Closet Clean out What to keep what to toss?

Spring is finally here and it's the perfect time to spring clean your closet. Out with the old and in with the new. Here is an easy to follow checklist to help to give you the ideal wardrobe filled with items you want to wear. This will make you excited to get dressed in the morning and your fashion life less cluttered. I'm working on clearing mine out, so I am going to take you through my process.

To Toss

1. Anything that is too small

I know we all say "hey, I'm going to lose the weight, it goes up and it goes down." But, to be completely honest, I never go for those clothes because I am worried they might not fit and I never reach for them. These items are just taking up inventory space. Time to let go and if you do lose the weight, treat yourself to a new outfit to celebrate!

2. Anything that is worn or damaged

This goes mostly for my PJs and workout gear. I always seem to keep these items way too long and they get so worn, even with holes. Time to say goodbye! But wait, the distress look is totally in now! Have you seen everyone with holes in their sweatshirts? At least mine is authentic. These are the lies I tell myself.

3. Anything that you haven't worn in over a year

That includes shoes and handbags. If you haven't reached for it in a year, it's time to get rid of it. Now their is an exception to this rule because sometimes when we clean we forget that we have an item. If you uncover something amazing that you forgot you had and want to wear, do it and see if the magic is still there. Sometimes there are hidden treasures in your own closet. Have you ever just gone shopping in your own closet? Everything is on sale and you will not break the bank.

To Keep

These are items that do not check any of the toss requirements

1. Items that you would buy again

When you look at these items, they give you joy! For me, it's my shoes and handbag collection. I try them on, look at them and see if I still have that same feeling I did when I first saw them and wore them. If I do, they are almost always in the keep pile unless they don't fit. Refer to Toss rule #1.



2. Oversized Tops

You should get rid of things that don't fit you but oversized tops are in this year. I actually wear some of my maternity tops and jackets because they totally go with the current trend. Even some pants as long as they don't fall down. Because the sagging pants trend should never ever ever ever come back in-style. I always wanted to yank those people's pants down. It's bad that I know their answer to the boxers or briefs question.

3. Keep the Classics

These will stand the test of time, as long as they fit and aren't too worn. These pieces will be things like nude and black pointed pumps, the little black dress, distressed jeans, a white blouse, Louis Vuitton Speedy, you get the picture. Basically these are items that are a staples in anyone's wardrobe and will never be out of style. As long as it isn't in one of the toss requirements, you're good to go.










Now what to do with the toss pile?

Damaged and stained items

Look over the clothing, if it's torn or very badly stained you will have to throw it away. Unfortunately clothing can't be recycled or donated when it's badly stained or has holes. I would look up and see if there are any local organizations that take old shoes though. There are several charities like Soles 4 Souls around the world that use recycled shoes to create jobs. They actually use our old soles, melt them down and make new shoes. So always better to Google it. You may help change someone's life with your old worn out sneakers.

Items that still have life in them and are out of style.

I would donate these items. It's not something you will get any money at in consignment. They are looking for items that that have been around for the past two years. There are plenty of charities you can donate to. There are Goodwill and Salvation Army drop boxes everywhere and are easy to Google. Now for coats and warmer weather clothing I would recommend looking for a local charity that will give those items to the homeless. This is something that's always greatly appreciated and items that are always in need. A lot of local churches participate in a coats program. I would always recommend finding a charity to help everyone stay warm next winter.

Items that are still in style.
You can sell them and make a-little extra cash to reinvest right back into your closet.

Poshmark

You could sell on Poshmark (for $5 off your first item use my offer code shestheposh) this requires time and effort but you will get top dollar for your items even if it takes some extra time. If you are interested in learning how to make extra money reselling please check out my blog post on it.

Thredup

If you are not into reselling or really don't want all that work, you can send them to Thredup. You don't even need to leave the house. I do this all the time for items that I just don't think I will get that much money for reselling on my own. You go on their website and request a "clean out" mail bag. It will be mailed to your house. Once received, you put all your items in it. You contact your postoffice and the letter carrier will pick them up. It is that easy! Once they receive your items, it takes about two weeks for you to get your offer. You can pay a fee of $16 for a rush offer. (I have never done this) I usually just take a site credit from them and buy clothing for my son. They have amazing brand names and a lot of the kids clothing are in new or like new condition.

I hope this, easy to follow how to, will give you a closet that is not over crowded and is full of items you want to wear. Look, you have some extra space. Time to hit the sales. #getyourchictogether.