Decluttering your wardrobe can be such an ordeal, and it’s no surprise that going through your closet might feel like such a chore. However, when you’re running out of space and are in need of a desperate spring cleaning, going through the minefield is truly the only and best way to go. But even then, there are many questions that have to be considered–how many jeans do I really need? Will I ever wear this dress again or am I better off donating it instead? 

Whether you’re moving to a smaller home or simply need a bit more space in your closet, we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips that can help you get organized and declutter your clothes quickly and efficiently, while also being mindful of what items still have value to you.

Examine your clothes

Now, how do you declutter clothes, exactly? The first step–and there’s really no way around this–is to examine all your clothes and go through them one by one. Feel free to try on your own clothes and sort them into different categories as you go.

As you go through your clothes, keep in mind some of these questions that might help you make decisions:

• Does it fit?

• Have I worn this in the past year?

• Does this have sentimental value to me?

• Does this make me feel good and confident about myself?

• Does it match with other things in my closet?

• Is it in good condition?

• Is it uncomfortable to wear?

Categorize

Whether you use boxes or simply place them in a spot in your room, make sure you’ve organize your clothes according to these categories:

• Keep: for the clothes that are in good condition, and ones that you use frequently or have sentimental value to you

• Toss: Ones you’re willing to throw away–these would usually consist of clothes that are no longer in good condition, such as clothes with holes, stained clothes, dirty clothes, and worn-out clothes.

• Sell/Donate: These are for the clothes that are still in good condition but are no longer being used. Whether it be because they no longer fit or they simply aren’t your style anymore, you can put these clothes in this category to give away or donate to charity.

• Customize: Have any clothes that need a little fixing or altering? Put them in here! Blazers that have missing buttons or jeans that are still in good condition but feel a bit too tight, this is the box to be. Don’t forget to be honest with yourself about taking them to be fixed or having the time to fix them yourself.

• Unsure: Not sure about if you want to get rid of certain clothes? They don’t seem to be in bad condition and they still look kinda nice still… well, if that’s the case, then feel free to put them in here. If after a few months you’ve forgotten about the clothes here, then it’s a telltale sign that perhaps you should get rid of them for good.

Re-organize

Now that you’ve sorted out all your clothes, it’s time to reorganize the ones you’re planning to keep. Organize your closet into sections–tops, shorts, skirts, jackets, etc. 

Feel free to even organize the way you want it, whether it be by color, by material, or by size! There’s no wrong way to organize your closet, you have complete freedom to organize the way that is most comfortable for you!

Where to bring Decluttered Items

You may be able to gain some extra cash by selling your pre-loved clothes online, or even to friends! Don’t be afraid to set up a profile on Carousell or Instagram and find new owners who will enjoy your pre-loved clothes as much as you once did.

Another option, of course, is to pass down your clothing to siblings or other relatives who may find value in them. There’s nothing wrong with hand-me-downs, and who knows, your relatives may even look good wearing them.

Alternatively, you can also donate your clothes to charities or even official clothing stores. Here are a few places you ought to consider:

• H&M: the world-famous clothing store H&M has once again brought back its Garment Collecting program where you bring your unwanted clothes in exchange for discounts. H&M PH accepts 2 bags of clothes per person per day, and in return you get a 15% off voucher of every bag you donate. The best part, H&M accepts textiles of any brand and quality, regardless of its condition.

• Precious Heritage Ministries Foundation Inc.: this non-profit organization accepts new and used clothing as well as home equipment, stuffed toys, toiletries, food, and cash. Items donated to this charity are then distributed to underprivileged families, orphans, and street children, as their goal is to aid those who have been abandoned and neglected in Metro Manila, Regions IV-A and B. 

• Goodwill Industries of the Philippines: This non-profit organization aims to help rehabilitate disabled and disadvantaged Filipinos. While prioritizing mostly old gadgets and furniture, Goodwill Industries also accepts pre-loved clothes and textiles to convert into bags, rags, and pillowcases.

In conclusion, there’s no easy way to declutter your clothes. Spending a whole day or two re-evaluating which clothes you use and don’t use, need and don’t need sounds just about right. Despite it feeling like a chore, you’ll find that having a clutter-free, more organized closet will have more positive effects on your lifestyle than negative!