Your Closet Cleanout Checklist: Spring Cleaning Edition

It’s official: spring has sprung! Time to cautiously shed our parkas and snow boots (never quite sure with Mother Earth), and step into the lighter side of fashion. Spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting off surfaces and cleaning out the pantry; it’s a ritual of renewal, where we emerge from our winter cocoons and revitalize our wardrobes for the warmer seasons ahead.

So, what better place to start than with our sacred closets? Don’t underestimate the power of a wardrobe cleanse. Far from a mundane chore, a proper closet cleanout is self-care, setting the stage for your daily sartorial adventures. “You should be able to walk into your closet, and it looks like a boutique,” says virtual stylist Naina Singla. A tall order for most of us, but by editing and curating your closet, you can breathe life into a capsule wardrobe that resonates with your authentic self.

Below, Vogue asked four professional organizers for a step-by-step checklist to guide you through a transformative closet cleanse. Here’s everything you need to help you declutter, reorganize, and reignite your love affair with your wardrobe.

Step 1: Pause

Before diving into a frenzy of purging and impulsive shopping, take a moment to reflect. “Pause buying anything new, and stop the habitual ways you buy fashion,” says sustainable stylist Kerry Wilde. “That way, you can see things for what they are instead of bringing lots more newness in, which gets really confusing and distorts what you're trying to do.”

Elizabeth L. Cline, NYC-based author of “The Conscious Closet,” agrees: “People have a tendency to use a closet cleanout as an excuse to purge and buy more, but the closet cleanout is partially about getting back in touch with what you own and pulling things back into rotation.”

Step 2: Set your intentions

Yes it’s spring cleaning time, but what personal intentions are guiding your closet decluttering? “Let's say you have a new job, or you don't fit into your clothes; maybe you had a baby, or your style has evolved,” explains Singla. Either way, your motivations will shape your approach. Also, in our post-pandemic reality, consider how you might want to update your work attire. Do you work from home? How often do you commute to the office? How has your lifestyle changed, and how have they influenced your everyday attire?

Step 3: Define your personal style

Curate a Pinterest or mood board for fashion inspo, which should include a balanced mix of visuals that mirror your daily wear and those that encapsulate your style aspirations. “I recommend thinking about your style aesthetic before jumping into a closet cleanout,” says personal stylist and wardrobe consultant Grace Thomas. “Which colors inspire you in your closet? What colors have you enjoyed wearing over the past three to six months?”

Step 4: Dedicate time in your busy schedule

A proper closet cleanout cannot be rushed or executed without thought, making it imperative to dedicate time for a mindful wardrobe edit. If you’re someone who feels easily overwhelmed, break down your cleanout into manageable chunks. Divvy up the process, and tackle a bit each day over a week, rather than attempting to cram it all into a Sunday.

“You need to make space and time to do it responsibly,” says Cline, adding that the ethical and sustainable steps of a cleanout are often overlooked. “Think of ways you can integrate things, upcycle them, repurpose them, or restyle them, etc.” Also, as this process carries spiritual significance, it demands your undivided attention. “When you're going through your closet, it's an opportunity to rediscover pieces that you already own.” In other words, refreshing your closet is a way of letting go and getting back in touch with your personal style.

Step 5: Arrange four distinct piles

To kickstart the actual closet cleanout, start by setting aside your “go-to” or “keep” items. These are your most-worn pieces, and those that align with your personal style.

Next, individually assess each remaining garment, sorting them into one of four piles:

Resell

Valuable items that you hope to recoup some of your expenses on. “Those are the pieces that I would maybe take to Beacon's Closet in New York, or The RealReal, or put on a resale app where I could make some money,” says Cline.

Donate

Before you donate, ensure your clothing is in its best condition to minimize the risk of rejection. Make sure to wash all pieces intended for donation. Use a fabric shaver to remove pilling from sweaters, and a lint roller to remove any pet or human hair. Tie shoes together to prevent separation. Also, keep in mind that presentation matters. Don’t just simply toss your donation pile into any old tote bag; how you fold and present your clothes can inspire the next wearer to buy secondhand.

“Do a little homework into the charities in your community,” says Cline. “Do you want to be giving your money to Goodwill or Salvation Army, or to a local women's shelter, homeless shelter, or church? Really think through what organization you want to support.”

Repair

These are the garments in need of repair, alterations, or professional cleaning, after which they can be sorted into their respective piles. Or, if it's an everyday staple, return to the keep section.

Discard (responsibly)

Only garments that cannot be salvaged should be junked. Think mismatched socks, old undergarments, and garments beyond repair. Disposal options largely depend on the resources available in your community. Many stores offer recycling for clothing and footwear. Some nonprofit organizations may accept fabric scraps for art projects, and animal shelters often welcome textile donations.

Bonus Pile: Maybes

Singla suggests having a “maybe” pile, for those pieces that haven't quite won you over. Sorting through this pile can be a toughie, but asking yourself a few essential questions can help kickstart the process. For example, when was the last time you wore that leather blazer? Do you feel confident donning those skinny jeans from 2016? Does that JW Pei purse you impulsively purchased complement your individual style? If an item holds sentimental but no longer fits your wardrobe, consider altering it into something new, like a cozy blanket.

Review your mood board for inspiration, and consider scheduling a one-on-one session with a virtual stylist to brainstorm ways you can integrate those items with your essentials. Or, simply sleep on it and revisit the decision with a fresh pair of eyes.

Step 6: Stow away out-of-season apparel

For those with more spacious homes, transfer these items to a guest room if available. For smaller spaces, a hall closet or under-bed storage are equally suitable options.

Step 7: Fold sweaters, hang bottoms

Fold most tops, including your t-shirts, tank tops, and turtlenecks. “I see a lot of people not organizing their sweaters in a proper way, so I recommend [folding] anything that's a chunkier knit or takes up space,” says Thomas. “You're able to visually see the prints and the chunk of the sweater. Plus, it wears better."

As for bottoms, Thomas recommends hanging them for a better view of their colors and denim wash. If your closet space is limited, velvet hangers are an absolute game-changer. Not only do they save space, but they’re also ideal for blouses and other delicate pieces of clothing.

Step 8: Opt for a system and stick with it

Thomas proposes a system of categorization, first by type, and then by color. For tops, she suggests also sorting them by sleeve length, then color.

Or, alternatively, organize your wardrobe in a way that suits your unique lifestyle, and that feels most natural. After all, “[closet organization] is an extension of you, it's not separate from you,” says Wilde. She has worked with clients to restructure their closet systems based on astrology, palette, and categories of personal meaning. “It winds up feeling like a whole new way of using their wardrobe," she says.

Step 9: Maintain your organized closet

A curated closet is an ongoing commitment. If you continue to tend to your closet after the cleanout, you'll only need minor seasonal edits twice a year. Depending on how much space you have, Singla recommends keeping a designated basket in your closet for items that no longer fit, are past their prime, or no longer align with your signature style.

As you say goodbye to outdated trends and clothes that no longer fit, remember that style is a continuous evolution. Yes, it might sound corny, but it’s true. Let your closet be a canvas for your ever-changing fashion story.