how to clean your closet with the basics you need

Clean Your Closet! 16 Things to Finally Get Rid Of

Do yourself a favor and chuck these, please.

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Decade-old, holey pajamas

When you look good, you feel good, both on the clock and after hours. Ditch the sweatpants and invest in a cozy matching pajama set in silk or cotton. They'll last for years and you'll feel terrific from the moment you roll out of bed. Here's a list of the 50 organizing tips you wish you knew all along.

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The dress you've worn to more than six weddings

Or whatever your personal limit is. If your go-to dress is giving you outfit fatigue, take it to the consignment shop and trade it in for a new option, or hand it down to someone who might be looking for a replacement dress in her own closet. Here's a guide for how to organize your closets once and for all.

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Dried nail polish, expired makeup, and trial-sized cosmetics

Do a once-over of your vanity and junk drawer. Is there anything past its prime? Anything you wouldn't dream of putting on your skin? Anything that looks nice but you're already loyal to a different brand's version of the same product? Toss it. These clever storage hacks from people living in tiny houses will help you reprioritize.

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Worn-out bras

Most bras lose their shape and should be replaced after about a year. Because a well-fitting bra is the foundation for a great outfit, it should make you feel comfortable and confident. Replace the ones that do anything less.

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Sweaters that are misshapen, pilled, or itchy

Because sweaters are likely the bulkiest items in your drawers, edit your collection after each season to make space for new pieces. If you'd like to try and remove pills from a sweater, try doing so with a razor. Here are some of the best walk-in closet organization ideas for your home.

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Free T-shirts

A collection of T-shirts takes up a ton of space, and you probably won't miss them when they're gone. For T-shirts that really do hold sentimental value, consider crafting them into wall art, pillowcases, or even a quilt. Once you get rid of those T-shirts, move on to the coat closet and make your space tidier.

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Fake designer bags

Your knockoff designer bag is probably not fooling anyone. Find a style you love that's within your price range. If labels are important to you, invest in a classic black tote for winter, a tan or white one for summer, and a black cross-body for nights on the town. Just don't forget to keep them organized and store them properly.

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Orphan mittens and surplus scarves

Use a binder clip or Ziploc bag to keep your gloves together during non-winter months. If you do lose one, don't hold onto it hoping its mate will find its way home. Replace them both. For scarves, edit your collection at the end of winter, as they have a way of accumulating as gifts and off-the-cuff purchases. You really only need one or two. Here are more storage hacks you'll wish you knew sooner.

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White T-shirts that have yellowed

If you've tried to bleach the stains out and it hasn't worked, toss the shirt and replace it with something fresh.

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Halloween costumes and props

Chances are, you won't be needing your 2010 Halloween garb ever again. Keep a go-to prop (like a pair of cat ears) for any spontaneous parties, and lose the rest. Here are some small closet organization ideas to help you make the most of your space.

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Those canvas totes you got for free

Free things are great. We know. But if you have an entire bag devoted to your collection of other bags, they need to go. Don't forget to browse the best closet systems to organize your space.

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Souvenir sweatshirts that aren't comfy

If you need a souvenir from a gift shop that only has scratchy sweatshirts, opt for a postcard or stylish pen. Make sure you know these 18 brilliant ideas for organizing hard-to-store stuff in your home.

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Clothes from another lifetime

Is it a going-out top from your 20s? Maternity wear when you're well past the baby-making stage of life? Exotic get-ups from that summer you spent abroad? You can probably donate or recycle them all.

Originally Published: September 11, 2018

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