Whether you’re looking to embrace a new minimalistic lifestyle or just bursting at the seams, few things are as satisfying as cleaning out your closet for spring. Still, the process can be a little frustrating or cause some serious indecision. The key to a successful purge is to be a little, well, ruthless. Creating and sticking to a few guidelines can get you through it. There’s nothing like a clean slate, especially one ready for some beautiful new items you’ve been coveting.
Take It from Chore to Girl’s Night In
Make an upbeat playlist, pour some wine and invite your closest girlfriend over. A second pair of eyes, especially ones who know your style well, will be invaluable in deciding what to keep or toss. Creating a fun, playful environment will take the dread and procrastination out of it.
Save Your Keepsakes
Give yourself a pass when it comes to your prom dress or your grandma’s cardigan. It’s completely understandable you’ll have these type of items you can’t part with. The caveat is you have to be really honest with yourself about what you truly can’t let go of. This is where the ruthless editing comes in, and just know the more you clear out, the more you’ll thank yourself later.
Have You Worn It Lately?
This is a cliché, but some clichés stick for a reason. If you haven’t worn it in a year, you’re not going to. It has to go. This is where a lot of people get stuck. If you find yourself overwhelmed or getting emotional, remind yourself a pared down closest is ready for fresh possibilities.
Does It Fit?
We all hold onto certain things hoping we’re going to lose that 10 pounds or keep a dress we wish was a bit more flattering. However, keeping these items in your closet isn’t going to make anyone feel good about themselves. Again, letting these go makes space for replacements you will truly love and will flatter you.
Get Thee to a Tailor
If you have items you truly love but just don’t fit right, consider investing in getting them tailored. Especially core pieces like a white button-down pea coat or your little black dress deserve a second look. Ultimately, it will take a much smaller chunk out of your budget than buying another item that’s brand new. Not to mention, nothing looks better than a perfectly tailored outfit!
Does It Make You Feel Good?
This seems like a simple question but is probably one most people don’t ask themselves. If you don’t immediately say yes, toss it. You deserve to have nothing in your closet but things you love and make you feel like the best version of yourself. There’s nothing like a clean slate, especially one ready for some beautiful new items you’ve been coveting.
Read more at A Time to Shop.
