FREE! Wardrobe Checklist Download + Weekly Newsletter 
Do you struggle with wardrobe decluttering? We all do!
Whether you’re looking to create more breathing room, streamline your wardrobe, or simply feel more organized, clearing out the clutter can be a powerful way to reset and refocus.
Decluttering not only clears physical space but also brings mental clarity and makes your daily routine simpler and more joyful.
Let me be clear: I’m not here to preach strict minimalism.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to decluttering. Some people thrive with a carefully curated capsule wardrobe, while others find joy in a closet full of options. Both approaches are valid—it’s all about what works for you!
Personally, my days, lifestyle, and needs are far too varied for a pared-down approach. Plus, at this stage in my life, I’m fully embracing the joy of experimenting and having fun with my style.
If you’re ready to tackle your closet but feel a little stuck, check out my article How To Purge Clothes: 7 Mindset Shifts You Need to Edit Your Wardrobe. It’s full of practical advice to help you overcome the mental blocks that can make decluttering feel overwhelming. Many readers have found it incredibly helpful, often discovering new tips and strategies they hadn’t considered before!
How to Start Your Wardrobe Decluttering in 2025
My philosophy is simple: keep the pieces you need, love, and wear regularly—and let go of everything else. With that in mind, here are 25 categories to evaluate and items that might be ready to say goodbye to in 2025.
1. Declutter Clothes That No Longer Fit You
It’s common to hold onto clothes that don’t fit—whether they’re too big or too small—because of nostalgia or hopes for future use. But keeping these items can create frustration every time you look in your closet. Instead, focus on clothing that fits and flatters your current body and lifestyle.
2. Get Rid of Clothes That Are Damaged or Beyond Repair
We all have that sweater with a hole or shoes with worn-out soles that we keep meaning to repair. If you haven’t fixed it by now, chances are you never will. A clutter-free wardrobe should contain only pieces that are in good condition and ready to wear.
3. Eliminate Outdated Fashion Trends from Your Wardrobe
Fashion changes quickly, and trends that once felt fresh can start to feel out of place. If you haven’t worn a trendy piece in over a year, consider letting it go and making space for styles that align with your evolving personal aesthetic.
4. Upgrade Your Closet Storage with Better Hangers
Wire hangers can warp your clothes, and dry-cleaning plastic traps moisture. Upgrading to quality hangers keeps your wardrobe in shape and ensures your clothes last longer.
5. Let Go of Uncomfortable Shoes That Hurt Your Feet
No matter how stylish they are, shoes that hurt your feet aren’t worth keeping. If they pinch, rub, or make it impossible to walk comfortably, let them go and invest in pairs that combine style with wearability.
6. Replace Worn-Out Undergarments for a Better Fit
Bras lose elasticity, and underwear wears thin over time. Since these are the foundation of every outfit, making sure they fit well and are in good shape can improve the way your clothes look and feel.
7. Donate or Repurpose Promotional T-Shirts
Event or company giveaway T-shirts tend to pile up. If you never wear them, they’re just taking up space. Keep only those with true sentimental value or functional use, and donate or recycle the rest.
8. Relocate Sentimental Clothing to a Storage Box
It’s okay to keep clothing with strong sentimental value, but it doesn’t need to live in your everyday wardrobe. Consider storing these items in a memory box or separate space.
9. Reevaluate Formalwear You Haven’t Worn in Years
Styles and body shapes change. If you haven’t worn a formal dress or suit in years, it’s time to reassess whether it still fits your life—or if it could benefit someone else.
10. Get Rid of Clothes You No Longer Enjoy Wearing
Sometimes we buy things that seemed like a good idea at the time but never felt right. Letting go of items that don’t bring you joy will make room for clothes that you love and feel great in.
11. Update Your Workout Clothes for Better Performance
Athletic wear gets stretched out, loses its compression, and stops wicking moisture effectively over time. Keep what still fits and functions well, and replace the rest.
12. Say Goodbye to Shoes That Are Too Worn to Wear
Shoes endure heavy wear, and when they lose support or start looking too scuffed to revive, they should be replaced. Consider recycling worn-out sneakers through specialized programs.
13. Donate Clothing Gifts That Don’t Suit Your Style
It’s okay to appreciate a gift without keeping it forever. If a gifted item doesn’t suit you, pass it along to someone who will love and use it.
14. Remove Outerwear That Doesn’t Fit Properly
Outerwear should make you feel confident while keeping you warm. If a coat is too tight, too big, or doesn’t suit your personal style, it’s not serving you.
15. Let Go of Clothes with Tags Still Attached
If you’ve owned something for months (or years) and never worn it, chances are you never will. Donate or sell these items so someone else can enjoy them.
16. Declutter Clothing That Doesn’t Excite You
Your closet should inspire you. If an outfit doesn’t make you feel good, confident, or excited to wear it, there’s no reason to keep it.
17. Remove Clothes That No Longer Suit Your Lifestyle
If your wardrobe still includes office attire from a past job or formalwear for events you no longer attend, it may be time to downsize.
18. Declutter Accessories That Just Take Up Space
Accessories should enhance your wardrobe, not collect dust. If you haven’t used a belt, hat, or handbag in years, it’s likely you won’t miss it.
19. Clear Out Costume Jewelry That Feels Outdated
Jewelry styles shift, and your taste evolves. Keep the pieces you love and wear often, and let go of anything that no longer fits your style.
20. Simplify Your Scarf Collection
Scarves can be a beautiful accessory, but they often accumulate. Keep a few versatile favorites and donate the rest.
21. Replace Faded Black and Dingy White Clothing
Over time, black clothes fade, and white clothes yellow. If an item no longer looks fresh, it may be time to replace it.
22. Upgrade Your Belt Collection by Tossing Worn-Out Pieces
Belts should function well and add polish to an outfit. If a belt is cracked, stretched, or doesn’t fit, it’s time to let it go.
23. Let Go of Holiday-Themed Clothing You Never Wear
Holiday-themed clothing can be fun, but if you haven’t worn it in years, consider whether it’s worth keeping.
24. Learn from and Remove Impulse Purchases That Don’t Fit
Everyone makes shopping mistakes. Instead of holding onto guilt, use these as lessons to refine your style choices moving forward.
25. Get Rid of Clothes That Hold Negative Memories
Clothing can hold memories, both good and bad. If an item reminds you of a difficult time or no longer makes you feel great, it’s okay to let it go.
FAQ: Wardrobe Decluttering in 2025
❓ How often should I clean out my closet?
👉 Experts recommend a closet cleanout every 6-12 months to keep your wardrobe functional and clutter-free. A seasonal refresh can also help you stay on top of what you truly wear.
❓ What is the best way to decide what clothes to keep?
👉 Use the “Need, Love, Wear” rule—keep what you need, love, and wear regularly, and let go of everything else. If an item hasn’t been worn in a year and doesn’t bring you joy, it’s time to part ways.
❓ Should I donate or sell unwanted clothes?
👉 If clothes are in great condition, selling on platforms like Poshmark or ThredUp is a great option. Otherwise, donate to local charities or shelters to help those in need.
❓ How do I stop accumulating clutter in my closet?
👉 Be intentional with new purchases—follow a one-in, one-out rule, invest in versatile wardrobe staples, and avoid impulse shopping.
❓ What are the best storage solutions for a small closet?
👉 Use slim velvet hangers, stackable bins, drawer dividers, and vertical storage solutions to maximize space while keeping your wardrobe organized.
❓ What should I do with sentimental clothing items?
👉 If you have pieces that hold memories but you never wear them, consider storing them in a memory box, repurposing them into something new, or taking a photo to preserve the memory without taking up physical space.
❓ How can I make decluttering easier?
👉 Break it into small steps—declutter by category (shoes, dresses, accessories) or set a timer and tackle sections of your closet in 15-30 minute increments.
❓ How do I know if an item is worth keeping?
👉 Ask yourself: Would I buy this today? Does it make me feel confident? Does it fit my current lifestyle? If the answer is no, it may be time to let it go.
Final Thoughts
Clearing out your closet in 2025 is more than just decluttering—it’s a transformative process that helps you embrace a wardrobe filled with pieces that reflect your personal style, simplify your daily routine, and spark joy.
Leave a Comment