Minimalist Closet: Decluttering the Clothes in Your Life

Minimalism is a process and by that, I stress the importance of making it a process rather than one swift move through the house.  With our cottage, I found starting with one aspect and being thorough has been most effective.

When I opened my closet, I was met with clothes busting off of hangers, strewn across the floor, and overflowing from dressers.  Most of which I hadn't worn in years, or ever.

It came to the point where I hated being in our bedroom and avoided it until when it was time to crawl into bed.  Even then, I'd do my best to leave the lights off so to avoid seeing the disaster.  This became a heavy weight to bare.

Minimalism allowed me to detach myself from the sentimentality of clothing and focus on functionality and multi-purposing.

The two things that helped me through this process are 1) making distinct piles when sorting clothes and 2) continually following the "one in, one out" rule.

When beginning this process, it is important to make a plan before starting.  Do you want to tackle the closet as a whole? Or is it more reasonable for you to break your closet into sections?  This is ultimately your choice, but remember that this process should bring you joy, not create more stress in your life.

Personally, I broke up this process into the items that I have hung up in my closet, items in my dresser, and shoes.  

You could also break your sorting into jackets, pants/jeans, shirts, shoes, etc.  Determine what is reasonable within the realm of your own life and move forward from there.

Sorting & Making Piles

Be dedicated, do not hesitate, and be ready for a weight to be lifted off your shoulders!

• PILE ONE: The Keep Pile

• Items that you wear regularly (one or more times per week). 
• Items that fit you well and that you love.

• PILE TWO: The Box Pile

• Items that you love and want to keep but don't know why. 
• Items that you want to fit into in your weight-loss journey.

• PILE THREE: The Donation Pile

• Items that do not fit you. 
• Items that you have never worn, but are in good condition.

• PILE FOUR: The Throw Away Pile

• Items that are not in good condition and cannot be donated.

The Keep Pile goes back into your closet.

The Box Pile is placed into a box for 30 days, or through your weight-loss journey.  If at the end of the 30+ days you do not miss any items, then donate them.  If you do miss some items, then add them back to your closet, but only if you will use them.

The Donation Pile is for you to take to your local thrift store for drop off.  I recommend looking for not-for-profit charities to donate your items.

The Throw Away Pile may be discarded into the garbage.

"One in, One Out"

Now that you have decluttered your closet, the key is to keep it decluttered!

The "one in, one out" rule is simple.  For every item that you bring into your house, one must go out.  Whether you donate, toss it out, or give it to a loved one.  This process ensures that you do not return to your previous state of chaos.  

While we are talking about your closet at the moment, this rule will apply throughout the house.  Keep an eye out for next week's post on decluttering your home!

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Any Questions? If you have questions through your decluttering process, comment below!