Decluttering Your Closet: A Simple Method for Deciding What to Keep and Let Go

Decluttering can be challenging, especially when it comes to clothing. Each piece might have a story, a memory, or that “just in case” feeling attached to it. But all that extra clothing can take up valuable space and create visual clutter, making it hard to find the items you actually love and wear regularly. Here’s a simple, effective method to help you decide which clothes to keep and which to let go—without overthinking it!

The “Bag It and Forget It” Decluttering Method

This approach is perfect for those who want a straightforward, low-stress method to declutter clothing without the pressure of making immediate decisions. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Select and Bag the Unwanted Clothes

Start by going through your closet and drawers. Pick out the items you haven’t worn in a while, or that you aren’t particularly excited about anymore. Ask yourself questions like:

- Does this still fit my style?
- Do I feel good wearing it?
- Have I worn it in the past year?

Place these “unsure” items into a bag (or bags, if needed). Don’t overthink it—just aim to collect items that don’t feel like essentials. Once everything is in the bag, close it up, and set it aside.

Step 2: Wait a Week (or More)

Now, the waiting game begins. Leave the bag alone for at least a week, although you can wait longer if that feels right to you. This time gives you a little distance from the items and helps clarify what you truly miss versus what’s just taking up space.

Step 3: Stand Over the Bag and Do a Mental Inventory

After a week, come back to the bag. Stand over it and try to recall what’s inside. If you can’t remember specific items, that’s a good sign they’re not meaningful or essential to you anymore. These items are probably okay to let go of because you weren’t even thinking about them while they were out of sight.

On the other hand, if there’s something you can vividly remember, it’s probably a sign that it has more value to you. If you find yourself saying, “Oh, I really miss that cozy sweater,” or “I definitely want that dress for certain occasions,” pull those items out and put them back into your closet.

Why This Method Works

The beauty of the “Bag It and Forget It” approach lies in its simplicity and the use of time as a filter. By stepping away from your clothing for a bit, you gain a fresh perspective on what truly matters and what doesn’t. If you don’t miss something after a week (or longer), you’re likely to be okay without it, making it easier to let go of clothing without guilt.

Extra Tips for Letting Go

If you find it difficult to let go of items even after this process, here are a few additional tips:

- Focus on the Benefits: Remind yourself of how much easier it will be to get dressed with fewer, well-loved pieces. Visualize a clutter-free closet with only items you love!

- Donate with Purpose: Knowing that your clothing will go to someone who needs it or to a good cause can make it easier to let go.

- Start Small: If an entire closet feels overwhelming, try this method on just one drawer or one section of your closet.

What’s Next?
Once you've sorted through your bag, take the items you’ve decided to part with and donate, sell, or recycle them as soon as possible. Decluttering is as much about clearing your mental space as it is your physical space, and removing these items promptly will help you enjoy your newly decluttered closet.

Calm Order has a great resource page on our website with a great variety of local charities to pick from.

With the “Bag It and Forget It” method, decluttering your clothing becomes less about tough decisions and more about trusting your intuition over time. Happy decluttering!

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