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If your closet feels a little chaotic, you’re not alone.
Whether you’re trying to create breathing room, simplify your mornings, or just get a fresh start, a good closet clean-out can make a big difference—not just in how your wardrobe looks, but in how you feel when you get dressed.
This isn’t about strict minimalism. I’m not here to tell you how many pairs of jeans you should own.
Some women thrive with a capsule wardrobe. Others (like me) find joy in variety. There’s no one right way to declutter. But there is a way to feel better about your space—and to let go of what’s no longer serving you.
If you’re looking for a mindset shift before you get started, I wrote more about that here:
How To Purge Clothes: 7 Mindset Shifts to Make Letting Go Easier
But if you’re ready to dive in, keep scrolling for a practical, no-pressure checklist to help you reset your closet—any time of year. It’s designed to give you a fresh way to look at what’s working, what’s not, and how to let go of what’s getting in your way.
In my years as a personal stylist—and now over a decade of creating content for women navigating real-life style—I’ve learned that closet clean-outs can feel incredibly overwhelming. Sometimes, you just need to hear the advice framed a little differently, broken down in a way that actually resonates. That’s what this list is meant to be: a starting point. Not for perfection, but for clarity.
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How to Start Your Closet Clean Out
My approach is simple: keep what you love, need, and actually wear—and let go of the rest. Below, I’ve broken things down into 25 specific categories to help you move through your closet with intention.
These aren’t random suggestions. They’re the most common themes I’ve seen come up again and again, after almost 20 years of helping women navigate the emotional and practical side of a closet clean-out. You don’t have to tackle everything at once—just start where you are. One drawer, one clothing rack, one small decision at a time.
25 Things to Declutter From Your Wardrobe
Clothes That Don’t Fit (and Haven’t in a While)
Whether they’re too small, too big, or just not right for your body anymore, clothes that don’t fit are emotional clutter. They can carry guilt, shame, or a version of you that may no longer be relevant—or they might just be annoying visual noise. Make space for the version of you that exists right now—not the one you used to be or hope to be someday.
Damaged or Worn-Out Pieces
We all have that sweater with a hole we’ve been “meaning to fix.” If it’s been sitting there for months (or years), it’s time to move on. You deserve clothes that are ready to wear—not ones that come with a to-do list.
Old Trends You’re Over
You’re allowed to outgrow trends. That oversized plaid shacket you wore once in 2021? If it doesn’t feel like your style anymore, let it go. Style evolves—and that’s a good thing.
Wire or Cheap Hangers
It may sound minor, but upgrading your hangers can completely change how your closet looks and functions. Velvet or slimline hangers protect your clothes, save space, and make your closet feel a little more like your favorite boutique.
Uncomfortable Shoes
No matter how cute they are—or how much you spent—if they leave you limping by noon, they’re doing more harm than good. Let them go, and make space for options that feel just as good as they look.
Worn-Out Undergarments
We tend to ignore the foundation of our wardrobe, but well-fitting undergarments make everything look and feel better. Replace stretched-out bras, worn underwear, and anything that’s lost its shape or comfort.
Promo Tees and Giveaway Items
From charity walks to company retreats, these pile up quickly. Keep one or two that hold real sentimental value, and let the rest go. Your closet should reflect your life now—not your swag collection.
Sentimental Items in Prime Closet Space
You don’t have to part with meaningful pieces—but you also don’t need to see them every morning. Store them in a memory box or bin. Out of sight doesn’t mean out of heart.
Formalwear You Haven’t Touched in Years
That bridesmaid dress from 2015? I promise you’re not cutting it down to cocktail length. The gown you wore to a pre-pandemic gala? Unless it’s timeless and you’ll wear it again, donate it and let someone else enjoy it.
Pieces That Don’t Spark Joy or Confidence
Your clothes should make you feel like the best version of yourself. If something consistently makes you feel “off” or underwhelmed, it’s not worth the hanger space.
Workout Clothes That Don’t Perform Anymore
Let of old leggings that have lost their stretch, bras with no support, and tees that have yellowed. Invest in pieces that actually work for your workouts—not against them. I swear I have a better workout when I feel great in what I’m wearing.
Destroyed Shoes
Scuffed, torn, or beyond repair—shoes don’t last forever. If you wouldn’t wear them outside the house, it’s time to let them go.
Gifts That Don’t Suit Your Style
You can appreciate the gesture without keeping the item forever. If it doesn’t feel like you, pass it on to someone who will enjoy it. Gratitude doesn’t require storage.
Coats That Don’t Fit or Flatter
A good coat should be practical and make you feel like a million bucks. If it doesn’t fit properly or suit your style, let it go.
Items With Tags Still Attached After a Year
If you’ve walked past it for over a year and still haven’t worn it, you’re probably not going to. Sell it, donate it, or give it to a friend who might love it.
Pieces That Don’t Make You Excited to Get Dressed
If you keep skipping over it in the morning, trust your instinct. Sometimes you can’t explain it but the item just isn’t for you – and that’s ok. Let it go and make room for things you actually want to wear.
Outfits From a Past Life
Closet full of office wear but now work from home? Still holding onto blazers from a job you left behind? Your wardrobe should reflect your life now—not a version you’ve already outgrown.
Accessories You Never Wear
Belts, bags, scarves—if you forgot you even owned it, you likely won’t miss it. Keep the pieces that elevate your outfits and pass the rest along.
Costume Jewelry You’ve Outgrown
Jewelry can be sentimental, but styles change. Let go of the trendy pieces that no longer feel like you and hold onto the ones you genuinely reach for.
Too Many Scarves
A handful of versatile, well-loved scarves is enough. If they’re crammed in a drawer or tangled at the back of a shelf, it’s time to edit.
Faded Black or Dingy White Basics
Nothing drags down a look like tired basics. Refreshing your foundational pieces—like a crisp white button-down or classic black tee—can instantly make everything else feel new again.
Worn Belts That No Longer Work
If a belt is cracked, stretched, or doesn’t sit right anymore, replace it with a sleek, polished option you’ll actually wear.
Holiday-Themed Items You Never Reach For
Holiday pieces can be fun—but if they’ve stayed tucked away for years, you won’t miss them. Let them go while they’re still in good condition.
Impulse Buys That Never Made Sense
We’ve all made them. That bold print you bought on a whim and never wore? It’s okay. Let it go—and let it be a lesson in what you actually love to wear.
Clothes That Hold Bad Memories
Some clothes carry stories we don’t want to revisit. If something reminds you of a hard time or makes you feel small, you don’t need to keep it. Letting go can be an act of healing.
Simple Tools to Organize What’s Left
Once you’ve cleared out what no longer serves you, the next step is creating a space that actually supports your daily life. I always told my styling clients: Don’t rush to organize until you’ve done the edit. There’s no point in making space for things you don’t really want to keep. But once you’ve done the work, having the right tools makes all the difference.
Over on Substack, I put together a companion piece: a roundup of the organizing solutions I actually use. These are simple, smart additions that help your closet feel more functional—not just prettier.
👉 Check out my favorite closet organizing tools here.
Closet Decluttering FAQs
How often should I clean out my wardrobe?
Most experts recommend a closet clean-out every 6 to 12 months. A seasonal refresh—at the start of spring/summer, fal/winterl, or whenever your lifestyle shifts—is also a great habit.
How do I decide what to keep?
Ask yourself three questions: Do I wear it? Do I love it? Do I need it? If the answer is no across the board, it’s probably time to let it go.
Should I sell or donate unwanted clothes?
If the item is in great condition and you’re motivated, selling on platforms like Poshmark or ThredUp can work. Otherwise, donating to local shelters or clothing drives is often the easiest and most impactful option. We have a comprehensive article here: What to Do with Clothes You Don’t Want: Best Ways to Resell, Donate, or Recycle.
How can I stop clutter from building up again?
Be intentional when shopping. Try the one-in, one-out rule, invest in versatile pieces, and avoid impulse purchases. Keep a small donation bag in your closet so editing becomes a habit—not a big event.
What are the best storage solutions for small closets?
Slim velvet hangers, clear bins, drawer dividers, over-the-door hooks, and tiered shoe racks all help maximize space. Vertical storage is key. You can browse our favorites here.
What should I do with sentimental clothing items?
Store them separately in a memory box or under-bed bin. If it’s a meaningful piece you’ll never wear, consider taking a photo of it or repurposing the fabric into something functional or decorative.
Where should I start if I feel overwhelmed?
Start small. Set a timer for 20 minutes and focus on one category—like shoes, workout clothes, or tops. Momentum builds quickly once you start seeing progress.
How do I know if something is worth keeping?
Would you buy it again today? Does it make you feel confident and comfortable? If the answer is no, you probably won’t reach for it—so let it go.
💌 A Quick Note Before You Finish
If this process feels surprisingly emotional, you’re not imagining it. Letting go of clothes often means letting go of versions of ourselves—and that takes more than a donation bag.
Over on Substack, I wrote more about the emotional weight we carry in our closets—and how making space has helped me feel more like myself again.
Read the essay here, or sign up below to get thoughtful, honest style content delivered to your inbox.
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Final Thoughts
Decluttering your closet isn’t just about making space—it’s about making room for the life you’re actually living.
It’s a chance to let go of the clothes, habits, and expectations that no longer serve you, and to move toward a wardrobe that feels more aligned, more intentional, and a lot more manageable.
You don’t have to do it all in one weekend. Start small. Be honest with yourself. Come back to this checklist whenever you need a reset.
And if you’re ready for next steps, here are a few resources that can help:
- How to Purge Clothes: 7 Mindset Shifts
- How to Figure Out Your Wardrobe Essentials (To Create a Closet That Fits Your Life)
- What to Do With Clothes That No Longer Fit Hanging in Your Closet
You’ve got this—and your future self will thank you.
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