Spring Organizing: The 5 Step Closet Clean Out

With spring coming soon, it’s time to bring back my bi-annual closet clean-out post. In addition to my step-by-step clean out guide, I’ve added photos from my most recent closet purge. I think we can learn from each other and you never know what tips you might glean from my closet photos at the end of today’s post. I’d love to hear ideas that work for you as well, so fell free to drop any tips you have in the comment section down below! 

Twice a year, I “gut” my closet, and give it a little facelift.  I begin by removing EVERYTHING out of the closet. Every single piece. Once I vacuum the dust bunnies and toss the garbage, I begin to inspect every item that goes back in. What doesn’t make it back in is either packed up for next year or if it no longer suits my needs or fits, it’s placed in bags to donate or resell. The entire process can be overwhelming, so planning is key. I select a date on the calendar when I know I’ll have a few hours free.  I know I need about 4 uninterrupted hours to accomplish what needs to get done in my closet.  On the date of choice, I set aside the time, turn off my phone and focus. I grab a cup of coffee, and start working. Stuck inside from all the rain, wind or snow? Take advantage of the forced indoor time and jump into your closet – and when spring starts to show her beauty, you’re closet will be ready for a new season!

The AskSuzanneBell.com 5 Step Closet Purge

Step One: Clear the Space

• Remove all of the clothes from your closet. Yes, EVERYTHING! I place handbags, shoes and accessories, in separate piles on the floor.
• Vacuum out the closet. Toss any garbage, shoeboxes, bags and clutter.
• If you’ve stored any off-season items, unpack, and add them to the pile.
• Using storage containers, pack up the off-season items by folding them into the totes. 

Step Two: Sort the Piles

Keep, store, donate, resell, alter, and garbage.

• The most difficult, but important step. Decide which clothes to donate or resell. If you want to have an organized space, your goal should be to get rid of as many items of clothing as possible that no longer suit your needs.
• Keep all the clothes that you wear on a regular basis, and garments that you would miss if they weren’t in your closet. If you’ve worn a certain item in the last week, month, or even few months, you should hold on to it as long as it’s seasonally appropriate.
• Do you have a garment you love that no longer fits? Or a dress that is no longer a stylish length? Can it be altered? 

Step Three: Closet Re-Entry

• As you prepare your items for re-entry, evaluate each piece honestly.  For each item you are unsure of, ask yourself the questions listed above.  If you truly cannot make the call, set the item aside and ask a good friend to give you an honest opinion.  It is possible that you are holding onto the item, for emotional reasons.
• Try to hang up as many clothes as you can. This will make it easier for you to find pieces and conserve space. I like to use thin felt type black hangers. You can get these at Costco, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon and Target. These hangers allow for more storage, plus no slippage. Matching hangers make your closet look cleaner, and more orderly- I use all black.

Step Four: Organize by Type and Color

• I like to organize my clothes by type. I separate my knits, blouses/shirts, pants, skirts, day and special occasion dresses. Once all the items are back in the closet I colorize them so I can really get a sense of what I own. Because I usually dress business casual for work, I separate “true business wear”,  from my everyday clothing. 
• The items I wear the most are in the best location for easy access and visibility, making it easy to get dressed in the morning.

Step Five:  Accessories

Accessories can make an outfit…only if you can find them.

Handbags

Scarves

A Belt Hook Rack is Great for Keeping Necklaces Untangled | Target

Shoes

Belts

Just for fun

Paint your closet a soft pretty color.

Add mirrors or a tall mirror

Hang jewelry and scarves where you can see them  (see photos)

Over-the-door shoe racks are a great way of saving space vs on-ground shoe racks.

If you have some space in your closet, perhaps put a dresser in the closet and store your folded items in it.

Do you have a trunk? Great for storing off season items!

Add a fun quote or work of art for daily inspiration.

A Few More Pics From My Recently Revamped Closet

Let’s Chat!

Do you have a strategy that works for you? Let’s hear about it!

How do you purge items that not longer work for you?

Do you find the task overwhelming or do you enjoy organizing for a new season?

Drop your thoughts and comments down below, simply scroll down and share, I’d love to hear!

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