A Spring Cleaning Guide for Your Closet

Winter is finally coming to an end, it’s the perfect time for a closet spring cleaning! No matter if you live in a tiny apartment or a spacious home, clearing out your closet will help you get an overview of what you have or haven’t used in the past months. This is a crucial step to make some space for your spring and summer essentials. You probably don’t have enough room to fit both your winter jackets and your summer essentials so here’s a 5-step guide to help you make this transition easier: 

Step 1: Empty your closet

Remove your clothes, and accessories from your closet and lay all the items on your bed. It might sound scary but this is the best way to have a clear overview of what you have. You may even rediscover some long-forgotten favorites hidden under a pile of clothes! It also gives you a chance to clean your closet thoroughly so it’s ready to welcome your spring/summer wardrobe.

Step 2: Do it like Marie Kondo

This step is probably the most challenging one but it will allow you to identify what’s missing in your closet, which items need to be replaced, to be repaired, or what you should throw away. The KonMari method is simple: ask yourself whether the item brings you joy and excitement. If the answer is no, you should put it in the 'discard' pile. This step is of course not set in stone and you can create a “maybe” pile to get back to if you are not 100% ready to let the items go.

Step 3: Sell, Donate or Throw away?

If your clothes are still in good condition, you might consider giving them to local charities. The Red Cross and Oxfam are among the most popular ones, operating in several European countries, so visit their website to locate the nearest shop.

If you have valuable items that simply aren’t wearing, selling them on second-hand platforms is a great idea. Ebay, Vinted, Trendsales, the market for second-hand is booming so you will easily find one regardless of the country you live in. Don’t have time? Platforms like Sellpy take care of everything: send your items in a bag, they’ll take pictures and handle the entire process, and you’ll receive money directly in your bank account when an item is sold.

Step 4: Organize your closet

It’s time to organize your “Keep” pile and store away your winter items. Vacuum-sealed bags are great for optimizing space, they keep your clothes clean and protect them against bugs. Heavy jackets can take up a lot of space, you can hang them in cotton storage bags or fold them in shallow boxes that fit under your bed. If you have additional space in your attic or basement, storing winter clothes and shoes in suitcases or transparent boxes will make it easy to see what's inside.

As you transition to your spring/summer wardrobe, it's helpful to organize your clothes for easy access. Some people prefer sorting by color, while others prefer categorization. Arrange your clothes thoughtfully to avoid rummaging through piles when searching for specific items. To maximize closet space and streamline your morning routine, aim to hang as many clothes as possible. If you find folding techniques challenging, try using storage baskets to keep socks, underwear, tights, and belts neatly separated. This simple yet effective approach not only keeps your accessories organized but also makes the most of your available space.

Step 5: Keep It Organized

Discover numerous closet hacks to simplify the decluttering process. A general rule is to set aside items you haven’t worn in a year. Here's a helpful wardrobe hack: At the start of the year, turn all your hangers the same way, each time you wear an item, turn the clothes hanger in the opposite direction. After a few months, you will be able to identify which items you can set aside.

Another great tip is the “One in One out” rule. Avoid adding new items to your closet without selling or donating another piece of clothing. This simple practice prevents overcrowding in your space while promoting a circular economy within your wardrobe, ensuring it stays organized and functional.

By following these steps, you'll breeze through your spring cleaning and enjoy a refreshed and organized wardrobe for the seasons ahead. Don’t hesitate to visit our Tips & Tricks for more helpful wardrobe content.

Happy cleaning!