7 Tips for an Effective Closet Audit

Closet audits are necessary to keep your wardrobe decluttered and functional. Our closet audit tips will make the task much easier.

1. Take everything out of your closet

This is important to do so no stone goes unturned. If you’re okay with taking your entire wardrobe out at once, that’s great; I prefer to work in sections so I don’t get overwhelmed. Removing everything from the closet helps you truly see what you have. Instead of skimming through your closet, you can look at each piece one by one.

2. Try things on

You don’t have to do this with every single item, but it’s helpful to try on the things that you haven’t worn in a while to find out why. Does it not fit properly? Can you never put together a good outfit with it? Do you not like the material? When you try things on it helps you answer questions like that and in turn you can actively decide if you want to keep or toss something.

3. Get rid of anything you haven’t worn in at least 2 years

This is where you need to get cutthroat with your closet audit. You may have some special occasion pieces that won’t get consistent wear, but any every day clothing that hasn’t left your closet in a year or two should get the boot.

4. Say goodbye to ill-fitting clothes

A closet audit is the best time to get rid of ill-fitting clothes whether they’re too tight, too large or don’t suit your body type. You feel the most comfortable and confident in clothes that fit you well and compliment your figure. Rid your closet of anything that does you a disservice in that arena.

5. Re-evaluate your “new with tags” pieces

Now is the time to take stock of pieces still have tags on them. Ask yourself why it’s been in your closet and you haven’t worn it yet. This may be something that you’re saving for a special occasion or you lost track of with all the clutter in your closet. On the other hand, it may be something you realized you didn’t like very much once you tried it on. If it falls in the latter category, let it go!

6. Organize

As you begin to put things back into your closet, make sure you’re organizing as you go. I often buy new hangers and storage containers before I start a closet audit to ensure I can finish the job right. Keeping an organized closet makes getting dressed easier and allows you to actually see what you have. If you have a smaller closet, consider storage solutions that you can fit under your bed or keep bedside to keep your closet from getting crowded.

7. Throw away, Donate, Sell

As you’re cleaning out pieces you no longer need, separate them into three piles. Not everything you decide to get rid of has to be thrown away; consider selling and donating clothes to help the environment and those in need. I like to donate gently used every day and work clothes to either Goodwill or my church.

Anything that’s a little more expensive or considered “occasion wear” I’ll post on my Poshmark closet to sell. I’ll also sell purses and gently worn shoes. If I have any clothing that got the boot because it’s been ruined, super dingy or has any other major issues I will throw them away. I try to make this my smallest pile so good clothes don’t go to waste. Pieces with loose hems, small rips, etc. can usually still be donated since those are easy fixes.

I hope you all found this post helpful. Good luck with your closet audit and feel free to comment with any questions.