How to do a Closet Purge before School Starts
If you’re getting ready for school to start again, then your closet may also need some organization. In order to know what things you need for school, you first need to know what items you already have. That’s pretty hard to do when your closet is overflowing! A complete purge will clear your wardrobe of clutter, and also help you make an accurate shopping list. Here’s how to get started:
-Take everything out of your closet and dressers: Yep, we mean it. Everything. Underwear, bras, socks, shirts, pants, swimsuits, etc. Lay it out on the floor or a bed, and begin sorting into types of clothing. Also sort by season. It may seem like a mountain of clothes but you want to start with a blank slate.
-Try everything on. This will take quite a lot of time, especially if you have lots of clothes. Be ruthless with making decisions and sort everything into keep, donate, and sell. If it doesn’t fit, don’t wait until it does. It will likely sit in your closet for months, OR make your self esteem take a nosedive if you’re trying to squeeze into something that is too small. Better to try to sell things that are in good condition and make money to get fresh, good quality items.
-Take your items to donation and consignment: When you make your piles, take them THE SAME DAY to the places you intend to. Out of sight means out of mind and clearing them out will keep your brain clutter-free as well. Don’t let them languish in your car trunk or bedroom for months when you could give them to someone who needs them, or earn a little extra cash. Not sure where to take them? We suggest donating to foster families, homeless shelters, or shelters for domestic violence survivors. And to sell, try Thred Up, or Plato’s Closet.
-Make a list of what you need. Now that you’ve established what still works and what you still love in your closet, begin figuring out what you’re missing. Closet staples like great jeans, a cute black dress, the perfect neutral heel, or a denim button down, are all great things that will help fill gaps in your wardrobe and keep you being able to mix and match items that you already have.
-Make a budget and go shopping! You will feel so free after clearing out the junk, that this part should be fun! Go with a list and a budget, and remember not to fill that clean closet with any more random pieces that you don’t need.
A closet purge is the perfect way to prepare for back to school season!
