Purge Clothes: 3 Easy Ways to Declutter Your Closet

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Struggling to purge clothes and manage your overflowing closet? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of a complete closet cleanout, you’re certainly not alone. Me too! Many of us find ourselves facing the daunting task of decluttering our wardrobe, only to feel paralyzed by the sheer volume of clothing staring back at us.

But fear not! If your schedule is as hectic as mine or if the idea of tossing your entire wardrobe on the floor is daunting, I’m here to help.

In this post you’ll learn 3 quick and effective ways to purge clothes for a clutter-free closet:

1. Game of Numbers
2. Categorize and Conquer
3. Organize by Category, Keep by Number

Less is More

Let’s face it—having an abundance of clothing might seem like a dream come true, but in reality, it often leads to decision fatigue and an overstuffed, cluttered space. It’s all too easy to accumulate items over time, holding onto pieces for that “what if” scenario that never seems to materialize. But as our lives get busier and our closets become more chaotic, it’s essential to streamline our wardrobes and create a space that reflects our current lifestyle and preferences. That’s where purging comes in.

Purging clothes isn’t just about getting rid of excess; it’s about curating a collection that serves you and makes getting dressed a breeze. By paring down your wardrobe to the essentials and letting go of items that no longer align with your style or needs, you’ll not only reclaim valuable space but also simplify your daily routine.

Because, hello, sorting through 7 different black tops (that you never wear) to find that ONE black tee that fits like a dream takes up precious time!

3 Methods to Purge Clothes for a Clutter Free Closet

In this post, we’ll dive into three tried-and-true purging tips designed to help you take control of your closet and create a more intentional wardrobe. Whether you’re short on time, overwhelmed by clutter, or have no idea where to begin, these strategies offer practical solutions to make the process more manageable.

So, grab a drink (likely caffeine!), carve out some time for yourself, and let’s dive into decluttering with purpose and flair. Just think about how satisfying your clutter-free closet will be!

Method 1: Purge Clothes with the Game of Numbers Challenge

Turn decluttering into a fun game with our Numbers Game strategy.

The rules are simple; you choose a specific number of items to eliminate within a set timeframe. Set yourself a clear target to hit. Whether it’s one piece per day for a month, five items each Saturday for the next three months, or a bold purge of 20 garments in a single afternoon, this approach puts you in control of your decluttering journey. Schedule it on your calendar to keep you on track.

Need extra motivation to purge clothes? Try this twist: for every new purchase you make, challenge yourself to bid farewell to two items from your current collection.

This method of purging clothes is perfect for those overwhelmed by wardrobe abundance. It’s a simple yet effective method to streamline your closet and regain control of your style. So, pick your number, set your timer, and let the decluttering game begin!

(P.S. make a game out of this with your kids to make cleaning out their closets a little less painful!)

Method 2: Categorize and Conquer for a Simplified Wardrobe

Ready to declutter with finesse? This method simplifies the process by targeting specific wardrobe categories one at a time. Start by selecting a category—let’s say, your collection of jeans. Dive into each pair, assessing fit, comfort, and whether they still suit your style.

And yes, trying them on is a must! Toss those you don’t reach for – maybe they lack stretch and aren’t comfortable, the denim wash isn’t your jam, or the length doesn’t complement your favorite shoes.

Don’t hesitate to refine your categories even further within this approach. If “pants” feels overwhelming, break it down into subcategories like work pants, athleisure bottoms, and jeans.

If you have shorter chunks of time you can commit to at one time, this is a perfect method to chip away at your closet cleanout project.

Personal Tip: To tackle this task myself, I gather all my jeans (following the example above) and try on each pair. While it may feel tedious and perhaps a tad uncomfortable, trust me, it’s an essential part of the purging process.

After trying on each pair, I sort them into three piles: definitely keep, maybe keep, and definitely eliminate. Once I see the number of jeans in the “keep” pile, it’s easier to narrow down the “maybe” pile once I have a better grasp of the different denim styles, colors, and fits I already intend to keep.

Purging Tip:

While going through your wardrobe and trying on each item, start by picking out your favorites to KEEP rather than fixating on what you want to get rid of. This shift in mindset simplifies decisions and ensures your closet reflects your unique style and lifestyle. Because the goal is all about finding your flair!

Method 3: Organize by Category, Keep by Number to Simplify Your Wardrobe

Incorporate the best of both worlds with this method: combining the precision of categorization with the effectiveness of setting numerical limits.

Begin by selecting a category to tackle, like sweatshirts. Gather all your sweatshirts in one spot, with no exceptions. Next, decide on a practical number of sweatshirts you genuinely need or have space for – let’s say 8, for instance.

Regardless of whether you own 10 or 32 sweatshirts, your goal is to whittle them down to your top 8 favorites. Instead of fixating on eliminating items, focus on selecting the sweatshirts you adore most. Once you’ve reached your limit of 8, bid farewell to the rest. (You might be surprised to see just how many gray sweatshirts you have!)

This method blends sorting things into categories with setting limits, making decluttering easier and more practical. It’s particularly helpful if you have limited closet space for your wardrobe.

On Your Way to a Simplified Wardrobe

And there you have it—three fun and practical ways to declutter your wardrobe and make getting dressed a breeze! Whether you’re all in for the Numbers Game, prefer to Categorize and Conquer, or find balance with Organize by Category, Keep by Number, remember, it’s all about finding what works for you, your schedule, and your space.

Whichever method you opt for to purge clothes, here are some handy tips to assist you in paring down your wardrobe with flair and confidence:

Closet Purging Tips

• Stick to the Marie Kondo method: Keep only what sparks joy. Your clothes should make you feel good. If something feels uncomfortable, makes you self-conscious, or simply isn’t your style, it’s time to let it go.
• Take advantage of season changes for your wardrobe refresh. As spring blooms, take a moment to review your winter attire. It’s fresh in your mind what you wore, what fits well, and what stayed neglected in your closet. Say goodbye to the pieces that didn’t make the cut, making space for a lighter, brighter wardrobe ahead.
• Keep a “Donation” bin in your closet for easy discard. Knowing your clothes will go to someone who will love them can make parting with them much easier.
• Play a fun game: Imagine you’re packing for a weekend away. Would you bring the item in question? If not, it’s time to part ways.
• Shift your mindset: Focus on choosing what you want to keep, not what you want to get rid of. You’ll be surprised how much this change in thinking can help.
• Say goodbye to unused categories. If you no longer work in an office, clear out your office wear. Have a drawer of “painting clothes” but rarely paint? It’s time to toss them out!
• Have items that don’t get worn simply because you have nothing to pair with them? Pass ’em along.

With these handy tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to infuse some flair and confidence into your decluttering journey. Picking out your outfit in the morning is sure to be a breeze!

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