Closet Cleanout Tips: How to Edit Your Wardrobe with Confidence
If getting dressed each morning feels more stressful than stylish, your closet may be working against you. Even if you’ve identified your best colors and styles, an overflowing or disorganized wardrobe can lead to decision fatigue and make getting dressed feel like a chore. I’m often asked about my own “closet detox” practices — how often I cull my wardrobe, and how I decide what to keep, store, or let go. Here are my top tips for keeping a wardrobe that’s edited, organized, and truly working for you.
If you’re still working out which colors and styles suit you best, that’s where I come in! I offer in-person Color Analysis and Style Analysis that can help you evaluate and update your wardrobe. For more information and to book your appointment, be sure to visit my Color & Style Services page.
There are three levels of closet cleanout, depending on where you are in your style journey.
The Big Reset
If you’ve experienced a major lifestyle change (such as retirement) or have moved to a very different climate, it may be a good time to re-evaluate and reset your wardrobe. It can feel like an overwhelming project, so I suggest you start with this post, Closet Cleanse 101: The Ultimate Wardrobe Detox Guide. It includes tips to break the process down into manageable steps.
Your own risk tolerance level will determine how you proceed, but I do recommend initially clearing out as much as you can that no longer works for your new circumstances. It will give you a better sense of what does work and what you may need to update. (You can always store pieces you’re unsure about, but do move them out of your “main” closet.) And give yourself time. After my own color and style analysis in 2019, it took me a few years to rebuild my wardrobe in my best Spring colors.
The Seasonal Cleanse
In our milder California climate, this is a twice-yearly project for me, but you can adjust to your own climate and needs. I prefer to do this at the end of a season, so that what I’ve worn or not is still fresh in my mind. And so I’m not storing pieces that are worn out or not working for whatever reason, only to have to deal with them again later.
I find a rolling or portable rack is very helpful for this process. Because my closet is fairly compact (and not particularly well-lit) it helps create space while I evaluate and re-organize.
- I’ll usually start by getting rid of anything that’s worn out, stained, or doesn’t fit (and can’t be altered). If the items are still wearable, I’ll let my friend’s young adult daughters (who are my size) have first pick, then donate the rest to a local charitable thrift.
- Next are the pieces that are still in good condition, but that I just haven’t been wearing. I do a “vibe check,” and try them on again. If I’m unsure, I’ll store them. Otherwise, I’ll consign items that have resale potential, or pass along to the friend’s daughters.
- What’s left, I’ll launder or have cleaned if necessary, and put back in the less accessible areas of my closet. When the season rolls around again, those pieces are fresh and ready to wear. (And you always want to clean sweaters and cotton items before storing, to deter moths!)
Ongoing Closet Edits
I’ve been trying to hold myself to a “one-in, one-out” wardrobe policy, but some seasons really challenge my resolve. Because our best colors and styles aren’t always available, I do tend to stock up a bit more when they are.
But on an ongoing basis, here are some of the edits I try to stay on top of:
- Upgrades. Sometimes I’ll try a lower-priced version of a new-to-me style to see if it works with my wardrobe. If it does, I may eventually invest in a better-quality version of that piece.
- Duplicates. I recently winnowed down my tee shirt stash, which had gotten a bit out of hand the last couple of years. (I’m picky about my tees, so tend to buy “a backup” when I find one I really like.)
- Stuff happens. (e.g. the coffee cup you thought was empty….) Even a favorite piece can hit the point of no return. If it can’t be cleaned or mended, or is just looking and feeling shabby, off it goes.
Should It Stay or Should It Go (with apologies to The Clash)
If you’re on the fence about whether to keep an item, here are three questions you can ask yourself to help you decide:
1. Can I style it multiple ways? Does it work with several other pieces in my wardrobe? A cohesive wardrobe can help you do more with less. If you have a lot of items in your wardrobe that will only work in one combination, they’re probably not earning their keep.
2. Does it serve me? Does it fill a gap or specific purpose in my wardrobe? Is it something I reach for when I’m not sure what else to wear? Do I have something else that would cover the same territory?
3. Do I love it? Does it make me feel like my best self every time I wear it? If so, then #1 and #2 may not be as important.
If you want to get analytical, you can even rate the item on 1-10 for each of the 3 questions. A total score less than 17 suggests it may be time to let it go.
All Present and Accounted For…
Regarding organizing what’s left, I like to keep the current season items I’m wearing most often in the most visible and accessible areas of my closet. I arrange by item type, and then color. Try to maintain some space in between items to allow for air flow, prevent creasing, and to be able to easily see what’s there.
I also strongly suggest investing in matching hangers. It’s easier to see what you have when everything is hanging at the same level, and it will also make your closet feel more like a lovely boutique. I like these “velvet” hangers, which save space and prevent items from ending up on the closet floor.
This post was originally published on July 19, 2025. I’ve given it a refresh to update the content and make sure the advice is as helpful as possible for where you are in your style journey today.
A thoughtful closet cleanout isn’t just about making space, it’s about creating clarity. By letting go of what no longer fits your style, lifestyle, or body, you’re making room for the pieces that truly support you and reflect who you are today. Whether you’re doing a full reset or just a light edit, these closet cleanout tips can help you feel more in control and inspired every time you get dressed. Have you done a recent closet edit? I’d love to hear what you’ve let go of, and what you’ve rediscovered!
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My mother would say, when buying something new, do you love it more than a chocolate soda! My mother loved a chocolate soda. Unfortunately, I didn’t love a chocolate soda. I was a vanilla girl. So that didn’t work for me, but it was her way over 50 years ago to decide whether or not to buy something new or keep it in the closet
Her other thoughts on clothes were that the first year, after you bought a new dress, you only wore it on special occasions. The second year you wore it once a week. The third year you ward to wash the floor floors.
Old-fashioned thoughts but perhaps they still work in their own way… But I’m not a great one for washing floors.
Wardrobe rationalization can be overwhelming. I started a “work from the bottom” approach to keep me sane. Each day, I take one bottom (skirt, pants or jeans) and style them with as many shoes, tops and accessories as possible in my closet. The goal is 3 tops for every bottom and 2 shoe options. I notice what works and what surprised me. A running list of what’s missing and what’s oversupplied helps me focus my shopping. When I reach the end, the shoes and tops that don’t really work with anything are donated. It becomes obvious quickly which bottoms need a new home.
The “one a day” approach and starting with bottoms makes for a longer process, but it’s more manageable for me.
That is a great way of approaching this project! I am going to use your method this coming week. I recently moved to a new climate, and a purge is necessary. Thanks for sharing your idea.
You are welcome. I hope it helps.
Now I’m going to have that Clash riff go through my head when I’m pondering my closet! (That’s ok I love the Clash!) This is a timely post-I just noticed that almost all of my hangers are in use, yikes! I meed to cull. A few insights. First, my closet is pretty much all in my seasonal palette and it makes a huge difference. Everything goes together color wise. Second, a change for me is I have started running cold. So I have added “third” pieces so that I can regulate my temperature. Third, I make myself try on and even wear questionable items and focus on how they make me feel. I can tell pretty quickly. I don’t have time or energy to sell stuff. I have a great charitable thrift shop next to my office. When I donate the nicer stuff I just hope I’m going to make someone’s day when they find it. Finally, this fall I will be going from three to five days in office, so that will inform my choices. My greatest risk of buying stuff when I should be taking a breather is finding something in one of my dark winter colors, especially summer stuff (as you mentioned). EF has a few great ones this summer (Sangria and Blackberry, swoon).
Good morning and first, just let me say that I’m so pleased to have stumbled across your blog…..
This topic has been more of a challenge post retirement for me….I was wondering how you hang (or fold, if you do that) pants (not jeans) in your closet. I do use the velvet hangers but I don’t for pants. I scrolled back to the top of this article and noticed the wooden hangers (but I think you’re doing that more for presentation on a rolling rack). So I was wondering for in season and off season, how you hang your pants etc.
Also what about the stuff you pack for a certain destination vacation…. I fold and put in clear tubs and pull out when I need…..is that stupid (a better way)? Thank you
Hi Robin, I use these pant hangers:
SLMT Pants Hangers Open Ended 10… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DY75MRVN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Pants are easy to get on and off, don’t slide off and end up on the floor, and they all hang at the same level making the closet look better.
Seconding Mary’s recommendation of these pants hangers! They’re great.
Hi Robin, we used to store our ski clothing and some gear in plastic tubs. I often use my rack to prep travel wardrobes or capsule wardrobes, but otherwise I hang my pants on the regular velvet hangers. I’ll steam out any creases or fold marks.
Thank you!
Hi Susan, I use to have a wonderful consignment shop close to my house. Unfortunately she closed during the pandemic. Can you recommend some good consignment shops?
Thank you.
Gitte
Hi Gitte, I’ve been using TheRealReal. In some areas you can arrange to have them pick up items from home.
Susan BK: I am fairly ruthless when it comes to weeding clothing that no longer works for me, but I love your idea of trying on one item a day and styling it different ways. I am trying it tomorrow morning. Thanks.
Hope you find the idea useful.
HI, Susan, my daughter swears by Thred Up, which takes non-designer clothing.
(I’m kind of a language geek … the term is “present or accounted for.” It’s one or the other like “either or.” When you think about it, the expression makes sense.)
I’m not a great speller, though, I guess! Thread Up
I am doing a summer-long “clean out”. One thing you hadn’t mentioned that is the basis for my clean out: I am changing my “look” but not because of life changes, as you did mention. My coloring has faded and I am getting rid of many/most black tops, questioning all vibrant prints and even colors like fuchsia that I used to love. Also, my neck is showing some age, so I am purchasing shirts and shirt dresses with collars and questioning the scoop and deep V necks I already have. And I really don’t wear tank tops or sleeveless much anymore: outdoors, it’s not enough shelter from sun and indoors not warm enough with air conditioning. I appreciate what you said about needing to “stock up” when your colors are in style (as I am doing now with all the greens and browns) but this also applies to cuts. I am a petite person and the wide leg pants and full skirts in style now make me look like I am drowning in fabric.
I identify with the change in coloration. I love bright colors, but now am noticing that they can overwhelm me. I still prefer color to neutrals, but am muting my shades. I’m also petite, and still on the fence on these wide leg fashions.
It took me a few years to adjust to my post-retirement wardrobe needs. At first, I thought I would wear all those “work” clothes for lunches out, daytrips, etc. But those things didn’t happen very often and I really lived a casual lifestyle, however, I found myself gravitating towards “work” clothes when I shopped. Eventually, I focused on my real needs, like another pair of jeans and more athletic apparel for almost daily trips to the gym, and culled most of my former work attire (including 7 pairs of black trousers). During this time, I also used your color advice to home in on my best colors (Autumn) and style (Huntswoman/Adventurer) and have a more workable wardrobe. Thanks for all your good advice.
Susan, your advice makes this chore bearable.
I can relate to the person who said current styles that are “generous” are far too large on a petite person.
In terms of giving away clothes: my city has a functioning Dress for Success, and once a month it takes seasonal clothes and shoes in neat, good condition. They publish what they need online once a month.
When I retired I donated suits, silk wraps and robes, a full length velvet coat, etc. to the local high school’s drama department. They are always looking for costumes, and can use the flashy or dressy attire far more than a private person could.
Thank you for donating to Dress for Success! I’m a long time volunteer at our Houston location. I think all locations are run a bit differently; we accept donations M-F. Professional or business casual attire, including shoes and handbags are welcomed! Clean and in good condition (and on hangers), please. As a volunteer, I get so much satisfaction from helping a woman find the right outfit for her interview or job. The boost in confidence once she’s all decked out in her new outfit is wonderful to see!
Thank you for the idea about the local drama departments! I am the person who said that current styles are too voluminous for me as a petite person………and when I left corporate work, Dress for Success was going to get most of my work wardrobe. But I had met the founder of the local chapter a couple of times and she said they don’t need my size 4 items, they needed size 10 and up.
As I said, every location is different! At mine, we do have an ongoing need for sizes 18-22, especially. But we wouldn’t turn down your size 4 petite!
Thanks for this post. Like you, I do a clean out and reorganization in the fall and spring. Some of my tops I can wear year round. I don’t wash my clothes every time I wear them, mostly because our climate is dry and cool in the mornings and evenings. My problem is that my clothes don’t wear out so I have things over 10 years old. Yikes! Even though in good condition, they go out of style because there are subtle updates each season. I feel guilty about donating them. I have noticed that I am happier with a smaller wardrobe of things that fit my personal style. Too many clothes makes getting dressed harder.
I do all those things on a regular basis and still have too many others. I presume I am beyond rescuing.
Greetje
Another idea to deal with clothes you may not want in your closet is having a swap party. I live in an over 55 community and recently an afternoon at the clubhouse was set aside for women to bring ,and display if they wished , their items. About 15 attended, all heights and sizes, and there was sangria and nibbles, and lots of laughter. As the afternoon progressed there was more casual trying on of tops etc. No money changed hands for clothing, but there was a $5 entry charge , and anything left over was taken to a local charity shop. Plans in the works for another one this fall.
WOW what a great idea!!!
What you call the vibe check is the most daunting aspect of closet cleaning for me. My closet is full of things I love, rarely wear, but might be perfect or back in style at some point in the future . . . And yet I hate seeing that stuffed closet.
Hi Susan, I’ve been a fan for many years. I especially love the many cropped jackets and shirts you’ve been wearing recently. Like you, I am short, and I prefer the shorter tops. I’ve found a few of the short tops lately, but I can’t seem to find short tee shirts. I don’t want to tuck my tees in, or even do a half-tuck. I want to have tees that will go under the crop tops without hanging out below. Do you have any suggestions for brands that are offering a shorter tee?
Judy, I like a shorter tee as well, and I’ve had luck with Everlane’s boxy tee (not as boxy as it sounds). Problem is many colors sell out quickly, but they do restock.
Kule also has a couple of shorter tees but they, too, seem to sell out fast.
Have also had luck with COS, but the fabric can be a little heavy for Midwestern summers.
Hope this helps!
Linda
Hi Judy, I second the recommendation for the “box-cut” cotton tees from Everlane: https://bit.ly/4o2UlbO . I also really like these from Colorful Standard, which are a nice mid-weight (not as heavy as the COS) and available in a bazillion colors: https://go.shopmy.us/p-15451545
Susan,
How do you find the sizing on the Colorful Standard Boxy Crop tee?
I usually wear one size up from you!
Thanks,
Linda
Hi Linda, I find they run pretty true-to-size. I take a Small.
One of my biggest dilemmas for closet clean-outs is color and my changing preferences. My best colors are blue, green, burgundy, black, and their combinations mixed with white and cream. One year I prefer a burgundy-based pallet, one year royal blue, one year navy and white, one year black and cream, etc. I try to store what does not interest me one year but can’t dispose of anything because it all looks good and I might love it next year. I own far too many clothes but as soon as I give away something, I want it in a season or two. Being in Chicago means clothes for four seasons also….
Any suggestions?
Do you have any suggestions on where to consign clothes?
Hi MHB, if there’s not a local consignment shop you like, TheRealReal is the option I use for
“bridge” line and designer pieces. They have a convenient home pick up service in some areas.
Love this post – everyone’s comment was so good with some tips I picked up. I smiled at your comment about closet lighting – I ran across something that has really helped my dark closet. After considering an electrician I found sensor lights that are way cheaper than that. They are easy to find. I started with a set of 4 on Amazon – the neat thing is they have magnets and come with a way to stick them on the ceiling or wall or, if you have wire closet racks they stay on the metal shelving with no strip. They can be set to come on when you open the doors and are rechargeable too.
Hi Susan — A little off topic. What does a “winter” gal do when there’s so much pastels coming in for spring 2026 and still look current?
Hi Rose, I’m also seeing some bright blues and pinks that would be saturated enough for Winters. I’m working on a post for next week on spring color trends, so stay tuned…
Great tips, and I always appreciate a Clash shout out! My closet is in good shape, but I’ve realized climate is a real struggle for my visual learner self here in Missouri. Yes, I’ve moved the white and lighter colored fabrics out to the secondary closet. But the rest I have to leave because the weather is SO variable and I’ll forget it if I can’t see it. That in turn makes my closet seem a bit cluttered. But it’s February, will be 70 today and 42 tomorrow. (Sometimes that’s in one day!) So while I guess I get to have more different clothes, and as a scout leader I am prepared for all weather, it can be overwhelming, and I’m not sure my Cali blogger friends can quite relate. Finally, want to echo stocking up on your colors when available. As a winter my colors are on clearance, and I won’t see much that’s wearable, including my whites, until mid summer.
I find it helpful to ask myself not what I should get rid of but would I choose it/buy it now. If not, off it goes.
How timely! I’m moving again (3rd time in 18 months–long story) so sure enough, cleaning out my closet was on my To Do list once I move. Eighteen months ago I had a beautiful spacious walk-in closet that was custom designed. Our new house has a smaller walk in not custom designed. One of my current dilemmas is shoes, of course. I bought shoe boxes when we moved the first time. I think I’ll have to store winter clothes and shoes so that the other 3 seasons can remain out and visible (Northern California, as you know, can get a little colder than Southern California). At 79 I think my wardrobe will continue to be a work in progress. Thank you for posting this. I’m using it as my reference!
Thank you for the reminder! Someone that is close to me still keeps her maternity dresses to wear around the house. They are in ‘shreds’ after several years. It may be an emotional attachment in my mind so that reason for keeping things might be an addition to your analysis of closets full of nothing to wear or style…keeping clothing as a point in life or a comfort way beyond their use. For myself I move things on to charities. Having volunteered in a church resale shop I learned about what people will gravitate to when it is freshened, ironed and displayed. Your comments have made me go into my own closet this morning!
I love this article. I’m a custom closet designer, and I will share it with my clients. Under “should it stay or should it go,” I would ask: If I saw this on a rack at a store, would I buy it again?
Hi Barbara, thank so much! I’m glad you found it helpful.