Closet purging is one of my favorite topics. I find it so satisfying to distill my wardrobe down to only the things that I really love. A clear physical space makes for a clear mental space. There are many, many strategies for closet clean-outs out there, and it may take some time before you figure out a method that resonates with you. Here is my take on the topic.
First thing: get all your workout clothes out of your closet. Or, perhaps more realistically, choose one item type or section of your closet/dresser at a time. Maybe just do all your sports bras, and then move on to your crops, and so on.
Start with a “triage” round. As you go through each individual item, make 3 piles. One pile will be your yes pile. These are the things that I’d have to pry from your cold, dead fingers. Another pile will be your no pile, which are the things that you just aren’t in love with anymore. These might make you think “why do I even still have this…” The third pile will be where you spend the most time: the maybe pile. If there is even a shred of hesitation when you pick something up, put it in with the maybes. The point of this round is to be quick and to follow your gut instincts. Don’t think too hard about where to sort. Don’t spend more than a couple brief moments on each item.
Now, we’ll go back through and spend a lot more time getting to know that maybe pile. If you have nothing in your maybe pile, then your yes pile will become your maybe pile.
Take each item from your maybe pile, and spend more time on it. Reflect on why you have it, how it makes you feel, and how often you really wear it. Here are a few of my favorite questions that I ask myself about my maybes:
Does it still have the tags on? If something is more than, say, 2 months old and it still has the tags on, it’s time to be real. When something is new, you should be the most excited about wearing it. It’s like the honeymoon phase, but with clothes. If you’re not excited enough to wear it in the first few weeks of owning it, why would you be excited about wearing it later? You might convince yourself to wear it out of guilt a handful of times, but it’s not going to get its fair share of time in the sun and will inevitably end up collecting dust.
Have you worn it this season? Similar to the tag issue, this is one is the most telltale sign of what really needs to go. Let’s say you have a pair of speed shorts. If you let the entire summer go by and it never left your closet, you’ve got a space waster on your hands. Is it REALLY worth keeping a pair of shorts just so you can wear them once every 2 years? Heck to the no, I say.
Is it uncomfortable or ill-fitting? I don’t like to think about my clothes when I’m wearing them, unless I’m thinking about how much I like them. If you have something where the seam rubs just wrong, or the shoulders are constricting, or whatever issue you might have with it, you’re probably going to spend all day vaguely aggravated by the issue. No matter how cute it is, it’s not worth that kind of hassle.
Hard Mode
If you’re a seasoned closet purger or just aspiring to be more minimalist for whatever reason, here are some of the ways I make more brutal cuts.
Love it or lose it. If your immediate reaction to something isn’t “I WOULD DIE WITHOUT THIS”, then it has to go. If you do not absolutely love something, it is not worth your time or your space. Let go of justifications you might rush to come up with. Hold your closet to the highest standard you can. You’ll be glad you did.
Have you worn it in the past month? This is basically just an amped up version of the question above. Obviously, if something is out of season it doesn’t count, but if it’s weather appropriate and you haven’t reached for it in the past month, it’s probably not among the most precious of your things.
Do you have more than 15 items in this category? I know. We’re collectors here. To some of you, 15 crops sounds like nothing (and of course to others, that sounds like opulence). But really, do you need more than 15 (or MAYBE 20) pairs of crops? I think you know the answer to that. Even if you work out every single day and sweat through what you’re wearing every time, that’s still over 2 weeks of totally different outfits, not to mention the option of wearing shorts or tights instead of crops. That’s plenty of time to do laundry. If you have 15 tanks, 15 sports bras, 15 crops, 15 shorts, and 15 full-length leggings, that’s still a good-sized stash that leaves tons of room for favorites. Try not to let any one category get too out of hand. (But if you do: let it be tanks and sports bras.) If 15 still seems egregious to you, back that number up to 10.
Does your closet reflect your functional needs? If you live somewhere where it almost never dips below 50, you don’t need 6 down jackets. If you’re a runner who only does yoga occasionally, it doesn’t make sense for half your wardrobe to be bad for running. Gym bags are another big offender: truthfully, you only REALLY need one. Maybe two, if you’d like to have a larger and a smaller one, or just if you like to switch it up sometimes. But they hog a lot of space and tend to be expensive, so in my opinion it’s not worth accumulating them.
More strategies and resources
A few more ideas for you to consider:
Do you want more accountability when it comes to how often you actually wear something? If you hang your workout clothes, turn all your hangers backwards. Each time you wear an item and go to put it away, turn that hanger back the right way. Then, in 3-6 months, take everything with a backwards hanger and get rid of it. If you fold your workout clothes, perhaps you could just use a different folding method, or move items from one side of the drawer to the other, or really anything that makes it clear to you what’s been worn.
If getting rid of your stuff right away sounds positively terrifying to you, take your “maybe” pile (or just a few armfuls of clothes if it’s too hard to decide) and put it in a box. Store the box somewhere out of sight where you can’t easily get into it. After 3-6 months, if you found you never really needed all or most of what was inside, and if you found you didn’t actually miss it, you’re safe to get rid of everything inside.
Although I haven’t personally finished reading it, Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, comes highly recommended by many. She has many of her own strategy and suggestions for handling clutter both in your closet and throughout the rest of your life.
Be More With Less is a great blog for cultivating minimalist habits. I really like this blog post about cleaning out your closet. She also founded Project 333, which is a minimalist fashion project that could easily be adapted to your workout wardrobe.
Realistic expectations
There’s a really important, really big caveat to all of this. As much as you might wish for it, you’re probably not going to be able to go through and instantly clean up your wardrobe in one fell swoop. It’s a process, and usually a long one at that. If you can only go through and find 5 things to get rid of, or even only 1 thing to part with, that’s ok. That’s still progress. Cut yourself some slack if this is difficult for you.
When it comes to getting rid of your things, I do find it gets easier over time. The more you practice, the less time and emotional energy it will take. You’ll likely have to go through several “rounds” before you feel comfortable with both the process and the results. Go back for another round every 1-3 months. You’ll get there!
Photo courtesy of Creative Convex by PinkPot
Suzanne, this post made me so happy! To those of your fellow readers that aren’t ready to make the next step on their maybe pile and sell or donate the items, my recommendation is to store them for a set time (3/6 months) and then re-evaluate. That makes it easier, especially because any of those items that you end up opening the bag to pull out becomes a part of your keepers, and those still in the bag are ready to find new homes.
On a more personal note, I did this with all my clothes about 3 years ago when my husband came home to find me crying in the closet because nothing fit. I ended up trying on all of my clothes and put anything I didn’t love in those vacuum shrink storage bags. The next day I started the C25K running program. There were a lot of tears at first, but as the months (and now years) go by I re-evaluate every 6 months.
If any one happens to have a pair of silver spoon WAFS wunder under crops (preferably with the mesh details) in a size 8 in their selling pile, let me know :)
Thanks for sharing your suggestions and stories!! I agree that setting something aside can be sooo helpful for managing the emotional side and just smoothing the whole process out. And I hope you can find those WAFS silver spoons. :)
if i always *wish* it were 20 degrees outside, can i have 6 down coats in my closet….?? ;)
ok, let’s be realistic….12 down coats…
Haha, surely it must be the same thing. :)
I totally need to move to the Arctic. I love cold weather and its accoutrements such as boots, wool, long sleeves….and down jackets (well any jacket really!) I think I have enough jackets to survive anything
Haha sounds like you do! Come to AZ, it’s in the 20s with like 8″ of snow on the ground and another foot coming tomorrow. :P
i’m so there…! actually i will be there in two weeks! but mostly the phoenix area until the work is over and the fun begins…maybe do a winter grand canyon hike. i gotta look into it and see what’s doable! but i’m totally down with cold weather and snow.
oh btw, spent the past week in RMNP! loved it!
Both of those things sound awesome!! Sedona could also be a good hiking destination since it’s ~2 hours closer than the Canyon. Lots of cool stuff there if you haven’t been. All my favorite hikes in Flagstaff are inaccessible right now because the forest roads are closed. :( Bring your spikes if you go to the Canyon though! There will probably still be ice in 2 weeks at the higher elevations. Also, let me know if you want any suggestions, hiking or otherwise. :)
not sure if you’ll see this way back here…but I’m trying to plan out my AZ trip. I’m totally down for suggestions. I really would like to do a hike down to Phantom Ranch and stay there and hike out the next day but am unsure of which night i’d need to book, due to being unsure about that whole week’s schedule. Possibly once I figure that out, the Ranch will be booked so I’m wanting some back up plans, jic.
I really want cold weather, and snow would be an added bonus! I love hikes with great views.
any tips? sedona, GC, anything would be great
Yup, I get email notifications for literally any comment. I’ve gotten some pretty weird ones on ancient posts, lol.
Anyway, I’m honestly not sure how fast Phantom Ranch fills up this time of year. I have a friend who is a ranger there, and the weather is super nice this time of year he says, but I assume it’s still quite chilly overnight, ie probably a bad option for camping. You COULD do the river and back all in one day (you sound like you’re in good shape), esp if Phantom Ranch doesn’t work out, but you can’t really linger too long at the bottom, and it’s a long-ass day for sure. If you do end up hiking part of the way down, I would go for South Kaibab. Bright Angel looks the same almost the entire way down. I’ve also been wanting to check out Hermit Trail, which is less traveled (it’s not a corridor trail) but looks pretty cool as a day hike option.
By the way, if you’re interested in winter sports, Flagstaff also has a ski resort (AZ Snowbowl) that’s been really great this year. They got 5 FEET last week. There’s also the Nordic Center for cross country ski trails. There’s equipment rental everywhere in Flagstaff (including camping gear if you go that route!). It’s the biggest “city” north of Phoenix (I live in Flag), so it’s by far the best for food and lodging options, as well as general things to do indoors when you’re done outside. As I mentioned before though, my favorite trails here aren’t accessible right now, sadly.
Moving south to Sedona… You’ll get a bit less snow here since it’s less elevated (4000′ vs 7000′), though I’ve seen lots of pics this with that show the red rocks with a dusting on them. It definitely has the most trails open right now though, and it’s other worldly in its loveliness. My favorite trails (so far) there are Cathedral Rock (quick but strenuous), Devil’s Bridge (moderate), Fay Canyon (easy), and Bear Mountain (moderate). The last 3 are all pretty close to one another, and you could do them all in one day if you’re up to it. Cathedral is quick, but VERY steep, so it’s a lot of fun. Cathedral and Devil’s Bridge have tiny parking lots, so they tend to fill up fast. Fay and Bear Mtn have much larger lots so good as an alternative. I’ve also been wanting to go to West Fork Trail, which is easy but quite popular, and is in a totally different area of Sedona. Also, if you’re going north from Sedona to Flag/GC, take 89A if it’s daytime and hasn’t snowed in the past 24 hours. It’s an absolutely beautiful drive. There are switchbacks and cliffs though, so it was a bit scary the first couple times. Also, Sedona is HUGE for mountain biking. I’ve never been, but if you’re into it, it’s a great place to rent a bike and play around.
Anyway, there’s a broad (kind of…) overview for you. Feel free to ask about anything more specific! People never really visit my semi-obscure part of the country, so it’s fun for me to tell people about it. :)
wow, suzanne! this is awesome; thanks for your time! i’m going to be doing some nailing-down of plans (as much as i’m possibly capable of that!) in the next couple days, and this helps. i’m sure i’ll take you up on your offer of more info :) although you’ve done a lot already. i really appreciate it!
um…just to be the devil’s advocate…got this jacket at EMS and love it…also, ruched cuffins!!! and it’s on sale…
http://www.ems.com/ems-women%E2%80%99s-excel-alpha-hybrid-jacket/1285543.html
OMG, you’re bad, ha ha! Love that jacket AND have a $25 coupon to use at EMS. Do you wear it running?
I just did yesterday. I liked it a lot! especially the cuffins in the beginning of the run. wore it hiking too.
I actually got both colors….
Ahhh if only it came in blue or purple!…
get the white and dye it?? ?
I like this series a lot. You know your readers well ;) I am dying to do a closet clean-out and read every word of this. I’ve been buying… more or less whatever I want. So I’m thinking of implementing a new system where if I get my work done a day before my deadline, I can reward myself by buying one thing, but otherwise not buying clothes (unless I sell something perhaps). I am liking having “systems” lately, ha.
Yeah, since I started my new job I’ve been taking full liberty of the whole “not being cripplingly poor” thing, but I think I’ve gotten it out of my system and I need to back off a little. When it comes to setting rewards and such, this is always my perennial struggle: http://i.imgur.com/3p0DwVZ.png :) Hopefully your strategies are a little more effective, haha.
Haha! Oh, no!! That cartoon is totally me. Working on it. I know what you mean about getting things out of your system, too. I was out of the country for 6 years. When I moved back my first order of business seemed to be ordering all the things :P
My closet could use a permanent paring-down, but, even more importantly, I need to stop shopping and appreciate (and wear) the things I already have!
Agreed. This is where I’m at, too.
I know what you mean! It’s so easy to get a little too caught up in the whirlwind of the latest and greatest.
To be completely honest, I’ve never really understood getting rid of clothing (unless it’s ill-fitting, or permanently stained/damaged). I mean, you paid for it, so why get rid of it? Granted, with stuff like Lulu you can often make your money back, so I’m not really directing this toward selling clothing, just “getting rid of.” I’ve found that every time I’ve tried to discard excess clothing, I end up wishing for a specific piece to complete an outfit later down the road, and then I have to rebuy.
That being said, I don’t like to have everything I own in my closet at the same time. Things that I don’t often wear are relegated to the second bedroom closet or storage in the basement. But at least they’re still available if I want them again!
Fair enough! I think when it comes to getting rid of things just for the sake of downsizing (rather than selling), there are two motivations usually at play. Many people simply don’t have the space to put things in storage (maybe they live in a cramped big-city apartment, for example), so cutting back becomes a real necessity. The other big reason is that for many people, myself included, having a lot of stuff just somehow feels vaguely stressful and claustrophobic. I find that getting rid of things is *really* satisfying, and feels like a weight off of my mind somehow (especially when I get $$ for it!). I actually can’t think of any clothes I’ve gotten rid of that I’ve actually missed. Anyway, just my two cents on the why. If holding onto things works for you and makes you happy though, more power to ya! :)
I know I should not be thinking about buying when the topic is cleaning out closet. I definitely NEED to purge, but that’s because I buy too many beautiful and functional activewear pieces. So what caught my eye lately is Vie Active leggings in pixel blue/black. I just love the pattern! Carbon38 and Bandier also carry some of the styles and some sizes have already sold out. According to the Vie Active website, the sizing has changed in the new Holiday collection. I know AA reviewed the Rockwell legging and spoke highly of their fabric. I am wondering if anyone has tried any piece in the new collection. How is the new sizing? Oh, you get 25% off for signing up :).
Just got those when C38 had their sale… LOVE! I’m a 4 in lululemon and got an XXS–they run a little big. I’ve been eying their new ombre crops!
I’m glad you noted that about the new sizing for Vie! The other stockists don’t seem to mention it. Most people seemed to be sizing down with the old sizing–so a lulu 4 would get an XXS, and I even heard of someone who was normally a small getting XXS–so I would just go with your normal size now.
Related, I’m curious if the new sizing is just the way its cut, or if they actually changed the fabric at all.
hello! i have a pair of leggings from their old collection and their new collection with the updated sizing since the holiday collection.
for reference, i wear size 6 in lulu/6 in alala/m in teekis.
in the old sizing for vie, i’m a small, and the new sizing, i’m a medium.
i do want to add that the medium is a little looser than the lulus in size 6 and alala in size 6; so if you are in-between sizes, size down. their fabric is compressive if you order a size down. Or just order from carbon38 so you can have free returns :)
good luck!
Suzanne, this is a good dose of tough love that I need. I never get rid of anything. I’ve never sold any of my Lulu, not even the things that no longer fit me. Over the holidays, I identified a few pieces that I never wear that I should try to sell. But, emotionally, it is so hard for me! I would love some tips on the emotional side of getting rid of things. I think I need to read Kondo’s book too.
I’m glad you have at least made some small steps in that direction! For what it’s worth, I’ve found that even though sometimes the emotional part is challenging, once it’s out the door, I always feel better.
Just had to come back and thank you because if nothing else this post confirmed I need to do a spending ban at least until I evaluate my current wardrobe. We’re thinking of 15-20 as the upper limit, huh? Gulp. I’ve never counted my pieces and just did. Yeah, I need to halt until I can asses. Thanks again!
Well, it doesn’t *have* to be the upper limit. :) I find I’m happiest around there, but I also seem to be a bit more brutally minimalist than most! I wouldn’t cut by more than 10-25% at a time, though, regardless of the starting number. A buying freeze will certainly help create space to reevaluate overall, though, so that seems like a good idea. :)
Hey hey hey, Suzanne! May I please know your opinion on: I am a fitness instructor who covers four major group exercise programs, plus a fifth is on the way (thanks, Boss… I think!). Thus, I do have a ton of activewear, I am guilty of having… yes, more than 15 pair of tights/pants, and a LOT of sports bras. However, I do admit, there are some I look at and wonder why did I purchase this? Okies, back to the main issue, is it still advisable in my career to keep the say… tights/pants… tanks… sports bras… etc. to 10?
I think if you look at it and think, ‘Why did I purchase this?!’ you should get rid of it. :)
Yup, Mindy, true that… however, when I look at it… I get that, “But but but…” feeling… then, my boyfriend stands over me and he is all like, “Why are you so attached to your clothes?!!!” DOINK!
Those numbers definitely aren’t a hard boundary! It’s really about what makes you happy. If you feel like you have too much, then try to cut down to whatever number you’re happy with, whether that’s 15 or 50. For you, it very well might be a different number since your fitness clothes are also your work clothes. And I’d reiterate what Mindy said, it’s always helpful to get rid of stuff that you just don’t like/don’t wear, regardless of the numbers. :)
I am so happy I found your blog, Suzanne!!! Your readers and commenters are more positive than some other blogs I follow. I came across Agent Athletica because of your post on a pair of High Times Pant I was ding dong-ing on getting. After seeing the photos, and your review, I bought them. Anyway, then, I started to take a huge interest in the way you wrote. Now, with these helpful posts on decluttering and the other brands, I am VERY GLAD indeed I found you. Lots of love from Malaysia!!!
Congratulations on the job!
Aw that’s so kind of you to say!! Very glad to have you around, Estralita. :)