When closets become overflowing with junk we never wear or use, it can start to feel overwhelming. All of a sudden, we can no longer find the things we actually want, and it starts to feel like there’s “nothing to wear” even though our closet is bursting at the seams.
It’s time to start from scratch, organize your wardrobe for trouble-free mornings, and ditch the clutter. Getting rid of unneeded items frees up space in your mind to help you start each day without the stress of sorting through a bunch of junk.
How about removing these 20 things from your closet to make more space for the things you need?
1. Ill-fitting Clothes
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Get rid of the clothes that make you feel blah (too fat or too slim) or simply don’t match the image you had in mind for how you want to look each day. Holding on to them makes you feel less comfortable, and you waste too much time trying on outfits that don’t suit your body shape.
2. Shoes That Make You Uncomfortable
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It’s time to let go of those cute heels that pinch your toes. You’ve kept them because they’re too cute to throw away. Wearing such shoes can lead to serious foot problems, such as blisters and calluses, or even more serious issues over time.
3. Outdated Clothes
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Your graphic tees with large logos or cropped flare jeans might find their way back to fashion, but that could be in your grandchildren’s time. Even if they become trendy again in your lifetime, you might not be able to flaunt them because they have a permanent dust smell or have acquired a few extra holes. So, it’s better to donate them if they’re in great condition and make room for the ones that are new in style.
4. Bridesmaid Dresses
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Bridesmaid dresses are often custom-made for each wedding, but you will forget about them after wearing them once. While they may hold sentimental value, let’s face it: you won’t be wearing them again. Instead of letting them collect dust in your closet, consider donating them to someone who can use them for their special day.
5. Broken-down Intimates
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When worn too often, intimates can become plain uncomfortable. Undies start to pinch and dig into your skin and bras end up with bent hooks. They can no longer provide the coverage and support you need, which may lead to hygiene issues and discomfort. It’s time to ditch these worn-out garments and treat yourself to new intimates that make you feel confident and comfortable all day.
6. Faded Clothes
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Anything that’s faded, pilled, or has holes must go in the trash. What’s the point of holding onto them if they can’t be worn? They just pile up in your closet, making it difficult to find the pristine ones that can be worn.
7. Clothes That No Longer Fit
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Don’t cling to the clothes, hoping they’ll fit again someday. It’s not worth the discomfort of squeezing in tight jeans or swimming in an oversized t-shirt. Throw such things away and make space for the clothes that suit your current body and lifestyle.
8. Items That Are Too Expensive to Discard
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We’ve all probably bought something impulsively that’s too expensive, and you can’t find the right occasion to wear it. It’s not bringing you joy; instead, it adds extra guilt of wasting your money and not wearing it. It’s time to accept the mistake and sell or donate it to someone who will use it better.
9. Seasonal Clothes
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These are your seasonal clothes, like winter coats, summer shorts, and holiday sweaters – all those you only wear during certain times of the year. While you might not need them daily, you’ll likely need them when the next season rolls around. So, let’s not throw all of them away but think about removing them from your closet and storing them in a box under your bed, in a spare closet, or a storage bin when not in season.
10. Long Neglected Items
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Toss out everything you haven’t worn for more than a year, apart from seasonal clothing. You probably won’t wear it anytime soon if you haven’t worn it now. Shift them to the donation pile and have a better-organized closet.
11. Stuff You’ve Borrowed
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It’s not ethical to hold on to something that doesn’t belong to you, and it can strain relationships and lead to misunderstandings. Be a responsible buddy and return those things you borrowed from your friend for an occasion but didn’t return. Show that you’re reliable; they’ll appreciate it!
12. Things Waiting to be Repaired
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Take out the bags with a torn strap, broken heels, or shoes with missing laces, because if you’ve been delaying these fixes forever, chances are you will never get around to fixing them. They’ll end up in the dump after a year or two, so it’s better to tackle it today.
13. Clothes That Need Alterations
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If you still have those clothes hanging in your closet, waiting for the day you’ll take them to the tailor, either bring them today or donate them to someone who can truly fit into them. Don’t let them sit idle in your closet for another day.
14. Bags That Don’t Go With Any Outfit
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If you have bags that are not your style or have unusual colors that don’t go with any outfit, remove them from your closet now. Give it to someone who can use or sell it online or at a garage sale. Don’t keep them around for a “just in case” moment.
15. Shoes That Don’t Compliment Anything
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If you’ve taken them (shoes) out to match them with something but always put them back in your closet, it’s time to hand them over to someone else or repurpose them for other uses. In the future, it’s helpful to consider whether your clothes and shoes match. It’ll give you a better handle for a wardrobe that is complimenting and can be worn in many different styles without having to add more to it.
16. Things That Belonged to Your Ex
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Let go of the memories of the past that ruin your present. Throw away your ex’s t-shirt or anything they gifted you or left behind. Do yourself a favor and toss them away, along with the memories. Time to move on with a fresh start!
17. Gifts That Aren’t Your Taste
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We all receive gifts on special occasions from our friends and family, and while they might have been given with good intentions, not all of them suit our style. Many of these gifts stay in our closets forever without being used or even touched. Clearing them out will help declutter your closet, and they can be given to people who will appreciate and enjoy them.
18. Ripped Items
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Why hold on to things that have rips and holes? If you wear them by mistake, it can be embarrassing if someone notices those rips. While some can be used after slight repairs, like leather bags or wool sweaters, your t-shirt with holes in the front should be trashed immediately.
19. Crappy Hangers
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Wire hangers might be cheap, but they might not be the best for your clothes. You can replace them with sturdier hangers made of wood or plastic to make your closet look more organized and luxurious. And they don’t look pretty anyway!
20. ‘Just in Case’ Clothes
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Don’t keep all the clothes for ‘just in case’ – you’ll fill your closet with clothes you never wear, leaving no space for new ones. Instead, focus on the must-haves, like a black dress, comfortable shoes for long walks, and a lightweight jacket for sudden weather changes. Donate the rest to a thrift shop. Trust me, you won’t even miss them.
Ultimately, if it’s something you don’t wear or use regularly, get rid of it! You won’t regret it.
