Yesterday marked the official start of summer and there’s no better time to clean out that closet of yours. While some people clean their closet every season, doing a revamp at the mid-way mark of the year is pretty important.

Freeing up your closet really helps you determine what you already have and ensure you wear the pieces you even forgot about. And more importantly, you finally ditch the garments and accessories that no longer serve their purpose.

Here are 5 easy ways to clean out your closet for summer.

Before I start sharing the tips, I’d suggest making this as fun as possible. The idea of going through all of your clothes {yes, you have to go through everything!} and trying stuff on can sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Invite a friend over, turn up the music and have fun!

Remove Everything from Your Closet
As mentioned above, you really need to take everything out. And I do mean, everything! Place them in a pile on your couch, your bed, wherever you have space. The idea is for you to start with an empty closet and only place things back in when they’ve earned their spot. Remember, they have to earn their way back and this is where you make honest decisions.

[bctt tweet=”Closet Cleaning Tip: Clothes have to earn their way back to your closet. “]

Does It Need Alterations?
I have to admit I had a horrible habit of buying clothes at the thrift shop and swearing that I’d take them to a tailor for alterations. That never happened. So I’d have a big bag of to-be-altered-clothes in my closet that just sat there. If that’s you, get rid of those clothes that have been taking up space. If you haven’t altered them by now, you probably won’t. Ok, ok maybe there are a few pieces you forgot about and realllly meant to alter. If that’s the case, then limit your altered pile to a handful of pieces. Instead of placing the clothes back in your closet, place them in a really visible area {like in a bag by your front door} so you’ll be reminded to get them to the tailor asap.

Can’t Fit? Then Ditch!
Dress for the body you have, not the body you want. You’ve probably heard that before and it’s so true. Whatever your size is right now {not what it was six months ago or where you want to be in six months!}, dress for that body and the clothes in your closet should reflect that. If they don’t fit you right now, then they gotta go. Of course there are some exceptions to this, like if you’re a new mom losing baby weight and getting back into your old clothes, but for the most part, get rid of those garments that don’t work for you.

Is It Still Your Style?
Have you ever looked at clothes you once wore and ask yourself, “what was I thinking?” That’s only natural because over time our style evolves just like we do. It might be a trendy piece that’s no longer fashionable or a garment that just doesn’t speak to you. Don’t feel like you have to hold on to them just because you loved them once upon a time. Let it gooooo!

How Does It Make You Feel?
Clothes should have a feeling. Clothes should put an extra pep in your step and a smile on your face. Even the simplest garment should serve a cheerful purpose {a super soft t-shirt, jeans that fit like perfection and highlight your favorite body part, etc.}. This is why it’s so important to try your clothes on before they earn their spot back in your closet.

[bctt tweet=”Closet Cleaning Tip: If it doesn’t make you feel great, ditch it!”]

Whatever doesn’t make its way back into your closet should be placed in a few piles:
***Trash: torn, stained and tattered clothing that’s not fit to wear
***Donate: any items you want to take to your local secondhand store
***Swap/Sell: for higher end pieces that might have some value, you can sell them online with eBay or Poshmark or even organize a swap party with friends {see my tips on Tips to Host a Clothing Swap Party}

This edited version of your closet will give you a clearer picture of the basics you need and everything you have more than enough of. Also, you should have an easier time getting dressed in the A.M. Though your load is lighter, it consists of everything you love and need.

Also, don’t forget your shoes, purses and jewelry. The same tips above apply to them.

Photos: 1, 2, 3