Today I wanted to share some closet purging tips before we get our Summer Capsule Wardrobe inspiration out. Yes, it’s coming so get ready and excited.
Creating a summer wardrobe capsule with what you already have is a great way to ensure that you have a versatile and functional set of clothes that you can mix and match throughout the season. One thing I like to do each season is go through my closet and ditch all of the items that no longer bring me joy. A great number to keep in the back of your mind is 30-50 pieces. Use those numbers when considering what to keep and what to get rid of. This includes, tops, bottoms, shorts, skirts and dresses. It’s a great way to take inventory of what you already have and what no longer serves you before you head to the store to purchase a new wardrobe.
Closet Purging Tips and Tricks
- Schedule a day to begin. I always plan on a full day. You want to make sure that you are giving yourself enough time to consider all of the items in your wardrobe. Decision making can be tough, even on the smallest items.
- Remove all the items in your closet, and I mean ALL. Remember, it always looks worse before it looks better. I personally dump everything on my bed. This also gives you the opportunity to do some deep cleaning, if need be. Such as vacuuming and dusting in those spots you can’t otherwise get to easily.
- Divide your piles into four categories. Keep, Donate, Sell and Garbage. If there is an item you come across that you’re on the fence about, try it on so you can remember how it makes you feel. This will give you the best indication whether to keep or part with it. If you still aren’t sure, wait until the end and block off a small (really small) section in your closet and turn the hanger around. If you haven’t worn it in those first few weeks, get rid of it!
- Think about your lifestyle and what clothes you actually wear. If you work from home, for example, you might not need as many dressy clothes. On the other hand, if you attend a lot of formal events, you might need more formalwear. Still having trouble deciding? Remember to factor that in to your 30-50 pieces. Just because you need a few formal items for occasional events doesn’t mean you should keep all those formal pieces you probably won’t wear. It’s all about the right balance for your life.
- Once you’ve decided what to keep, it’s time to organize it in a way that makes sense to you. Group similar items together and organize by color, style, or season.
- Learn from my mistakes! Once you’ve gone through this grueling process be sure to get it all out of your house. If it’s still there staring you in the face, you’ll be more likely to dip back into those piles.
Just because you’ve purged some items that no longer work for you, doesn’t mean you need to go out and purchase a whole new wardrobe. The fun part is mixing and matching all of these items to create several different looks to take you through the entire season. Have fun with it and be creative.
It can be grueling process but once it’s completed you will feel so good with all the extra space you created. It is quite literally a weight that has been lifted from your life. Plus all of those items you donate may be that perfect piece for someone else to enjoy. It’s a good feeling all around.
Need an example on how to create several looks with one top? Check out this post here.
