Having lived in New York City for over 15 years, I’ve encountered my fair share of small closets. If you’ve ever tried to make a Manhattan-sized wardrobe fit into a Brooklyn-sized space, you know exactly what I mean.

Over the years I’ve become something of a pro at cleaning out my closet — especially seasonal closet clean outs. With every quarterly refresh, I refine my system for decluttering, organizing and rebuilding a wardrobe that actually works for my lifestyle.

How to Clean Out Your Closet

With the change of seasons and a recent weekend at home full of nesting, I’m currently preparing for my seasonal closet swap. So I thought it was high time to refresh this guide with my latest tips, favorite closet organization products and a step-by-step method for how to clean out your closet effectively.

If you’re ready to declutter your wardrobe and build a more reliable closet, here’s exactly how to do it.

How Often Should You Clean Out Your Closet?

I personally do a closet clean out quarterly, with deeper decluttering sessions at the change of each season.

If you’re new to wardrobe editing, start with:

• A major clean out twice per year
• A light refresh every 3 months
• A quick audit anytime your closet starts to feel overwhelming

Consistent closet decluttering prevents buildup and makes seasonal transitions far easier.

Step 1: Do it all at once.

If you want to properly declutter your closet, commit to doing it thoroughly.

For major clean outs:

• Remove everything from drawers and shelves
• Pull everything off hangers
• Try pieces on item by item

Yes, it’s a mess temporarily. But seeing everything at once helps you make more objective decisions about what you actually wear.

This is especially crucial for small closets where every inch matters.

Step 2: Create Three Piles — Toss, Sell and Donate

As you begin going through items, create three clearly defined piles:

1. Toss — Items too worn, stained or damaged to donate
2. Sell — High quality pieces that still have resale value
3. Donate — Gently worn items that deserve a second life

For selling and donating I recommend using ThredUp. I don’t personally have time to list and ship items through multiple resale platforms, so I appreciate that I can request a mailing label, pack up my items and send them off. They handle sorting and listing, and I receive payment once items sell.

If something doesn’t sell, you can choose whether they return it or donate it on your behalf.

I also regularly send pieces to friends who will give them better homes than I can.

Step 3: Try Everything On

If you take only one tip from this closet clean out guide, let it be this: try things on.

If the fit is off, if it’s uncomfortable or if you simply don’t feel confident in it…let it go. You won’t reach for clothing that doesn’t make you feel good.

One trick I swear by? Take a mirror selfie.

I do this while shopping, too. In about five seconds, a photo will tell you what your brain is debating. It’s either a yes or it’s not.

Step 4: Let Go of What You Haven’t Worn

If I haven’t worn something in two seasons, it goes.

If I haven’t worn something in two years, it absolutely goes. (Unless it has sentimental value in which case I will put it into storage! See below.)

In all my years of decluttering my closet, I have almost never missed an item once it left. Hanging onto things “just in case” creates visual clutter and decision fatigue.

And please – don’t forget to check the pockets before donating. Learned that one the hard way.

Step 5: Separate Sentimental Pieces

Some pieces are worth keeping for emotional reasons — but they don’t need to live in your everyday closet.

Create a separate sentimental pile and store those items properly:

• Plastic storage bins
• Vacuum Storage Bags
• Under-bed storage containers

This keeps your daily wardrobe functional while still honoring special pieces.

Step 6: Set Aside Items That Need Alterations or Repairs

Closet clean outs are the perfect time to:

• Pull pieces that need dry cleaning
• Identify items that need tailoring
• Set aside shoes for the cobbler

Do not underestimate the value of good tailoring. A few small adjustments can transform an item from “almost” to “perfect.”

While you’re at it:

• Steam pieces. I love this steamer.
• Fabric shave sweaters
• Use wrinkle release spray
• Add a light fabric spray before re-hanging

This ensures everything going back into your closet is truly ready to wear.

Step 7: Wear Your “Maybes” Immediately

If you’re unsure about a piece after trying it on, force yourself to wear it within the next week.

This is one of my most tried and true wardrobe decluttering strategies. After wearing it out in the real world, you’ll know instantly whether it stays or goes.

No more closet limbo.

Step 8: Part Ways with High-Maintenance Items

Ask yourself:

• Is it uncomfortable?
• Does it require complicated undergarments?
• Are the heels too high to realistically wear?
• Is the zipper annoying?
• Can it be styled multiple ways?

If the answer doesn’t support ease and versatility, it’s time to let it go.

A functional wardrobe should make your life easier, not more complicated.

Step 9: Organize Intentionally (Especially in Small Closets)

As you return items to your drawers and closet, organize with intention.

I personally swear by Marie Kondo’s folding method. It completely changed how I tidy drawers and maximize space.

Drawer organizers are also transformative. I use:

• Bag dividers
• Compartmentalized drawer inserts
• Drawer dividers
• Bins for swimsuits, belts and tights
• Lazy Susans in my beauty closet
• Sunglass tray organizers

Brands like mDesign and Stori make some of my favorite affordable options.

The goal? See what you own at a glance.

Step 10: Account for Seasonality

Because my closet is small, I rotate heavily based on season.

In Spring and Summer:

• Heavy sweaters
• Sequins
• Plaids
• Flannels

Go into storage.

In Fall and Winter:

• Lace
• Eyelet
• Linen

Get packed away.

I also rotate seasonal shoes into storage bins when they’re not in use.

Seasonal closet swaps make a small wardrobe feel twice as large.

Step 11: Make a Wardrobe Gap List

One of the most powerful parts of cleaning out your closet is identifying what’s missing.

Ask yourself:

• Do I have a go-to sweater I truly love?
• Do I have reliable layering pieces?
• Are my basics high quality?
• Do I have shoes that work with most outfits?

Create a running list of wardrobe gaps.

Then, instead of impulse shopping, funnel that budget toward one investment piece you’ll wear repeatedly.

If you need help identifying core essentials, reference my Capsule Wardrobe Basics Guide: High Quality Items To Build On.

I also have a full post on my Substack about Wardrobe Staples I Always Reach For (and where I buy them from!)

. . .

Final Thoughts on Decluttering Your Closet

A closet clean out isn’t just about getting rid of things. It’s about creating clarity.

When you declutter your wardrobe:

• You get dressed faster
• You feel more confident
• You shop more intentionally
• You waste less money

And in a city apartment, or honestly any home, that kind of breathing room is invaluable.

You May Also Like:

• Shop My Closet.
• Packing and Travel Hacks to Swear By.
• My Home Favorites.

This post contains affiliate links. Should you purchase something from an affiliate link, I may earn commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support of my work!