Tips For Cleaning Out Your Closet

It's easy to get caught up in clothes. We pack so much into our closets and drawers that when we go to get dressed, we're overwhelmed with choices. If you follow these rules, however, you'll free up a huge chunk of space...or at the very least, just enough so you can actually close those dresser drawers all the way.

1) Even if you have the space for it, do not group your winter clothes and your spring clothes together. Not only does it look disorderly, but it feels that way too. Why would you want to sift through a stack of sweaters and tank tops in the middle of July? I highly recommend going to Target or Walmart (I prefer Target) and picking up some storage bins. Clear ones are nice, because then you can see what's what, but the Rubber-maid totes are a little more heavy duty and will probably survive longer. Quickly go through your closet(s) and dresser(s) and pull out any and everything you do not wear during the spring and summer months. Pack it away and stash it in the attic, the spare room, the basement, etc. Make sure your bins are closed tightly. That will keep your clothes fresh, and also prevent creepy crawlies from getting inside. Tip: A fabric softener sheet smells better than moth balls, and does the same thing, too.

2) Think about your wardrobe over the past year. Keep an empty cardboard box near you so you can toss in items for donation. If you haven't worn any particular article of clothing in the past year, give it away. This applies to business clothes, casual clothes, pajamas, socks, etc. If you have no particular attachment to a piece of clothing or find yourself wondering why you purchased it, get rid of it, whether that means giving it away or returning it to the store.

3) We all love to buy the cutest clothes for our kids, and sometimes it gets to be TOO MUCH. If your kids are too young to have a say in which clothes stay and go, do the job this way: anything stained, ripped, or too small gets given away. If you like, you can keep one stained shirt for your kid's messy art projects. In the same vein, choose one to five pieces of clothing you'd like to keep for sentimental value. Limit yourself to one container of keepsake items.

4) If your kids are old enough to go through their wardrobes, let them have at it. Believe it or not, kids know what they like. They have their own sense of style, and aren't quite as wishy washy as adults when it comes to cleaning out the closets. Give your child(ren) a few boxes and let them do it on their own, but stick close by in case there are questions or help is needed.

5) Don't give old underwear away. Some thrift stores won't even accept it anymore. Turn those garments into rags or toss them.

6) Sometimes it's necessary to go through your closet or dresser more than once. First time around, don't try anything on. You know what you haven't worn, what you hate, and what you'll never wear. Now is not the time to talk yourself into why you should keep said articles of clothing. If you're still lacking space once you fill your first box, go back through your closet a little more meticulously and try some pieces on. Give away anything that doesn't fit, is uncomfortable, or makes you self conscious. Get rid of the shoes that pinch and the stockings with runs in them.

Overall, make sure that once you get the clothes into boxes they get to the thrift store. Don't let them sit around. Some stores will pick up if the load is big enough, but for the most part, it's up to you to follow through and get the excess clothing clutter out of your house!!