Isn’t our bedroom couch a mysterious object? While it was ‘allegedly’ bought to sit on, it invariably becomes the keeper of random junk that did NOT make it to our closets. Like a big black hole for stuff that doesn’t have a home. Why? Because we are too lazy to make space for these items in our already stuffed wardrobe! So, why can’t we resist tossing our clothes onto the couch? The answer is simple: We have too much shit!
Cleaning my wardrobe is something I’ve always dreaded. It IS hard to let go of certain stuff that has sentimental value. But that being said, it is something that must be done. Research has shown that cleaning out your closet and decluttering your living space has a positive effect on your mental health.
Ideally, you must clean your closet at least once a year. From season to season and year to year, your style evolves and changes. What you loved in 2011 might not be something you want to wear today. So, before you head out to buy some more clothes (and your mom starts nagging you about cleaning the closet), it’s time to declutter.
7 Tips That Will Come In Handy When You Deep Clean Your Closet!
Now, if you’ve been in a situation where you can’t find a certain jacket or a belt when you’re in a hurry, then it might be time for you to clean up your closet. We understand that cleaning your wardrobe can be a daunting task but it’s a necessary evil that must be done.
Not sure where to start? Well, we got some tips here to help you clean out your closet for good.
1. Put on some music
Set aside an entire Sunday for cleaning your closet. The first thing that you need to do is choose your playlist. Believe it or not, but putting on good music really helps the cleaning process. You can choose some upbeat songs for when you start cleaning your wardrobe, and then some ‘everything is going to be okay’ kind of music for when you’re overwhelmed.
2. Empty your closet
When we say empty your closet, it means pulling out literally everything that’s in your cupboard, otherwise, it’s too easy to ignore the things buried inside. Make sure you take out clothes, shoes and bags from your closet, drawers and boxes. Do NOT worry about sorting yet, just remove everything and pile it on your bed.
3. Categorise your clothing
The next thing you need to do is grab some bags and begin to categorise your clothes. They can either go in the ‘keep’ bag ‘donate’ bag or the ‘trash’ bag.
4. Set rules for what to keep and what to toss
Ok, now that you have done all the preparations, it’s time to be ruthless. And to do that, you have to set some rules to decide what should be kept and what you need to ditch. Fortunately or unfortunately, you have to ask yourself some hard questions in your order to sort your clothing and shoes.
- Does it spark joy?
Does this item have any real emotional or sentimental value? Does it spark joy? Do you feel happy whenever you wear it or are you simply holding on to it, just because you can? This is one pretty great tip that we’ve picked up from Marie Kondo’s book, Spark Joy. It teaches you all about the Japanese art of tidying and living a happier, more organised life.
- Is this skirt/dress/shoes in good shape enough to be worn again?
There will be many things that are not exactly in the condition to be worn again. Now, you should keep such things only if they are repairable and you would really wear them.
- Does it fit me now?
You might be too uncomfortable today in those once perfectly-fitted jeans. There’s no point keeping them, no matter how much you love them.
- When was the last time I wore this?
Another important one. If you’ve not worn a certain piece of clothing or a pair of heels or an accessory in the past year, you won’t wear them in the upcoming year as well. So, better to ditch them and make space for some new ones, right?
- Is this my style?
Well, we all have made disasters while shopping and if you think that something is not really your style, it goes to charity.
- Is it outdated?
Just because crop tops and chokers came back to trend again, it doesn’t mean that everything will. So, if you feel that some things in your closet are outdated, it’s time to take them out.
5. Clean your closet
Take advantage of your completely empty closet and wipe it clean.
6. Now, sort your rejected clothes
Going by the rules that you have set earlier, sort your clothing, shoes and accessories and put them in the appropriate bags and take them out as soon as you’re done with the cleaning.
7. Organise your closet
And now that your closet cleaning journey is over, it’s time to put everything back into your closet.
And tada, you’re done!
Now that you are equipped with these tips, go ahead and clean out your closet just in time for the new year. Happy Cleaning!
Featured Image: Pinterest/Unsplash
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