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Fall Closet Clean-Out Tips

When the seasons are changing and it’s time to pack up one season to swap in the next, it makes me take a hard look at my closet.  Even though the weather has been very warm and summery, I decided to start the process by cleaning up and cleaning out my closet a bit.  I’m sharing the system I use for deciding what to keep and what to find a new home for.

Weed Out Things You Got For Free

You might be holding onto a bag or scarf you got at an event, but you’ve never used it.  If it’s just collecting dust and taking up space consider finding it a new home.

Get Rid of Styles You No Longer Wear

I went through a small scarf phase, but I haven’t reached for one in the last few years.  Make sure they’re in good shape, spot clean any little stains with a Dryel Pen, and then pass them along to someone who will breathe fresh life into them.

Sort Through Your Accessories

Cheap sunglasses with scratches?  Broken earrings?  If it’s something you still love and can be fixed, keep it, but if you know you won’t ever get around to repairing it, it’s time for it to go.

Pull Out Anything With Tags

Anything that still has tags on it and is well past the return date, it’s time to make a decision on.  Pulling it out and trying it on again can help you decide if you really think you’ll ever wear it.  If you think you will, it can stay, but if not, get it listed on a sale site.  There are tons of them, like ThredUp, Poshmark, The RealReal, Depop, and Tradesy.  Determine which one is the best fit for you and earn some money back on that unworn item.

Now Go Through Everything Else

I’ve realized that there are certain tips to just forget right now.  I don’t believe in the idea that if you haven’t worn something in six months it’s time for it to go, but I do believe in being cutthroat.  Take anything you’re questioning keeping out of the closet and put it in a pile.  When you’re done, go back through that pile.  If you think you’ll regret getting rid of it, put it back for now, otherwise separate it into things to give away or donate and things you might be able to sell.  Those things you want to sell will need to be cleaned before you do, but dry-cleaning isn’t cheap.  Luckily Dryel is the perfect affordable and easy option.

Don’t Forget Your Underthings

Did you know that your old unmentionables can be recycled?  Socks too!  So no more mismatched pairs or underthings that have seen better days winding up in a landfill.  Planet Aid bins are the ones I use and you can find a bin near you here.