How to Purge, Organize, and Store Your Clothes

When we moved to Florida just over two years ago, we donated the majority of our winter clothes.

I brought our favorite sweaters, sweatshirts, and lighter coats.

The truth is, we’re not wearing a lot of what we brought.

So, it’s time for a major purge!

But getting rid of clothes is easier said than done!

So before we get into the details of how to purge, let’s discuss why we tend to hold on to clothes we don’t need!

Hopefully, this will make it easier to let go!

Why do we keep clothes we do not wear?

1) I liked it in the store but not at home

Has this ever happened to you?

You try something on in the store and think it looks great, but when you put it on at home, it’s just not right.

I bet some of you have items in your closet that still have the price tag attached!

But because you paid your hard-earned money for it, you can’t let it go!

Letting it sit in your closet won’t bring the money back.

Instead, sell it! If you don’t want to make the effort to sell it, donate it!

2) I’m looking for a match

Are you saving items you like but do not wear because they don’t match anything you have? Or you can’t wear it because it needs a special bra you don’t currently own?

If that’s the case, the item probably does not fit your style.

Donate or sell it and purchase items in the future that can be mixed and matched with your wardrobe!

3) I might need it for a special event

Do you have dresses or suits that you’re keeping in case of a special dressy occasion?

By the time that day comes, it will be out of date, not fit, or too musty to wear!!

Keep one dressy item and donate the rest.

4) It might fit someday

We’ve all had to deal with gaining or losing a few pounds.

That means you probably have clothes in your closet that don’t fit.

Try only to keep clothes that fit you right now.

There’s no reason to have clothes you don’t wear taking up space in your closet or drawers.

If you’re planning to change your weight, keep the excess clothes in a tub. If your weight doesn’t change, the clothes are packed and ready to be donated.

Getting rid of clothes can be very emotional.

Now that you know why you’re hanging on to clothes you don’t wear, hopefully, it will be easier for you to let them go!

How to purge your clothes

First, remove every piece of clothing from your closet and put it in one of the following categories: keep, trash, donate, sell, upcycle, or store.

Second, try on any piece of clothing you have not worn within the last six months! If it’s been that long, it may not fit or it might have a moth hole in it, lol!

Let’s discuss each of the categories in a little more detail!

1) Keep

Keep clothes that are your style, fit well, and are comfortable.

2) Trash

If a piece of clothing is worn out, stained, or discolored, throw it away!

3) Donate

Donate clothing that you no longer enjoy wearing but are clean and in good shape. Someone out there would be grateful for it!

4) Sell

Consider selling your clothes at a consignment shop or online.

5) Upcycle

I’m saving a few pieces of clothing with materials I like to upcycle! Sweaters can make amazing pillows! Last year, I used my sweaters to make a winter wreath!

6) Store

There are a few situations I feel it’s ok to store clothes.

If you have a small closet you should consider switching your clothes for the seasons. Out-of-season clothes can be stored in a plastic tub(s).

If you have more than one child, you can store the clothes they outgrow and keep them for a younger child to use.

We have a large closet but there is no reason to take up valuable space with items we only wear a couple of times a year. So I have two storage tubs. One holds Ugly Christmas sweaters and Santa hats and the other holds lightweight winter coats for those few days it gets cold in FL or when we travel to KY in Winter!

Tips to help you purge your clothes

We purged our closet and look at all the empty hangers in the picture below!

1) If you have not worn It in a year say goodbye

Why one year you ask? You had the chance to wear it during each season and in different types of weather. if you did not wear it then you probably won’t!

2) Not comfortable, don’t keep it

If you own clothes that are not comfortable or don’t flatter you, remove them from your wardrobe.

Remember what we discussed above about clothes that don’t fit!

3) Clothes don’t repair themselves

If you have clothes that need to be repaired, take them out and do the repairs or pay someone to do it!

No more procrastinating. If you are not able to do the work today, get rid of them.

4) That style isn’t coming back anytime soon

Do not allow clothes that are out of style to take up valuable space in your home!

Don’t keep clothes for relatives or friends. Believe me, they do not want them!!

5) Don’t keep it out of guilt

Do not keep sentimental items or gifts that aren’t your style out of guilt! If you are not going to wear it, remove it!

How to organize your clothes

Organized closet

Last year I showed you all how I organized our master closet on a budget. We did not allocate any money to update the closet this year, so not much has changed. Be sure to click the link for some great tips on how to organize your closet.

Organized dresser/drawers

If you’d like to see how we file and fold our clothes in our dressers, check out how we organized our master bedroom.

It feels so wonderful to have a clean and decluttered closet!

Do you feel inspired to purge your clothes now?

Don’t procrastinate on this job any longer!

Head to your closet and start organizing!

If you enjoy the blog, please sign up for our email list so you won’t miss a post!

Until next time, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram!

Blessings, Donna and Rich

More organization inspiration

• Helpful Kitchen Cabinet Organization Solutions
• Clever Ways to Organize Your Pantry
• Practical Laundry Room Organization Ideas
• Best Ideas to Organize a Craft Space
• Organize Cleaning Supplies to Make Housework Easy

ITEMS TO HELP GET THE JOB DONE

Save it for later

No time to declutter your clothes right now? Save this pin and come back to it when you have the time!

**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)