She Strengthens

Spring Cleaning: The Ultimate Guide to a Clutter-Free Closet

As the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to tackle that daunting task of decluttering our living spaces. With a recent increase in square footage, I’ve found myself accumulating more stuff than I need, and it’s easy to ignore the cluttered areas of my apartment. But, with a fresh start, I’ve begun my spring cleaning early, tackling room by room, and making some much-needed home improvements.

The Wardrobe Purge

One of the most significant areas of focus has been my wardrobe. Like many of us, I tend to hold onto clothes that have long outlived their usefulness. Whether it’s due to deterioration, poor fit, or simply never getting worn, it’s time to be ruthless about decluttering. Did you know that most of us only wear about 40% of our wardrobe regularly? The rest can likely be donated, repurposed, or tossed.

The Culprits

In my own purge, I’ve identified several categories of items that needed to go:

• The Jean Graveyard: Ill-fitting, worn-out jeans that no longer serve a purpose.
• The Crust Punk Collection: Tops with visible stains, holes, or discoloration that can’t be salvaged.
• The Ill-Fitting Crew: Clothes that don’t fit, are uncomfortable, or make me look boxy.
• The Washing Machine Survivors: Items that have been through the wash one too many times and are now faded and stretched beyond recognition.
• The???: A sweater cape that’s just not practical for everyday life.
• The Collateral Damage of Weight Loss: Items that no longer fit due to weight loss, but aren’t worth the expense of tailoring.
• The In-Between Dresses: Dresses that are nice but don’t quite fit or suit my style.
• Chelsea’s Delusional Shoes: Shoes that are broken, uncomfortable, or just plain silly.
• The ~Bad Bags~: Purses that are broken, deteriorating, or simply not my color.

Lessons Learned

Through this process, I’ve come to realize a few key takeaways:

• Practice #NeutralLife: Invest in quality, neutral pieces that can be mixed and matched.
• Buy What Actually Fits: Don’t settle for clothes that are too small or too large.
• Get Multiples: If you find something that works, consider buying multiple versions to ensure you always have a reliable option.
• Don’t Hoard: Be honest with yourself about what you’ll never wear and give those items a new home.

By following these guidelines, I’ve been able to declutter my closet, free myself from guilt and anxiety, and create a more streamlined, functional wardrobe. It’s time to take control of your closet and give those unwanted items a new lease on life.