If you’re anything like me, your closet is overflowing with things you haven’t worn in ages. With the change of seasons, I recently did an huge closet cleanout, throwing away old clothes, donating unworn clothes, and decluttering things that were just taking up space for no good reason.
When I was done, boy did I feel good! Since my closet cleanout, I haven’t missed any of the clothing I’ve thrown out and donated. When your closet has pieces you actually wear and actually love, getting dressed becomes so much easier!
Spring is the perfect time to do a closet cleanout. With the change of seasons you’re already rotating out of winter clothing, so might as well go ahead take some time to evaluate what you wear and what you don’t. Here are 5 things you should definitely throw out to declutter your closet.
1. Clothing that’s too small or too big
You know that cute dress that’s just a little too small you’re holding on to in case you’ll be able to squeeze back into it. Well that needs to go!
You need to cultivate a wardrobe to wear now, and unless you really plan on turning back time, it’s time to let it go.
The same goes for those items that you sweater you bought on sale that’s too big, but you still love anyway and never wear.
I know it isn’t easy to let go of pieces you love or spend a lot of money on. But it’s important to b realistic and keep in mind the “quality, not quantity” type of wardrobe you want.
Look at these pieces and ask yourself what makes them special and worth keeping. Could you get it tailored to correctly fit? Could you resell it online? If not, it’s time to donate it.
2. Clothing you once really loved, but is now gathering dust
We all have pieces of clothing we used to adore that we haven’t touched in months. Now those overly ripped up jeans that I use to wear 3 times a week are now just collecting dust and taking up valuable real estate.
Let’s face it, trends change and our style changes. Even if it’s something that was on high rotating in the past, if you’re not wearing it now, you don’t need it in your closet.
Some clothing can still be versatile. And maybe you just need to style that halter top in a new way, but if you’ve tried it in different outfits and still don’t see yourself wearing it, it’s time to let go.

3. All those freebie T-shirts, hats, and tote bags
Over time, it’s easy build up a collection of random shirts, hats, and bags covered in festival logos and local advertisements.
Yes, they may have good memories, but if you’re just wearing wearing them to sleep in, you should probably throw them out.
Sure it’s nice to have them around for just in case, but by giving away what you don’t need, you’ll open up a lot more space in your closet for things you love and will actually be worn.
4. Anything you haven’t worn in over six months
I understand this is a hard rule with the changing seasons. Maybe you just haven’t gotten the chance to rock that sundress since you’ve been stuck in sweaters all winter. But the clothing I’m talking about is that sweater you bought with the itchy fabric that you still haven’t worn yet and will probably never wear.
If you’re still struggling with what to keep, look at each piece and ask yourself these questions:
- Does it still fit?
- Do I still love it?
- Is it comfortable to wear
- Does it flatter my shape or complexion?
- Can I see it pairing well with the rest of my wardrobe?
- Would I buy it again if I saw it in stores now?
- Is it damaged?
- Why haven’t I worn it?
5. Clothing you said would repair or hem and haven’t
If you’ve had the clothing in your closer for longer than a month and haven’t gotten it hemmed, cleaned, or fixed, I’ll bet you probably never will.
Don’t hold on to jeans that will just sit in your closet because it’s made for a woman who’s 6’0 and you’re 5’4. If you love them, get them properly hemmed or just give it up. Otherwise, they are just taking up space in your already overcrowded closest.
Same goes for clothing that you need to fix or repair. That old dress with the broken zipper will probably stay that way. So unless you plan on getting it repaired in the next week. It’s time to say good bye.
Hope these tips will help your closet cleanout this spring and if you have any tips of your own share them in the comments below!
More home & lifestyle posts:
- Websites like Wayfair to Shop Online for Furniture
- 10 Clever Tips on How to Organize Small Spaces
- How to Make A Gallery Wall
- 10 DIY Summer Decor Ideas
- 5 Ways to Make Your Home More Cozy
- Home Workouts Made Easy with iFit
- 5 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Greener
- Stores like Pottery Barn for Furniture and Decor


Lovely
April 13, 2021These are great suggestions! It feels so good after the clean out, when your closet has pieces you actually wear and love.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Jennifer
April 12, 2021I agree with all of these!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
Eileen
April 12, 2021Thanks Jennifer!
Elegant Duchess Fashion and Lifestyle
April 11, 2021These are really good tips. My closet is literally bursting and yet I still find a reason not to throw/give anything away xx
Elegant Duchess xx
https://www.elegantduchess.com/
Eileen
April 12, 2021It’s so hard to do at first! But now I do a yearly purge and it’s become much easier!