Spring Closet Clean Out

It’s officially spring! I’ve been spoiled living in San Francisco for the last year but I know my pals back in Canada have had a long and cold winter. Here’s hoping warm weather is just around the corner!

I am moving back to Toronto in a month so I really needed to do some spring cleaning. It was great to clear out my closet and will make packing a bit easier too!

When I am going through my clothing and deciding what to keep and what to donate/toss these are the three categories I create.

Don’t Wear Anymore – Donate

My rule for this pile is anything that I haven’t worn in 6 months goes bye bye! I used to say a year but after moving so many times and really trying to keep my belongings to a minimum I think 6 months is a better rule. I also add anything that I am “done with” meaning I’ve worn it a lot but I don’t see myself reaching for it in the future.

These are all things that are in good condition and can be donated to charity and given to someone in need. You can drop clothing off at Goodwill and most H&M locations also have a clothing donation bin (they give you a coupon to use towards your next purchase to say thanks!)

Doesn’t Fit – Donate

We’ve all done it. Ordered something online and when it comes you realize it doesn’t fit the way you’d hoped. Maybe it’s too small, maybe it just fits a little weird. For one reason or another I had a few articles of clothing that I didn’t return because I had convinced myself that I would be “getting in shape” soon and then I would be able to wear them. Fast forward to 6 months later and the return policy is expired and I’m left with a beautiful floral dress with the tag still attached that won’t zip up.

There are also a few things in this pile that just aren’t flattering on my body type (*cough* crop top *cough) but I bought it anyway hoping to convince myself that it looked good. These pieces of clothing can also be donated as they’re in new or like new condition. Hopefully this lovely ASOS dress will find a loving new home : (

Worn out/Damaged – Toss

This is pretty self explanatory but this pile is for anything that has a tear, rip or hole in it. Also if an item has excessive pilling or wear and looks ratty will also go into this pile. These pieces shouldn’t be donated as most charities only accept clothing in good condition and it will end up in their garbage bin anyway.

This is the part that is the hardest. Throwing away clothing seems like such a waste but like I said, if you try donating it they will more than likely throw it out. I volunteered for the St. Anthony’s Clothing Program here in San Francisco and I know they only keep apparel that is new or like new. They are giving it to people who are going for job interviews and getting their lives back on track and they wouldn’t feel right giving them damaged or worn out clothing.

*Edit: If you are crafty you can always repurpose these pieces! Maybe make something new out of an old pair of jeans or shirt? I am not that crafty but I know there are ways to recycle damaged clothing if you want to go that route 🙂

After I was done my spring cleaning I freed up quite a bit of space in my closet! Now that I can actually see all my clothing I am noticing things that I haven’t worn in a while and incorporating them into my outfits.

Will you be doing any spring cleaning in the coming weeks? Let me know in the comments!