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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

Step-by-step closet clean-out results for busy women over 40
Photo: RGR Collection / Alamy Stock Photo

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 This helps you align your wardrobe with your actual lifestyle—not an outdated version of it.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

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:

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.

Closet Clean-Out Tips That Actually Work
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MEET THE AUTHOR

Megan Kristel

Megan Kristel is an entrepreneur, working mom, and former personal stylist. Tired of the one-dimensional portrayal of women online, she founded The Well Dressed Life as a resource for other professional women.

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Mary Ellen

Monday 28th of April 2025

I LOVED this post and immediately began my closet clean-out! This is the best method I've found so far and is working so well. I have a couple more categories to go, but have already filled two bags for ThredUp and four bags to goodwill!! I was finally able to let go of favorite dresses that no longer fit me, but hoping I would somehow return to that shape again. I may, but you were so right - the dresses are dated and I'd buy something new to celebrate lol.

Sentimentalism is a tough one for me, but your questions to ask helped me get rid of so many things. I put the bags in my car immediately (thanks to my helpful husband :-) and off they go to either UPS or Goodwill. Thank you. Thank you. Now on to the last two categories and I will be finished - with this closet anyway. But your methods will work all over the house.

Alicia Hursley

Thursday 19th of January 2023

Thanks so much for sharing this. We are sick and tired of having such a disheveled closet but it just seems so overwhelming. When I say our closet is full and unorganized, I mean it is full. My husband still has stuff from high school sitting in there! We have decided to follow your tips and get it done! To put our money where our mouth is, we even got a dumpster rental so we can toss out the old stuff easily (yeah our closet really is that full and we're borderline hoarders haha). Thank you again!

Kae

Sunday 5th of December 2021

I am on A very slow journey to minimizing my home. I follow many different bloggers and podcasts. What suggestions do you have for someone like me who has way more than what will take one afternoon? In a typical day I could need to wear anywhere from 3-4 different types of clothes and this is with as much overlap as possible (leggings that I can work out in or do yardwork in, under a work shirt, then a shoe change or two). Anyway, I identified with the person who said it doesn't seems realistic to minimalize to the point of one kind of clothes as I need weekly to have everything from formal wear to yardwork/painting attire. I also like somewhere the temperature fluctuates from 20s in the winter to 90s and humid in the summer. Many months I actually could wear shorts one day and a heavy parka the next. Or in the morning need that jacket but by lunch time be in a tank top. I feel like I am making excuses for holding on to things, but I am genuinely having a hard time figuring out how to minimalize, organize and maintain when I don't just need one type of outfit. I would love to find inspiration and solutions in this community. Thank you for your article, tips and posts!

Sue

Saturday 11th of July 2020

Everytime you publish this I read it, and I have an A-HA! moment and go to town re-editing my closet.... every, single, time! 🙂 Thank you!!!

Megan Kristel

Sunday 12th of July 2020

That's great! I do update it each time so I'm glad it's still helpful!!

Karen A Prince

Friday 10th of July 2020

Megan, Where did you find the white bracelet and necklace holders on the left side of your closet? This was a GREAT post!

Megan Kristel

Friday 10th of July 2020

Thanks Karen! I'm pretty sure I ordered them from Amazon several years ago. :)

Sue C.

Wednesday 12th of February 2020

Ohhhhh.... not a fan of Thred-Up anymore at all. Sadly my last 2 bags to Thred-Up yielded extremely disappointing experiences compared to a few years ago, and like another poster noted, there has been a major drop in payout. They've also become very inconsistent with what they'll accept. So much so I don't spend time doing it anymore. I sent in 2 full bags of on trend items, MANY with tags still and shoes either never worn or worn so few times the bottoms still look brand new. More than half the items were good labels that were current and everything was clean and folded. One bag yielded a shocking $7.67, and the other just under $20. Now I'll give my items 1 week, 2 weeks at most, on Poshmark (a LOT of work) and if they haven't sold I give to reputable charities in my community, most who will come and pick-up the items. There are some pretty well dressed gals out there, I can tell you that! :-)

Karen Knoebel

Monday 10th of February 2020

This is an awesome article. Would you consider doing a post on using Thred Up- how it really works from someone who has used them? I want to try this avenue as I used to go to Greene Street Consignment however more and more I find they have a fairly full inventory and aren't able to take items.

Megan Kristel

Monday 10th of February 2020

Thredup is more convenient for me than anything else. Last year I sent in two bags and made back a little over $200 so not much. I generally send a mix of my pieces and my kids, a lot of J.Crew, Loft, and Old Navy in good condition. I like that all I have to do is fold my stuff, put it in a bag and drop it all off at the post office. I really don't have time for anything else.

I will use Poshmark when I'm ready to part with better designer pieces, and department store brands for exactly the same reason, the consignment store by me is always full. With Poshmark you get more money from them; but it's a lot more work because you have to create an item, take pictures, write a description, talk back and forth with customers, and ship on your own.

I think it comes down to what you want to consign, less expensive pieces I would send to Thredup and you'll get a few buck back, better designer spending time on Poshmark is more worth it.

Amanda L

Monday 10th of February 2020

Do you still recommend thredup? They used to pay decently for clothes (4-8 years ago) but the last time I used them I got about $.50 per item for the same type of stuff.

Megan Kristel

Monday 10th of February 2020

I do still recommend Thredup, but more for the convenience factor. I like that you can just fold it up and ship it off. I have seen a drop in what you get back, but for me, it's this or nothing. For better pieces I will take the time to post on Poshmark, you'll get more back on your high end items for sure.

Celia Marti Garcia

Saturday 25th of May 2019

What about skirts? What kind of hanger do you recommend?

Cynthia Huff

Thursday 23rd of May 2019

Thank you so much for this! Perfect timing!

Megan Kristel

Thursday 23rd of May 2019

Thanks Cynthia! Let us know how you make out!

Heather

Thursday 23rd of May 2019

I just wanted to let everyone know that the LANGRIA Heavy Duty Garment Rack is $15 off right now! :)

Megan Kristel

Thursday 23rd of May 2019

Thanks Heather!

Mrs Jackie Rowley

Monday 17th of December 2018

Hi Megan Some advice please how do I organise a closet 'going out' I work from home so jeans mostly and I have a few running to the shops playing with grandkids clothes, but I need some clothes to keep for evenings out Resteraunts lunches coffee with friends weekends away. If I wear all my running errands clothes then they become to shabby to wear for best,

Thanks so much Jackie

Chris Murphy

Saturday 1st of September 2018

I love this process and have done it several times. But as I rush around daily life, I throw dry cleaner returns complete with paper and plastic in the closet and after a few weeks I am a mess again. Do you sort each time you get a load of clean clothes back? Does it work?

Megan Kristel

Sunday 2nd of September 2018

I try my best to keep it tidy as I go, but that doesn't always happen:) I certainly have days when I just throw stuff in and leave it for later. Maybe once a month after either a big dry cleaning haul, or when I'm packing for a trip, I'll go through and straighten everything up. What's nice is because there's a place for everything it's takes maybe 15 minutes.

Mka

Thursday 30th of August 2018

Good tips, but it’s harder to do my spouses’s half since I don’t track what he wears. My solution is to button every button on garments I suspect he is not using. In a few months, I check again and anything with all the buttons secured is moved to a back closet, just in case. Next stop from there is the donation bin.

Megan Kristel

Sunday 2nd of September 2018

That's a great idea! I don't manage what my husband wears either. Every now and then, his closet makes me crazy and I organize it, and then some of my less than favorite items mysteriously disappear ;)

Jen

Thursday 30th of August 2018

I love this!

Elaine Cave

Thursday 31st of August 2017

Turn all of your hangers backwards as you wear things hang them normally and after some time you will easily see what you don't wear. This is a very simple method to determine what to get rid of!

Megan Kristel

Thursday 31st of August 2017

I love that tip - it really works!

Sophie

Tuesday 15th of August 2017

I'm definitely doing this method next time I clean my closet.

Http://goldclutter.com

workingwoman

Saturday 15th of August 2020

This closet shown here is a fraction of what a normal woman has in her closet even seasonally. It is not difficult to keep it tidy when you have a small amount of clothing in the closet. Most of us have so much more for wear to work clothes, jackets, sweaters, everyday clothes, workout clothes, special occasion, etc. I laughed at this closet.