Closet Clean-Out Tips That Actually Work

This post was originally published in 2018 and has been completely updated and refreshed for 2025 to include new tips, better structure, and added resources to help you clean out your closet with less stress and more success.

If your closet feels chaotic, you’re not alone. Most women I talk to—clients, readers, friends—are overwhelmed by their wardrobes. And it’s not because they don’t care about how they look. It’s because they’re busy, their lives have changed, and they haven’t had the time or energy to make their wardrobes catch up.

Sound familiar?

A well-organized closet isn’t about perfection. It’s about making it easier to get dressed every day, feeling good in what you wear, and knowing what you actually need.

This guide walks you through realistic, step-by-step closet clean-out tips that actually work, so you can finally reclaim your space and your style.

Why Cleaning Out Your Closet Matters

If you’ve ever stood in front of a full closet and thought, “I have nothing to wear,” or are just completely uninspired this post is for you.

A cluttered wardrobe doesn’t just waste space—it zaps your energy and confidence. When you can’t see what you own, it’s harder to get dressed, easier to overspend, and more likely you’ll end up with duplicates or things that don’t work for your life.

A clean, curated closet helps you:

• Get dressed faster
• Feel better in your clothes
• Shop smarter
• Build a wardrobe that reflects who you are today

Before You Start: Set Yourself Up for Closet Clean-Out Success

Step 1: Complete Your Lifestyle Diagram

Before you open your closet doors, take ten minutes to complete your Lifestyle Diagram. It’s a simple, visual breakdown of how you spend your time each week and season. This helps you align your wardrobe with your actual lifestyle—not an outdated version of it.

Understanding your lifestyle is the first step in building a wardrobe that works. If 70% of your time is spent working from home or running around with kids, your closet should reflect that.

Step 2: Create Your Personal Style Vision Board

Once you know how you spend your time, the next step is figuring out how you want to show up in the world.

A Personal Style Vision Board helps you:

• Define your style in a visual, inspiring way
• Spot patterns in what you’re drawn to
• Make more confident decisions when cleaning out or shopping

You can use Pinterest or create a collage from screenshots, catalogs, or saved looks. Focus on colors, shapes, and overall mood—not just specific outfits. This board will help guide your clean-out and ensure what stays in your closet aligns with your vision moving forward.

Step 3: Schedule It and Set the Mood

Block off time when you won’t be rushed or distracted. You don’t need to commit to a whole weekend—just an hour or two can make a huge difference. Turn on music, pour a coffee or glass of wine, and make it feel productive, not painful.

Step 4: Gather Your Supplies

🛠 Here’s what to have on hand before you begin:

• Trash bags or bins for sorting
• A full-length mirror
• A notepad or your phone to jot down what you’re missing
• A laundry basket for items that need washing, mending, or dry cleaning

Having these ready makes the process faster and less frustrating—no running around halfway through.

Step-by-Step Closet Clean-Out Tips That Actually Work

Here’s the step-by-step method I used with personal styling clients for over a decade. It’s approachable, practical, and designed to give you real results.

Step 5: Break It Into Categories

Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Start with just one section—like tops or denim—and work your way through your closet in manageable categories:

🎯 Start Here: Closet Categories to Edit One by One

• Tops
• Bottoms
• Dresses
• Jackets and Coats
• Shoes
• Bags
• Workout Clothes
• Special Occasion Outfits

Starting small builds momentum and helps you avoid overwhelm.

Step 6: Try Everything On

👗 Don’t just eyeball it—actually try things on. The goal here isn’t perfection—it’s clarity.

Ask yourself:

• Does this fit me right now?
• Would I wear this tomorrow?
• Do I feel good when I wear it?
• Does this reflect the life I live today?
• Would I buy this again?

If you hesitate on any of these, place the item in your “maybe” pile to revisit later.

Step 7: Sort with the Keep / Maybe / No Method

Now that you’re trying things on and getting a feel for what still works, it’s time to make some decisions. This doesn’t have to be overly complicated. The goal here is to move through your closet with confidence and avoid getting stuck in indecision.

Use this simple system to sort as you go:

Keep: It fits, flatters, and you actually wear it. It works for your current life—and you feel good in it.

Maybe: You’re unsure. You like it, but something’s off—it doesn’t quite fit, or you haven’t worn it in a while. Use this pile as a parking spot for items you’re struggling to let go of. Store them in a bin or bag and put them out of sight. Set a reminder to revisit them in 30 days.

No: It doesn’t fit, feels outdated, is damaged beyond repair, or you constantly pass it over. If it makes you feel guilty, uncomfortable, or annoyed—it goes.

Pro tip: The “maybe” pile isn’t a cop-out—it’s a strategy. It gives you space to pause without derailing your progress. If you don’t reach for those items after a month, it’s a strong signal that you’re ready to let them go.

Step 8: Let Go the Right Way

What you do with the “no” pile matters.

Donate: If it’s in good condition, donate to a local shelter, Dress for Success, or Goodwill.
Sell: Higher-end pieces can go on Poshmark, The RealReal, or your local consignment shop. But give yourself a 30-day deadline to list, or let it go.
Recycle: Worn-out or damaged pieces? Use textile recycling programs at H&M, For Days, or your town’s drop-off site.

I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating: the resale market is incredibly saturated right now. If you’re hoping to recoup some money from your clean-out, your best bet may be a local consignment shop. Personally, I’ve stopped reselling altogether—it’s time-consuming, and most of the time, you only get back pennies on the dollar. Instead, I choose to donate everything to local charities that support women, where I know it can make a real impact.

Step 9: Be Honest About Clothes That No Longer Fit

Whether your body has changed due to weight loss, menopause, or just life—keep clothes that fit you right now. This isn’t about giving up or “settling.” It’s about honoring the version of yourself who wakes up every day and shows up. Clothes that are too small, too big, or tied to a different season of life don’t belong in your day-to-day space. They take up more than just physical room—they take up emotional bandwidth, too.

If something holds sentimental value but no longer fits, go ahead and keep it—but store it somewhere else. A memory box or a tucked-away bin is a much better home for those pieces than a hanger you pass with guilt every morning.

And if you’re struggling with this part, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most emotionally loaded parts of a closet clean-out. I wrote more about it here: What to Do With Clothes That No Longer Fit Hanging in Your Closet

Step 10: Reflect and Rebuild

Now that you’ve cleared the clutter, it’s time to rebuild with intention.

Take a moment to really look at what’s left. How does it feel? Is it enough to get dressed without stress? Do your clothes reflect your current lifestyle—or are there still gaps?

This is the part most women skip: the pause between letting go and rushing to fill the space again. But that space is powerful. It gives you the clarity to shop smarter and rebuild a wardrobe that actually serves you.

Start by taking stock of what’s missing. Do you need more casual layers for everyday life? A better pair of black pants that actually fit and flatter? A few updated tops to freshen things up?

You don’t have to replace everything overnight. In fact, please don’t. The goal here isn’t more—it’s better. Let your lifestyle and your personal style vision board guide your next steps, one thoughtful piece at a time.

If you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few posts that can help:

• How to Create a Lifestyle Diagram to Build a Wardrobe That Actually Works
• 7 Mindset Shifts You Need to Edit Your Wardrobe
• Why Letting Go Is the Most Liberating Thing You Can Do

Closet Clean-Out Tips FAQ

How often should I clean out my closet?

Ideally, do a full clean-out twice a year—at the start of spring and fall. If your lifestyle is changing rapidly, check in more frequently.

What should I do with clothes that no longer fit?

Store them temporarily if you’re in a transition season, but don’t let them take up space in your active wardrobe. If they make you feel bad when you see them—let them go.

Should I keep items I “might” wear someday?

Box them up and label with a date. Revisit in 30 days. If you haven’t missed them, you’ll likely feel more ready to part with them.

Is it okay to keep sentimental items?

Absolutely—but don’t keep them in your everyday closet. Create a designated space or memory box to store them safely.

Final Thoughts: A Closet That Works for Your Life

You don’t need a perfectly curated wardrobe. You just need one that works for the life you’re living today.

One that lets you get dressed without overthinking. One that reflects who you are, not who you used to be—or who you think you’re supposed to be.

This process isn’t about being ruthless or starting from scratch. It’s about giving yourself the space to move forward without being weighed down by pieces that no longer serve you.

Let go of the guilt. Let go of the clothes that bring up stress or shame every time you look at them. You’re allowed to change. Your body’s allowed to change. Your life is allowed to change. And your wardrobe should change with it.

You deserve a closet that supports you—not one that overwhelms you. And you don’t have to figure it all out today. Start where you are, and keep going.