3-steps to a successful closet clear-out

As you may have seen on my Insta-stories last week - I did a major closet clear-out. I try to do these at least twice a year when heading into a new season. As promised, I'm breaking down three steps to a successful closet clear-out. Some things to note:

• Set the tone. Make sure you've got 1-2 hours set aside for this project. Play some upbeat tunes and pour yourself a glass of wine.
• This is supposed to be fun! Take a mental note of what your closet looks like beforehand and get ready. It helps to remember why you're doing this - is it to organise your closet, make some cash from selling to consignment stores or donating clothing to those less fortunate? Or a bit of all of the above.

STEP ONE 

• Pull out every single item of clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, accessories etc, and place it on your bed. Don't forget any entry-way closets containing coats and jackets. Putting everything on the bed ensures that no item is left behind aka accidentally hoarding. In one place you can visually see every single item of clothing, bags or shoes you own.
• Clean out your closet by vacuuming the floor, dusting the shelves and wiping any walls. You want to make sure your clothes are returning to a nice, clean space.

STEP TWO

You're going to create three piles: DONATE, CONSIGN & THROW OUT.

• DONATE - worn out items that still have value but not enough to consign
• CONSIGN - designer or contemporary brands that still have value
• THROW OUT - items your can't donate e.g. old underwear, items falling apart or with major flaws

So here's what you do, start working through all the items on the bed and ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I want to keep this item?
  • YES > See below.
  • NO > Sort into one of the three piles above.
• So you want to keep it but have you worn it at least once in the last year?
  • YES > back into the closet.
  • NO > Reconsider adding to the pile above
• So you haven't worn it for over a year.. does this item make you happy? Is there a sentimental reason you're attached to it? (e.g. wedding dress, special occasion outfit).
  • YES > back into the closet
  • NO > stop hoarding and either consign or donate it!!

STEP TWO

Now you've sorted out what's on the bed, it's time to get everything back in order. Consider where you stand each day when picking out an outfit. Start with the most used clothes in this area. I started from right to left, as there's a door on the far left side of my closet. Organize clothes from sleeveless to short sleeve to long sleeve. I like to arrange them as follows:

1. Tanks & camisoles
2. Tees
3. Shirts
4. Sweaters/jumpers
5. Hoodies
6. Jackets
7. Knitwear
8. Dresses
9. Evening-wear
10. Special items (e.g. bathrobe)

Put all your shoes and handbags back in order and you're good to go!

You can follow along with the video below for a breakdown of the steps (including cute cameo by my fashion assistant Lily). Good luck with your closet clear-outs and send me a DM if you have any questions! 

x Sharday