What is it about Spring that makes everyone want to clean? Is it the transition into brighter days as we say goodbye to the best holidays? Maybe it’s the realization that we subconsciously went into hibernation. Whatever the cause may be, it isn’t called “spring cleaning” for nothing. Cleaning around the house is simple and relaxing, but when it comes to cleaning out your closet, it can bring on a daunting and overwhelming feeling. “What do I put where? Have I even worn this? Why did I buy that? Where did all the hangers go?!” These are just a few of the questions I internally scream at myself when first deciding to stop procrastinating and organize my closet. I successfully finished revamping my closet recently, so I decided to share a few tips that kept me from waving the white flag to my closet in defeat.

“Be realistic. If you don’t have have the space for translating a Pinterest idea into your closet, don’t try to replicate it.”

1. Gather supplies – There is nothing that makes me want to shout from the rooftops, “I QUIT!” more than being knee deep into hanging clothes and coming to the sad realization that I don’t have enough hangers. Make sure you plan ahead before even opening your closet door. Go to the store and grab all the supplies you need (abundance of hangers, laundry bags, clothing racks, accessory holders, etc) so nothing will come between you and the cleaning energy once you finally start.
2. Sort it out – Okay, so you have everything you need. Now it’s time to dig in. Don’t get overwhelmed! Completely empty your closet and sort everything into piles. You should have one pile for donating/consigning anything you no longer wear, one pile for storing bulky outerwear that isn’t necessary for spring weather, and one pile for the things you still wear. You could also add a fourth pile in there for things you aren’t sure if you want to keep or donate.
3. Analyze your space – You may have liked a gorgeous closet with shelving and cube storage on Pinterest, but be realistic. If you don’t have the space for translating a Pinterest idea into your closet, don’t try to replicate it. Instead, take the idea and modify it for your closet size. Does anything you have even warrant extra shelving? If not, pass. Use what you have until additional storage is required. This will keep your closet open and less crowded.
4. Divide and conquer – Once again, do not get overwhelmed. Recognize what your preferences are when it comes to color order and clothing separation, and then start one shirt at a time. Don’t focus too much on what you have left to do, focus on what you have already completed. Work section by section and it will all come together.
5. Smile and style – It’s so rewarding to step back and look at the finished project. Having a newly organized closet with all of your items on display is great inspiration for putting looks together. You may see items you completely forgot about, or things that you always wear a certain way. Take the opportunity to mix and match things you normally wouldn’t have bat an eyelash at now that you can see all of your options. This is actually how I find a majority of my favorite looks.

When fall rolls around and I have to revamp my closet, I know I’ll use these tips again. This was the first time I took an abundance of clothing into a consignment shop, and I was pleasantly surprised with what I got back in return. Anything that wasn’t accepted, I donated to Goodwill.