happy thoughts.
I’ve always struggled to throw away the plastic zipper casing that sheets and other linens come neatly packaged in. There are so many creative uses to recycle this sturdy plastic packaging!
A couple of delicate blankets fit PERFECTLY in this recycled zipper bag. These heirloom blankets are stored safe from dust and further wear while still visible on display in the clear packaging. Satisfaction on so many levels!
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been spending a lot of time in your comfiest clothes over this past year, at least from the waist-down. Do those jeans even still fit?! It’s time to take stock of what’s going on in the dark depths of the closet, behind all those sweatpants and leggings.
National Clean Out Your Closet Week is the perfect time to make friends with those skeletons and give your closet a fresh start for spring!
Plan a time where you can complete the closet clean-out in one session. Set aside at least a few hours, depending on the size of your closet. Don’t forget water and snacks, maybe some music too!
Take everything OUT of the closet! Yes, this is an important step in really decluttering because you are prompted to see, and interact with each item. Use this time while the closet is empty to give a quick clean to the walls and floors so everything goes back into a sparkling clean space.
Assess each item one by one, asking yourself the questions below. Sort items into categories—items to keep, “maybes,” items to get rid of, and trash. If you come across anything that doesn’t belong in the closet, set aside for rehoming later.
Get rid of—sell, donate, or give away—things you don’t love, things that don’t fit or aren’t flattering, and/or things you haven’t worn in the past year. Throw out and items that are damaged, torn, and/or stained. Upcycle old t-shirts into rags, or even a t-shirt quilt!
For your “maybe” items, keep them on a trial-run basis. Make a plan to wear these items in the near future and decide whether to keep, or wash and get rid of.
Decide on how you want to organize and begin putting things back into the closet. You may choose to organize your wardrobe by season, style, clothing type, or even color-code!
Establish a donation box in your closet. This can help incentivize you to stay ahead of the clutter by providing a convenient catch-all for any maybe-turned-no items.
Does it fit?
Does it make me feel good when I wear it?
Have I worn it in the past year?
Will I wear it again?
Is this in style, or an accurate representation of my current style?
If alternations or repairs are needed, will I actually make them?
If I was shopping right now, would I buy it?
A “no” to any of these questions may mean it’s time to part ways with a particular item. (But maybe don’t get rid of ALL those work clothes just yet… even if if you can’t answer “yes” to having worn it in the past year!)
If the idea of organizing your entire wardrobe is more than you feel like you’re ready to take on, start small. Organizing a smaller space, such as an entryway or linen closet, can feel just as satisfying—and it might even ignite motivation to graduate up to larger projects!
If the idea of cleaning out your entire wardrobe still doesn’t feel like something you’re willing to take on all at once, incorporate it into your daily routine. Establish a donation box in or near your closet and set a goal of purging at least one item from your closet per day.
