Winter is coming to an end soon. Although it was a mild one, I’m sure everyone is still excited for spring to come around. With the coming of spring also comes spring cleaning time- It’s a great way to rejuvenate yourself and give a fresh start to the season. One of the most difficult things I find about spring cleaning is filtering through my wardrobe. I don't use half of what’s in it, but there’s an underlying voice in my head that tells me I might some day, which to me, is a good enough reason to continue hoarding. However, with time, I’ve learned to let go of my clothes and have come up with some simple tips which I hope will become useful to you too! I’ll guide you through the steps to make room for your spring wardrobe.
I recommend sorting your clothes in four categories: “Yes”, “No”, “Toss”, and “Maybe”. “Yes” will contain clothes you’re 100% sure of keeping (which are most likely what you’ve been wearing recently). The “No” pile is for things you’re sure you don’t want and are still in pretty decent/great condition. “Toss” is for anything that cannot be salvaged- for example, items with permanent stains or holes. “Maybe” are items for second review, and depending on your review they can be moved to the “Yes” or the “No” pile. It's best not to be overly generous with this as there's a reason they were in the “Maybe” pile in the first place. (If you’re asking yourself “Do I need this?” chances are, you probably don’t.)
Once you got this down, put on a playlist- it’s time to clean!
I recommend sorting your clothes in four categories: “Yes”, “No”, “Toss”, and “Maybe”. “Yes” will contain clothes you’re 100% sure of keeping (which are most likely what you’ve been wearing recently). The “No” pile is for things you’re sure you don’t want and are still in pretty decent/great condition. “Toss” is for anything that cannot be salvaged- for example, items with permanent stains or holes. “Maybe” are items for second review, and depending on your review they can be moved to the “Yes” or the “No” pile. It's best not to be overly generous with this as there's a reason they were in the “Maybe” pile in the first place. (If you’re asking yourself “Do I need this?” chances are, you probably don’t.)
Once you got this down, put on a playlist- it’s time to clean!
Clothes
Fall / Winter
First, let's start off with winter clothes. The season is just coming to an end, so it's the perfect time to sort through everything you own. The things you haven't yet worn this season are ones you probably didn’t wear much last season; aka you’re most likely not going to be wearing them next season. It’s best to put these items in the “No” or “Maybe” piles. Things you’ve been wearing this season and new things you’ve bought for the season can go in the “Yes” pile as you’re probably going to be wearing them again.
When storing away your winter clothes, it is also a good idea to keep them separated by the same categories. Categorizing like this prepares you for the next season, as you now know of potential clothes to give away in your next round of cleaning (Keep in mind that you're going to have go through this process again next season).
When storing away your winter clothes, it is also a good idea to keep them separated by the same categories. Categorizing like this prepares you for the next season, as you now know of potential clothes to give away in your next round of cleaning (Keep in mind that you're going to have go through this process again next season).
Spring / Summer
As the warmer season rolls in, sorting through these clothes can be tricky as you think you may be getting wear out of them all—you do have a whole season ahead of you. I recommend sorting everything into categories once again- but don’t get rid of anything in the “Maybe” category this time around. Make a note of items in this category (separating them in your closet or using the hangers the other way) and if you still haven’t worn them by the end of the season, you should give them up. Doing this can be somewhat of a reality check in demonstrating that not every item of clothing you have get much love.
Shoes
Cleaning out shoes can be a tough task, as many tend to wear shoes until they're worn out. However, there is probably a good chance that you own some that are a little too big or tight on your feet, making them uncomfortable no matter how much you were in love when you first bought them. I highly recommend throwing away anything with holes or worn out soles. They're not going to last much longer anyway, and it's a good idea to start looking for replacements. Shoes that are too big should also be put in the “No” pile. Shoes that are slightly tight you can be stretched out to to make them slightly more comfortable, but you can't grow your feet to fit into big shoes. So be brave and give ‘em up!
Accessories
Accessories are also tricky to sort through, as many are likely to be gift given, which makes each piece resonate with a fond memory. I feel that anything genuine or valuable should be kept. Accessories that are made to last are timeless. Anything that isn’t valuable should probably be sorted to and considered as “No” items. Pieces which aren’t genuine will tarnish eventually (if they haven’t already) and aren’t great for use for much longer.
Now What?
When your categories have been sorted, it’s time to take care of these piles!
"Yes"
Everything that made it to this pile can successfully be placed either in storage for the next season or in your closet to use for the current season.
"No"
Items that made were tossed in this category can be donated. Sending them off to goodwill or any clothing donations box are great options. Both institutions will put the clothes to good use, resulting in no waste, as well as helping the community.
There are other ways to donate clothes as well. I always ask family and friends if they want any clothes I have before I donate elsewhere. In addition, events such as clothing swaps are becoming increasingly popular. Right here on campus at Western University, there will be a clothing swap taking place on February 27th, hosted by Voguabond in collaboration with Envirowestern and Fashion & Lifestyle Society. It’s a fun way to get rid of clothes that no longer belong in your closet, while grabbing ones that will add to your wardrobe at an awesome price.
Visit the Facebook event page for more details
There are other ways to donate clothes as well. I always ask family and friends if they want any clothes I have before I donate elsewhere. In addition, events such as clothing swaps are becoming increasingly popular. Right here on campus at Western University, there will be a clothing swap taking place on February 27th, hosted by Voguabond in collaboration with Envirowestern and Fashion & Lifestyle Society. It’s a fun way to get rid of clothes that no longer belong in your closet, while grabbing ones that will add to your wardrobe at an awesome price.
Visit the Facebook event page for more details
"Toss"
Although not suitable for donation, this pile can certainly still be put to good use. H&M has launched a sustainability initiative in which they collect old garments and find new uses for them (ie. cloths, insulation material).
Click to find out about the H&M sustainability project
If you did want to get rid of anything valuable there are establishments that will buy back your jewelry. In addition, there are also places that will accept used costume jewelry and refurbish it for use.
Enter your postal code through this site to find a clothing donation box near you
I hope these tips come in handy. Enjoy your fresh spring wardrobe!
Click to find out about the H&M sustainability project
If you did want to get rid of anything valuable there are establishments that will buy back your jewelry. In addition, there are also places that will accept used costume jewelry and refurbish it for use.
Enter your postal code through this site to find a clothing donation box near you
I hope these tips come in handy. Enjoy your fresh spring wardrobe!
Raeesah Bawa