Decluttering your closet? Ask yourself these 7 questions first

Practical and personal questions to clear the clutter.

The way closet clutter can sneak up on you honestly feels like sorcery. One day everything looks trim and tidy, and seemingly the next you’ve got an explosion of garments spilling out and a pile of shoes that’d give Carrie Bradshaw a run for her money. When faced with a closet that’s just not working for you, decluttering is the only path forward. So how do you know what to keep, toss, or donate? Ask yourself these questions first.

Meet the Experts

• Diane Lowy, a professional organizer based in New York City
• Regina Lark, professional organizer with expertise in ADHD, chronic disorganization, and hoarding disorders. 
• Ashley Murphy, co-founder of the NEAT Method and author of The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book.

01 of 07

How much do I want to edit?

Let’s start with an easy one. Establishing how much you want (and need) to edit can give you clear goals to work toward as you declutter your closet. It also reduces some of the emotional load. 

“Like a haircut, sometimes you just want a trim and other times you're looking for a dramatic change,” says Diane Lowy, a professional organizer based in New York City. “Look around at where you keep your wardrobe currently and consider what would be the right amount to edit to feel like you can easily access your belongings and have space for new things that come in.” 

02 of 07

What clothing would I pack if I needed to stay in a local hotel for two weeks?

Being clear about what your absolute favorite clothes are right now can really help expedite your closet cleanout. “Focusing on the positive when starting a closet edit feels really good,” Lowy says. “Knowing you have clothing you like to wear and identifying them at the start gives you a clear sense of what you're looking for from the rest of your belongings.” Put these things in one section of the closet and edit what's left knowing that everything you are considering is what should be under review. 

03 of 07

Would I be excited to wear this tomorrow?

This question gets to the root of all sorts of other questions, including whether a garment fits and flatters you, you like the way it makes it feel, it’s in good shape, and it’s still in style.

“If the idea of wearing that blouse tomorrow fills you with dread or doubt, it’s not earning its hanger space,” notes Regina Lark, professional organizer with expertise in ADHD, chronic disorganization, and hoarding disorders. On the other hand, “if you start to take it off the hanger, so you can put it on, then yes, keep it!” 

04 of 07

When was the last time I wore this?

This question is a good indicator of the true usefulness of an item. “Regardless of how much you may love something, if it’s not being worn, it’s not useful, and you shouldn’t allow it to take up space in your closet,” says Ashley Murphy, co-founder of the NEAT Method. “If the answer is no, it’s safe to say you won’t miss it. Set it aside to donate or consign and pass it on to someone who will love it more.” 

05 of 07

How do I feel looking at this?

Some people love looking at their collection of beautiful shoes and handbags even if they don't use them very often. “Keeping these items visible, but on shelves above your eyes, is a great way to feel good about what's in your closet while keeping the space that is easier to reach for items you wear more frequently,” Lowy says. 

06 of 07

Am I keeping this out of guilt, obligation, or nostalgia?

Closets often double as emotional storage units. That bridesmaid dress? Your ex’s hoodie? The t-shirt you bought 20 years ago? We hold onto them because of the memories, but they’re not always items we wear and they end up taking up physical and emotional space, Lark says. 

You don’t have to get rid of them, but they shouldn’t disrupt the flow of your daily closet. One idea is to put them in a clear box on a shelf so you can see them, but they’re not taking up precious real estate. Another idea is to “take a photo, write a memory, and create a nostalgia album that you’ll probably look through much more often,” Lark says. 

07 of 07

Am I OK with the maintenance?

If a piece of clothing feels too complicated to wear or requires dry cleaning or other special care, it might be more work than it's worth at this stage of your life.  “Some items are a project. They need a new button, a stain treated, hemmed, altered, resoled, or patched,” Lowy says.

If you just can’t be bothered, it’s time to toss or donate. But if you don’t mind the maintenance or feel motivated to get it fixed, that’s a sign it still has life left. 

Read the original article on Real Simple