3 Big Benefits That Will Motivate You to Spring Clean Your Closet

Spring cleaning your closet can seem overwhelming, scary, not fun, and even downright anxiety-provoking. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever come across anyone who has said to me “you know, Rachel, I really LOVE cleaning out my closet. I do it all the time for fun!” (If you are one of those people, please email me. I need to know you.)

I do know that it has a trillion benefits and that you should all make this a part of your annual routine. Yearly isn’t so bad, right? You can do anything once a year!

While there are a lot of little reasons and excuses to stay away from your closet, check out these BIG benefits that will have you wanting to dive right in!

That “ahhhhh” feeling of incredible peace

The one that descends on you anytime you enter into a clean organized space. It’s no wonder the Marie Kondo craze took off like crazy and everyone is tidying up their lives. Within the chaos that we all experience on a daily basis, there is a huge relief in being surrounded by a space that is clear of clutter and chaos. A space that is so peaceful and serene, it instantly brightens your mood.

Your closet is no different. And since you interact with your closet every day – we all have to get dressed! – a well-organized, beautifully decluttered closet lets you start your morning in peace.

Instead of frantically searching through piles in a drawer or digging into crowded hangers, you can simply step in, spot what you want to wear and be on your way. Taking that sense of ease with you, even if it only lasts for a few seconds beyond your closet, can boost your mood for the day.

Surrounding yourself with what you love

When you clear out the pieces you haven’t worn in years, things that make you feel frumpy, and especially those too small “just in case” pants, it frees you. These pieces have been holding space in your closet and your mind because every time you look in your closet, it sparks a negative thought: “Ugh, look at this mess, I’m such a slob.” “I’m too big for that, and that, and that…I’ll never loose all this weight.” And so on.

Yes, I’m getting a bit philosophical up in here but it’s true and it’s worth mentioning.

Every time you look at that too-small dress that reminds you of your “skinny” days you’re disrespecting where you’re at now. And where you’re at now is beautiful. Life lesson side note – it’s always beautiful because your clothing size has nothing to do with who you are.

You get to have fun with your clothes again!

Removing all the pieces from your closet that you feel “meh” about means you can no longer retreat to your security blanket every day. It sounds scary at first, but you’ll quickly realize how thrilling it is!

Sure, that old hoodie with torn-out pockets feels great when you want to hide from the world. But you were meant to shine, not to hide! The world deserves to see how fabulous you are!

Go on and grab that wild pattern top that you only wear on your most confident days – and then watch today turn into that day. You don’t have to wait around for a confident day. You can make it happen by wearing what you love! Give yourself the first push and get rid of pieces that don’t do beautiful you justice.

So what exactly should you get rid of when spring cleaning your closet?

Anything you don’t love. If it’s ill-fitting, makes you feel uncomfortable for any physical or mental reason, or you just have no reason to wear it anymore (lives change!), it’s time to let it go.

Give your closet some breathing room and this will give you some breathing room, too.

If you have clothing with stains or tears, ask yourself how long they’ve been there. I’m sure you’ve been meaning to work on that stain or take those pants to be mended, but if you haven’t done it by now, when will you?

Chances are if you didn’t have time before, you won’t have time in the future. And they will just sit in your closet taking up space because you can’t wear them. Let them go.

Shoes…there are so many things to say about shoes! Start with the shoes that hurt your feet. There is no reason for that! How can you enjoy your day if your feet are screaming at you? Sure, they’re cute, but there are plenty of cute shoes out there that won’t hurt you. Your feet and your back will thank you!

Next, the ones with the scuffs, soles that are separating from the uppers (we’ve all had a pair at some point!), boots with broken zippers, and finally, anything you haven’t worn in years.

You can even take it a step further and pare it down to a few favorite pairs of athletic shoes, a few favorite pairs of dress shoes, etc. depending on your lifestyle, but letting go of the unwearables is the most important part!

Once your closet is all cleaned out, you’ll have a huge feeling of peace and serenity, and getting dressed will actually be fun again. If you donate what you don’t love and doesn’t fit anymore, you’re helping others, too! It’s a win-win for you and for someone else.

Need help spring cleaning your closet? Let me know! We can go through the process together! 

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ABOUT:

I'm a Minneapolis personal stylist on a mission to eradicate outdated style 'rules' so women can unleash themselves in all their beautiful, authentic glory!

I offer personal styling services that empower women to wear what they love by helping them ditch any outdated style rules keeping them stuck, showing them how to dress in a way that embraces their beautiful body and, the key to it all, having fun! I believe in a liberated style approach so there are no style rules, body shapes, seasonal colors or dos and don’ts given out here. Rather, I help my clients tap into what lights them up and dress with the purpose of expressing their authentic selves rather than impressing others.

This is all done through a combination of styling services (including wardrobe edits, shopping trips and styling sessions) available in thoughtfully curated styling packages designed to help clients unleash their true self through the power of style.

When I'm not helping women take back their power style, you can find me reading (about a gazillion books at once), learning the art of pole dancing, making & decorating cakes, binging a random circa 2000's TV show with my hubby, Aaron, while playing with my adorable rescue pup or, of course, shopping! :-)