinny jeans, skimpy tops, and tie dye t-shirts.
  2. Clothes That Don’t Fit: Your closet should reflect your current size. Holding onto clothes that don’t fit can create unnecessary clutter. Try on EVERYTHING and then decide what to keep.
  3. Worn-Out Items: Clothing with irreparable wear and tear, like holes or permanent stains, should be discarded.
  4. Uncomfortable Footwear: Prioritize comfort. Shoes that cause discomfort are not worth the space they occupy.
  5. Excess Similar Items: Identify and remove redundant pieces. Keeping your best in each category is more beneficial. Also examine the condition they are in.
  6. Obsolete Work Attire: If your work environment or style has changed, adjust your wardrobe accordingly. This is so obvious but we tend to forget it!
  7. Unused Accessories: Simplify by keeping only those accessories that you love and use regularly.
  8. Sentimental Clutter: It’s okay to keep a few special items, but be realistic and practical with the rest. Designate one box for sentimental value items. Photograph the rest and donate or throw away.
  9. Single-Event Outfits: Consider whether you can repurpose these or if it’s time to pass them on. You should donate black tie outfits, old bridesmaid dresses and fancy evening attire that you haven’t worn again –and don’t plan to!
  10. Seasonal Misfits: If items went unworn during the appropriate season, they’re unlikely to be used in the future. If you still have something with tags from last season, resell it!
Wish to know what to purge from your closet? This guide will help you kickstart your closet cleanup, maintain focus throughout the process, and identify the top 10 items to discard so you can be more organized with less clutter.

More Tips To Organize Your Closet

Here are a few tips that help me declutter my closet:

  • Take Photos: Sometimes, taking a photo of yourself in an item can provide a new perspective on whether it suits you. You can also tape printed photos to boxes to see what is inside.
  • Consider a ‘Maybe’ Box: If you’re unsure about certain items, put them in a ‘maybe’ box and revisit them after a month. If you didn’t miss them, it’s time to let them go.
  • Donate Responsibly: Research local charities or organizations where your unwanted items can make a difference. Take the bag as soon as you can or it will sit for months in your garage or car!

A closet purge is more than just a cleaning task; it’s a step towards a more mindful and efficient lifestyle. As a busy woman, a well-organized closet can save precious time and reduce daily stress. Embrace the new year with a closet that truly reflects and supports your current lifestyle and goals!

Tips and Inspiration to Stay Organized

Wish to know what to purge from your closet? This guide will help you kickstart your closet cleanup, maintain focus throughout the process, and identify the top 10 items to discard so you can be more organized with less clutter.

Please share!

TV Host, Speaker & Author

Jeannette Kaplun is a Latina mom of 2, TV host, author and blogger. She's the founder of Hispana Global and has appeared on Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Show, Despierta América, Hoy Día, CNN en Español and The Chew. Previously she co-founded Todobebé and hosted the Emmy-nominated Viva la Familia TV show on Univision. Jeannette's work has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Forbes, The Huffington Post, Today Show Parenting Team, Parents Latina, Univision and Telemundo. She has also been a speaker at industry conferences and events, sharing her expertise on content creation, branding, and entrepreneurship. She serves as Special Advisor to The Bank of America Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship at Cornell and was included in the Forbes #Next1000 2021 list. She won the Iris Award for Instagram of the Year in 2021. Jeannette lives in Miami with her family and Maltese dog, Snoopy.

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