11 Things You Should Clear Out of Your Closet Before Fall Really Starts
As the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to refresh your closet and make space for fall essentials. Clearing out clothes that no longer fit, are damaged, or simply haven’t been worn in a while helps you stay organized and prepared for the cooler months ahead. By eliminating clutter and focusing on items that make you feel comfortable and confident, you can create a wardrobe that’s both functional and stylish for the season.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Clothes That No Longer Fit
It’s important to clear out any clothes that no longer fit, whether they’re too tight or too loose. Keeping these items in your closet only creates unnecessary clutter and can lead to feelings of frustration or self-consciousness. Clothes that no longer fit well are rarely worn and can make you feel uncomfortable when you try them on. Instead of hanging onto them for “someday,” it’s best to donate or sell them. When you let go of items that don’t fit, you make room for pieces that suit your current body and make you feel confident and comfortable.
If you have items that are a bit too tight, consider whether they can be altered. For those that are too large, maybe it’s time to let them go. A helpful tip is to keep items that you genuinely love, but for which alterations can be made, and clear out the rest. This also helps to keep your closet streamlined and focused on the clothes you actually wear.
Uncomfortable Clothing
We all know that feeling of wearing something uncomfortable all day, tight shoes, itchy fabrics, or a dress that rides up can be draining. Clothes that make you uncomfortable are often pushed to the back of the closet, yet they take up valuable space. If something doesn’t fit right or feels uncomfortable, chances are, you won’t wear it again. Whether it’s a pair of shoes that pinch, a skirt that rides up, or a shirt that pulls, these clothes will never become favorites. By clearing them out, you free up space for pieces that will make you feel comfortable and at ease.
This category also includes clothes that may be cute but just aren’t practical for your daily lifestyle. If you’ve ever bought something because it looked great on the hanger, but you never end up wearing it because it’s uncomfortable, it’s time to say goodbye. These clothes should either be donated or sold, depending on their condition. Anything you’ve only worn once and never plan to again can also be tossed or donated.
Clothes With Damaged Fabric
It’s easy to overlook clothes that are damaged, but these items can end up being a source of unnecessary clutter in your closet. Whether it’s a shirt with a missing button, a pair of pants with a small tear, or a sweater with a snag, clothes with visible damage can be difficult to wear and rarely make it to the top of your rotation. The problem with keeping damaged items around is that you often feel guilty for not repairing them, but they also don’t serve their purpose as clothing until fixed. If it’s something that can easily be repaired and you know you will fix it, place it in a repair pile and tackle it when you have time.
However, if you know you’re never going to take the time to mend it, it’s best to let it go. Damaged items that can’t be saved should be recycled or donated (if still wearable), as keeping them around only takes up space that could be better used for items that are ready to wear. Remember, a functional wardrobe with items that are in good shape is much more enjoyable to use and organize.
Out-of-Season Items
As fall approaches, it’s a good time to clear out summer clothes that are taking up space in your closet. Pieces like shorts, swimsuits, and tank tops won’t be needed until the next warm season, so it’s smart to store them away. Clearing out out-of-season clothing allows your closet to breathe and gives you more room for fall essentials like sweaters, jackets, and boots. It also makes it easier to access the items you need when the weather shifts, without having to sift through piles of clothes that are no longer relevant.
Storing your off-season clothes properly is key. Use bins or under-bed storage to keep them safe and out of sight until it’s time to wear them again. This way, you not only declutter your closet but also protect your clothes from wear and tear. You’ll be surprised at how much more organized and spacious your closet feels once the summer items are tucked away.
Clothes That Make You Feel Self-Conscious
We all have certain pieces in our wardrobe that just don’t feel right, whether it’s an item that’s unflattering, or something you bought impulsively but never quite felt like you. These clothes often sit in your closet for months or years, yet you never wear them because they make you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. Maybe the color doesn’t complement your skin tone, the style doesn’t match your personality, or it simply doesn’t fit your body the way you want it to. Hanging on to these pieces can keep you stuck in the past, constantly feeling guilty about the money spent, or you might even feel pressured to wear them, even though they make you feel uneasy.
Instead, let go of these clothes. Donate or sell them so they can find a new home, or if they are in poor condition, recycle them. It’s important to remember that your wardrobe should reflect your current style and self-confidence. Letting go of items that make you feel self-conscious will help you curate a closet full of pieces that empower you and make you feel your best.
Clothes You Haven’t Worn in Over a Year
If you’ve kept clothes that haven’t seen the light of day in over a year, it’s probably time to part with them. Sometimes, items linger in our closets because we hold onto the hope that we’ll wear them again, but realistically, if you haven’t worn something in over a year, chances are it no longer fits your style, lifestyle, or needs. These items often take up precious space and can make your closet feel cramped and unorganized. Donating or selling them is a great way to free up room for fresh, more wearable pieces that suit your current preferences.
A good rule of thumb is the “one-year rule.” If you haven’t worn an item in the last 12 months, it’s time to say goodbye. Creating a pile for clothes you haven’t worn in a while allows you to evaluate them without the guilt of keeping things just for the sake of keeping them.
Old, Worn-Out Shoes
Worn-out shoes that no longer provide comfort or support should be the first to go when organizing your closet. Whether they’re scuffed, have lost their shape, or are simply too uncomfortable to wear, they don’t deserve valuable closet space. Old shoes that are no longer functional can also cause you discomfort and contribute to foot problems. Recycle or donate shoes that are still in decent condition, but don’t hold onto them if they’re past their prime.
Consider sorting through your shoe collection and keeping only those that you wear regularly and that are in good shape. For shoes that are irreparable, toss them and make space for new ones that will make your feet happy.
Outdated Trendy Pieces
Fashion trends come and go, and while it’s fun to experiment with different styles, some items may feel outdated after a while. If you have pieces that were trendy a few seasons ago but don’t feel as fresh now, it might be time to part with them. Holding onto clothes that no longer align with your style or the current season can make your closet feel cluttered and can leave you wondering what to wear.
Instead of clinging to trends that have passed, make space for timeless pieces that never go out of style. Donate the items that no longer fit your taste, and free up room for wardrobe staples that will serve you for years to come.
Excessive Amounts of T-Shirts
Many of us tend to accumulate t-shirts over the years, whether from concerts, events, or just simple impulse buys. However, if your closet is overflowing with t-shirts that don’t fit well or are worn out, it’s time to pare them down. While t-shirts are versatile and comfortable, having too many can make it hard to find the ones you actually wear.
Go through your collection and keep only the t-shirts you love. Donate or sell the ones that are damaged or that you haven’t worn in the past few months. This will make your closet much easier to navigate, and you’ll be left with a well-curated collection of shirts that are both functional and flattering.
Clothes That Are Too Formal for Your Lifestyle
If you’ve got clothes in your closet that are too formal for your current lifestyle, now is a great time to let them go. These might include old business suits, fancy dresses, or shoes that are meant for events you no longer attend. If you’ve moved into a more casual work environment or your social life has shifted, keeping these items may no longer make sense.
Instead of letting these formal clothes take up space, consider donating or selling them. You can also store them away for the rare occasions when you might need them, but overall, make sure your closet reflects your current lifestyle.
Old or Expired Beauty Products
While this one isn’t strictly clothing, it’s still an important part of closet organization. Expired beauty products, like old lotions, perfumes, or makeup, often get shoved to the back of your closet or drawer. Over time, these products can lose their effectiveness or even become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Take a moment to go through your beauty products and get rid of anything that has expired or that you simply never use. This not only clears out space in your closet but also ensures you’re using products that are safe and effective.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.