What to Remove From Your Closet First
Clear your closet with less stress by starting with the easiest items first, then the clothes that don't fit, suit your life or go with anything.
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Start with the easiest decisions, not the hardest ones. Clearing obvious items first gives you space and momentum before you face clothes you’re unsure about. Work through this order, and stop whenever you need a break.
1. Anything damaged beyond repair
Begin with clothes that are stained, torn or stretched out and that you don’t intend to fix. Check local textile recycling options for anything that can’t be worn again.
If you’d actually wear it once it’s fixed, put it in a repair bag. Give yourself a deadline so that it doesn’t sit there forever.
2. Things you don’t enjoy wearing
Remove items that itch, dig in, slip or need constant adjusting. If something makes you uncomfortable every time you wear it, you’re unlikely to change your mind later.
3. Clothes that don’t fit right now
This can be the hardest group. You don’t have to throw away anything that matters to you, but it doesn’t need to stay in your daily closet. Put clothes that may fit you later into a labeled box, so that you only see what you can wear today.
4. Items you bought for a life you don’t have
Think of the formal suits from an old job or a pile of workout clothes you never use. Keep what you need for the life you lead now, and pass on the rest.
5. Near-duplicates
If you own six similar black tops, compare them side by side. Keep the ones you prefer and let go of the ones you always pass over. You don’t have to get rid of duplicates you truly wear.
6. Orphans that match nothing
An orphan is an item you like but can’t pair with anything else. Try to make two outfits with it. If you can’t, either let it go or decide that it’s worth buying something to go with it.
What to set aside instead of removing
Not everything has to go. Put these in storage, and take them out of your daily view:
- Clothes for another season
- Formal clothes you do still use
- Sentimental pieces you want to keep
Stuck on something?
Ask yourself these questions:
| Question | If the answer is no |
|---|---|
| Have I worn this during the past year? | Ask why not. If there’s no good reason, consider letting it go |
| Would I buy this again today? | It may no longer suit you |
| Can I make two outfits with this? | It may not earn its place |
| Do I feel good in it? | Think about why you’re keeping it |
If you’re still not sure, use a “maybe” box. Date it, and put it away. If you haven’t missed anything by your chosen date, donate the box.
What to do with what’s left
Donate or sell items in good condition, and check what your local donation center accepts. Then look at what remains. That’s the beginning of your capsule.
Next, follow the new year closet reset to turn it into a working wardrobe, or find out how many clothes you need.
