How To Clean Out Your Wardrobe

Step 1: The Money Pile

This pile will consist of clothes that are in good condition but you don't wear anymore because of one reason or another. You can sell these clothes at a consignment shop or online at eBay. When selling items, make sure they are clean and in good condition, with no major rips or stains. Many consignment shops have different policies so be sure to call ahead or visit the shop's website prior to going in to sell your items. Examples of consignments shops are Plato's Closet, Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads Trading Co.

Step 2: The Embarrassing Pile

This pile will consist of clothing that you never wear and WILL never wear. You probably are even a little embarrassed by owning them. Put this box of clothing in the backseat of your car, not your trunk (you'll just forget about it) and donate these items to a thrift store. Keep the donation receipt for tax purposes.

Step 3: The Saved Pile

The clothing in this pile will consist of those you want to wear but need to be altered or fixed. Spending $10 to have a tailor hem your favorite skirt is much cheaper than replacing it entirely. If you have a piece of clothing you really love, take it to a tailor, keep it on a good hanger and don't wash it too often.

Step 4: Questionable Items

You may have a hard time deciding which items to part with. A good rule of thumb is to get rid of items you haven't worn in a year. When deciding whether or not to keep trendy items, take into consideration the condition of the item and how much you paid for it. If you didn't spend too much, get rid of it and buy another one when it comes back in style. If you do end up keeping some items you don't wear often, put them in a storage bin at the back of your closet so they don't crowd your closet.

Step 5: Tips To Maintain

Repeat this routine every few months at the beginning of each new season. And don't forget to keep your closet organized. Similar to popular belief, wire hangers are bad for your clothes. Invest in plastic, wooden or silk hangers to prolong the life of your clothing. Hang pants with pants, dress shirts with dress shirts, etc. Also sort according to color. Continue keeping the items you wear the most at the front of your closet and digging through a messy closet will soon become a thing of the past!