News aside, Spring is here – which means this is a perfect opportunity to get your life, namely your closet in order. 

Here are some tips from us to help you through the harrowing process of getting rid of your clothes.

First, make a dope playlist.

We all know how exhausting the thought of cleaning out your closet is, and the work has not started yet. So we recommend beginning the process with some tunes – a bit of uplifting background noise can go a long way when you’re cleaning. Compile a playlist full of the best tracks to keep you going (think gym playlist but with a “let’s get rid of some shit” twist).

Next: dump dump dump.

Now that you’ve made a playlist, the dumping process can start. Think of it as a cleanse but without the juice or the fasting. Channel your inner Marie Condo and consider which items truly bring you joy. This will probably result in a large pile on the floor that may give you anxiety, but hold on tight, it’s part of the process.

Listen, you have to start by making a grand dump. Everything. On. The. Floor. This will give you a bigger picture of how much stuff you really have and will motivate you to get rid of things. Now look at the pile of clothes and ask yourself,  honestly, “Will I ever wear this again?” If you hesitate for even a second, that’s probably going in the NO pile.

Make 3 piles. 

One you have everything out in the open, it will be much easier to go through and decide what to keep and what to get rid of.  You should approach this step with a “divide and conquer” mentality. Make smaller piles of categories. What you want to…

• Stash
• Save
• Ditch

Keep in mind that, although we’re moving into warmer months, it’s still smart to keep a jacket or two on hand (Mother Nature is sure to throw us a few curve balls, and you want to be ready). Keep in mind that though you may encounter moments of utmost indecisiveness, remember: they’re just clothes and whatever you toss will have another life with a new owner.

Follow the one year rule.

If you haven’t worn it in a year, chances are, you won’t wear it again. None of that, “Well, maybe…” bullshit. Rip the band-aid off. Don’t hoard items under the hope of one day fitting into them again, or the idea that you may take them with you on some vacation. Be firm. Be decisive. You can do this! 

Be a grown-up & organize your shit.

You’re not a kid anymore. You’re the only person in charge of cleaning out their own closet now. You should be familiar with your local branch of Bed Bath & Beyond, The Container Store, and if you’re like us, Muji (cue angel chorus).

Consolidation is crucial. You’ll need organizational tools that won’t take up too much space themselves. Think slim hangers, canvas shoe compartments, hamper – these will make spring cleaning and your life way much easier. You can take our word for it. 

Fill 4 boxes.

You’ve already went through the endeavor of cleaning out your closet, and you might get tired and lazy, but don’t. It may seem tempting, but don’t just throw things out, instead, get four boxes and separate unwanted clothing into four piles:

• Donate
• Sell
• Re-purpose
• Toss

If items are no longer in a wearable condition, add them either the re-purposing or the toss box (you give them to textile recycling centers!) The rest is pretty self-explanatory.

Happy cleaning!