In the spirit of spring cleaning I wanted to share 5 things I think you should get rid of immediately 🙂 Some of the 5 are “types”, but hopefully you get the idea! Hopefully you will be able to free up some space in your closet and donate any clothes/shoes in good condition!
Anything That Doesn’t Fit
If something doesn’t fit (unless it’s maternity of course) I would suggest getting rid of it. I know that aspirational clothing (a smaller size, style you want to try) can be motivating but I don’t think hanging onto it is a good idea. “Fit” also includes things that don’t hang or lay correctly. If you feel uncomfortable wearing something you should get rid of it!
College/High School Shirts
I realized this year that I didn’t care to advertise what event I went to once in college. And you know what, approximately 1 person might care that you went to a dance/charity event/party/group in college or high school. I’m all for keeping a few for painting or outdoor work shirts, but you don’t need all the 25 you have in your closet! (Maybe I have more than most people, but it’s a bit out of control!)
Anything You Haven’t Worn in Over 2 Seasons (and don’t want to)
If you didn’t wear a sweater this winter, last winter, and frankly don’t want to wear it – well then take it out of your closet! If you can’t think of an outfit for a piece you have, you won’t wear it. Obviously this rule doesn’t work for special occasion items – you need some formal dresses or skirts and might not wear them for a while. But if you have a piece you haven’t worn and don’t think you will, take it out.
Anything with Holes, Rips, stains – that aren’t intentional
I love distressed denim as much as the next person, but a shirt with underarm holes or rips? You definitely can’t wear that anywhere! Anything with a stain you can’t remove, rip in an odd spot – all of that should go! Also, I would suggest not to donate something that’s ripped or badly stained – those should just get thrown out (or save a few for a rag bin).
Old Trendy Items
Buy something that was trendy 5 years ago? Well it probably isn’t trendy anymore. For example, those super tight maxi skirts? Just get rid of all of them – there are so many cuter, flowy maxi skirts now! Did you buy a sequin top for NYE and never wear it? That would be another item to put into the giveaway bag. This is not a complete list, but here are other trends that you should get rid of immediately: anything tie dyed, bedazzled jeans, wide cropped pants, miniskirts (if you’re out of college you’re too old for one! Sorry, but it’s true), asymmetrical skirts, cargo pants……the list goes on! Search early 2000s trends if you want to see some fun photos 🙂
Tip — you can wait to take things to Goodwill, etc, to see if you really miss them. I did this with my college shirts and honestly was annoyed of the bag sitting there after 2 weeks. I didn’t miss any of the clothes at all! I took the clothes out to itemize them (#nerd) and forgot the items I had put in there.
I hope this list is helpful as you do spring cleaning. You’re going to feel accomplished once you go through your closet and get rid of all this stuff – trust me! It’s amazing how much space your closet actually has when you only have clothes you love in it 🙂 Happy cleaning!
