How to Downsize Your Closet This Spring

Spring is a time of renewal which makes it a good time to reassess your closet. You’ve spent the dark winter mornings grabbing sweaters and boots. Now the mornings are bright and the light is shining on your closet and boy, is it looking overcrowded and dull. It’s time to declutter and curate your closet. If you’ve been wondering how to downsize your closet, you’re in the right place. Today I’m sharing a step-by-step process to reassess what clothing you own and what you need. Once completed, you will feel empowered and ready to start your day with confidence.

Step 1: Pull Everything Out First

It’s important to pull everything out so you can see exactly what you have. Sort the items into broad categories: tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories. If you want to go even further, sort into micro-categories such as tank tops, t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts, blouses. Seeing everything laid out is often the biggest eye opener so don’t skip this step!

Pro tip: Set aside a full afternoon. Rushing this step leads to keeping things you should let go.

Step 2: Try Things On — Yes, Everything

I know it seems like a lot but trust me, try everything on. It won’t feel like a true closet declutter without this step. Fit changes over time; never assume something still works without putting it on. It may fit you, but does it look right? Does it go with at least two or three other pieces in your closet? Is it itchy? Does it make you feel good? Pretty? Confident? Sexy? Cozy? Happy? A piece is a “no” if it is uncomfortable, or you are tugging, fidgeting or second-guessing. Believe it or not, “maybe” is a red flag - if you can’t say “yes” immediately, it’s likely a “no.”

Pro tip: Ask yourself: "Would I buy this today?" If the answer is no, it's time to let it go.

Step 3: Letting Go — When to Do It and Why It's Worth It

Rule of thumb is that you should let go of things you haven’t worn in a year. I think two years is reasonable if that feels like a little relief. You should release “aspirational” items which include clothes for a life or size you are not currently living. Duplicates can go. You don’t need seven black t-shirts when you only wear three. Remember, donating or selling gives your items a second life with someone who will actually love them. And once you have finished your spring closet clean out, you will feel lighter and have more space to breathe.

Good options for donating or selling include local shelters, donation centers, ThredUp, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace.

Step 4: Identify Your Favorite Pieces and the Outfits You Love

Take a hard look at what you have and put aside the items you reach for again and again. Your favorite jeans, your cozy black sweater, that versatile brown blazer- these are your anchor pieces, the best of the best in your closet. Next lay out 5-10 complete outfits that you already know you love and wear with confidence. Notice which pieces appear in multiple outfits. Is it a white tee? A flowy skirt? A structured jacket? Whatever they may be, consider these your wardrobe workhorses! Your outfits center around these pieces and they define your personal style.

Pro tip: Take pictures of these pieces and outfits. Save them in a folder on your phone so you can refer to them as needed.

Step 5: Organize What Stays — With Intention

Once you have weeded out the pieces you no longer want, it’s time to organize. Group items by category and then by color for an instantly cohesive look in your closet. This method also makes it really easy to get dressed in the morning. Keep your most worn pieces front and center. Remember, they anchor your wardrobe and can be worn in many ways so you want them accessible. If you can, store your off-season items separately to free up prime closet real estate.

Pro tip: Use matching hangers to create a calm, uniform appearance.

Maintaining Your Downsized Closet All Year Long

Once you have completed your closet downsize, give yourself a pat on the back. I know it is hard work! To keep things maintained, do a mini-edit every season so things never pile back up again. Shop with intention. Does a new piece work with at least 3 things you already own or is it a one-off? Adopt the "one in, one out" rule - when you make a new purchase an old piece gets donated or sold.

When you downsize your closet, the goal isn’t to get rid of everything — it’s to keep only the pieces that make you feel like you. If you’d like support going through this process, please contact me. I would love to work with you.