Clean Closet Step 1: Purge!

The first step of the Clean Closet Challenge is the Purge. This is the most tedious part, but it's got to be done first so you can see what you have and get ready to make your space (and your wardrobe) work for you. If you can't see everything in your closet easily, you have too much stuff and it's time to toss. Clothes wrinkle if they're crammed in together, so don't overcrowd them. Your excess clothing can be a blessing to someone else, and some of it can even be sold to generate the funds for filling in wardrobe gaps or buying the supplies to upgrade your closet's look and feel. So, let's quit putting off the task, and purge the closet.

1. Sort clothes first, then shoes, then accessories such as belts and scarves. Start off by removing anything that:

• you haven't worn in the past year or so
• you don't feel good in or don't feel comfortable wearing or that you just don't like
  
• is out of style
• doesn't fit
• is worn out, ripped or stained

2. Sort out the out-of-season clothing and either store it in the back of the closet, another closet in a different room, or in a plastic container elsewhere.

3. Get rid of the castaways. This is where I usually get stuck. You have several options for getting rid of the clothes you no longer need.

• Anything that is stained or ripped beyond repair should be trashed or recyled appropriately. Check with your city to see if you have fabric recycling available in your area. A few items, such as old, sentimental T-shirts, can be given a new life with craft projects like this easy reusable bag.
  
• Clothes that are in good shape can be sold, consigned, traded (see my Wretched Excess party entry), given to friends or family, or donated to the church or charity of your choice.

That's it for now. Just concentrate on purging and actually getting rid of the castaways. Next time, we'll focus on organizing those keepers and easy ways to upgrade your closet storage. If you want to jump ahead, you can check out this post on Simplifying Your Closet.