A Closet Full of Clothes with Nothing to Wear

You look inside your full closet and think 'I have nothing to wear!' This is a proclamation that women especially seem to exaggerate. Obviously there is something for you to wear, but first you have to find it hiding somewhere between all those clothes that rarely come out of the closet.

If you have a few hours to spare, a productive way to use that time would be to clean out that closet. Be sure to prepare with some bags and to keep focused. You know your closet has needed this for at least five years! Just think of how much time you'll be able to save in the future by easily being able to find that perfect outfit the first time you look for it.

Start by taking out one article of clothing at a time. Look at the size. Maybe you've gained or lost weight since you first bought this piece. Will it still fit you? If it's no longer the size you wear, it's time to get rid of it. No matter how much you loved this article of clothing when you first got it, it's going to be hard to continue loving it when you can no longer wear it. Even if you think you might be in that size again sometime, it's still time to depart.

If it's something you can still fit into, think about the last time you wore it. Unless it's something dressy that you don't wear often, but still need for special occasions, really, really think about it. Has it been one month or six months? A good rule I try to go by is if I've worn at least two times in the past three months, I'll keep it. If not, I obviously haven't looked hard enough in my closet for it to stay there. Also consider if the article of clothing still in style. If it's not, how much do you care? If you're picky, you may want to get rid of it unless you think the style will come back soon.

Next, look at the condition of the clothing. If it's seen the last of your closet, you now have to decide what to do with it. If it's in good condition with no stains, holes, missing buttons or broken zippers, put it in a pile for donations or things to sell. After cleaning out your entire closet, post items up on E-bay to sell, take it to your local Goodwill, or take it to Salvation Army. If the article of clothing is in not so great condition or old, put in another pile to throw away after everything has been weeded out of the closet. No one wants to wear that kind of clothing.

Once you have decided on the clothes you're going to keep, decide how to arrange them while putting them back in your closet. Maybe you want your work clothes together so they'll be easier to find in the morning, or perhaps you want them arranged by color. I'd recommend the clothing you have to keep but don't wear often to go in the back of the closet. Whatever way you decide to do it, just make sure it's organized. It will make life a little bit easier for you the next time you try to find an outfit.

The aforementioned technique should work on getting the unnecessary clothes out of your closet, but what about all those shoes? If you haven't invested in a shoe rack, now would be the best time to do it. Even if you're not obsessed with shoes, it's still a great way to stay organized, which is very important when cleaning out your closet. You don't want to have to do this again for a while, trust me.

Be sure to look at every pair of shoes. If they're old and worn, put them in a pile to throw out. If they matched an outfit in your closet that is no longer hanging back in your closet, throw them out. It is possible; you can have too many pairs of shoes. Now that you've done some basic cutting down on your shoes, try on the ones that are left. Make sure they still fit. If they don't, put them in the trash pile. With the shoes that are left, rack them! Again, organize them in the way you think will best suit you.

Finally, your nightmare closet isn't such a nightmare anymore. Now that you have accomplished your task, step back and admire. Be proud of what you've done. Maybe even go out and reward yourself by buying that new shirt you've had your eye on at the mall. Then you really can't say 'I have nothing to wear,' but be careful before your closet becomes another nightmare.