As the seasons change and the spring cleaning bug hits, many of us find ourselves staring at our closets, wondering how we (and our families) accumulated so many clothes. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and tempted to just toss everything out, but before you start throwing items away, it’s important to take a moment to evaluate what you should keep. Here are some tips for deciding what to keep when cleaning your closet and what we do in our own homes.
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Confidence is key
Firstly, keep items that you absolutely love and that make you feel confident. These are the pieces that you reach for time and time again, the ones that you wear to important events or when you need a little boost of self-assurance. They’re the ones that fit you just right, flatter your body, and make you feel like your best self. Don’t feel guilty for holding onto them – these are the items that will continue to serve you well for years to come.
When I (Jenna) was cleaning closets with my kids, I gave them a suggested goal like “let’s keep one bathing suit”. This guaranteed we were only keeping what the kids truly loved and it was nice to have something to aim for during our chore. That being said, there was lots of flexibility: Coh found a second bathing suit he really loved so he kept it in addition to his “one”. My theory is, if you really like it then it’s worth keeping.
Maximize Usefulness with Mix-and-Match
Secondly, keep items that are versatile and can be worn in multiple ways. These are the pieces that can be dressed up or down, that can be worn in different seasons, and that can be mixed and matched with other items in your closet. Think of classic pieces like a denim jacket or a black blazer, a simple white t-shirt, or a little black dress. These items will never go out of style and can be worn for years to come.
When we cleaned out Charley’s closet, I realized we were left with a lot of neutral-toned pieces that mixed and matched perfectly. Having pieces that coordinate with others makes them so much more useful!
Hold On to What’s Meaningful
Thirdly, keep items that have sentimental value. These are the pieces that may not be worn often, but hold a special place in your heart. It could be a dress that you wore on your wedding day, an outfit that your grandmother gave you, or a pair of shoes that remind you of a special adventure. These items may not be practical to wear every day, but they remind you of a happy memory or a special moment in your life.
I like to keep the girls’ daddy/daughter dresses because of their sentimental value. They’re not practical for everyday wear, but I also try to not be too precious about them, either. If the kids ever want to bring the dresses out to wear for dress up or fun I’m more than happy to have them be used!
Be Realistic
Fourthly, keep items that are in good condition and that you still wear. This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to hold onto items that are worn out or don’t fit well anymore. If you haven’t worn an item in over a year, it’s time to let it go. The same goes for items that are stained, ripped, or otherwise damaged. If it can’t be repaired, it’s time to say goodbye.
I’ve moved away from the mindset of keeping hand-me-downs for for their “grow into” potential for the kids, unless it’s a piece I find really great. Oftentimes the piles and up as clutter and are never quite aligned with what my kids are into by the time they fit into the clothes. Give yourself permission to free yourself of the clutter!
You’ll Wear the Classics for Years
Finally, keep items that reflect your current style and that you will realistically wear in the future. Trends come and go, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying items just because they’re in style at the moment. But if it’s not something that truly fits your personal style, it’s unlikely that you’ll wear it more than once or twice. Consider whether an item is something that you can see yourself wearing in the future, and if it aligns with your current style and lifestyle.
In conclusion, when purging your closet, it’s important to be thoughtful and intentional about what you keep. Keep items that make you feel confident, are versatile, have sentimental value, are in good condition, and align with your current style. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to create a wardrobe that truly reflects who you are and makes you feel great every time you get dressed. Happy closet cleaning and to-do list clearing!
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