Pare Down Your Closet – Painlessly!
If you’re like most people, your hoarder tendencies come out in full force when you're staring at a closet overflowing with “I can’t get rid of that!” items. While an overstuffed closet may give temporary comfort, the clutter also creates stress. If you’re ready to reclaim your space, the Design Center experts at Ernest Homes have practical, painless tips to help you sort through what stays and what goes.
T-Shirts from the Past
We all have them — giveaway tees, event shirts, and old favorites that have seen better days. The “freebies” rarely have true sentimental value, and the ancient ones (faded, stained, or holey) aren’t fit for public wear. If a shirt holds special meaning, consider transforming it into a quilt square, pillow cover, or framed art.
Worn-Out Underwear
If it has stretched elastic, holes, or sagging seams, it’s time to toss. Most bras last about one year, and underwear lasts six months to a year depending on wash frequency. Your mom was right — always keep fresh basics on hand.
Items From an Ex
No matter how cozy that sweatshirt is, you’ll feel better moving forward without reminders of past relationships.
Over-Worn Favorites
There’s a difference between a “go-to” item and something you’ve worn far past its prime. If friends tease you about always wearing the same shirt, or it shows up in every photo, replace it with something fresh.
Holiday Apparel
Seasonal items featuring reindeer, pumpkins, or bunnies can take up valuable space. Store them in labeled bins in the garage, attic, or a general storage closet so they’re not cluttering your everyday wardrobe.
Sort Through Sweaters
Sweaters take up more space than almost any other clothing category. Donate or discard anything itchy, pilled, stretched, or misshapen. If you’ve already tried removing pills with a razor or fabric shaver, and it’s still rough-looking, let it go.
Purses and Bags
Most women accumulate more bags than they use. Keep only the essentials: a neutral everyday bag, a warm-weather bag, a winter bag, and one evening clutch. If you live an active lifestyle, a crossbody bag is also useful.
Lonely “Orphaned” Items
Single gloves, lone socks, one missing earring — if the mate hasn’t appeared in two weeks, it’s time to part ways. High-quality or sentimental single earrings can be repurposed as pendants or rings.
Stained or Damaged Clothing
If you’ve tried to remove stains or repair tears and haven’t succeeded, donate or discard the item. A stained or ripped favorite may hold memories, but it isn’t serving you anymore.
Clothes from Another Life Stage
Maternity wear, club clothes, outdated trends — if they no longer reflect who you are today, let them go. If the memory matters, take a picture wearing it before donating.
Unsuccessful Gifts
Well-meaning friends and relatives sometimes choose items that don’t fit your style, shape, or color palette. If you’ve never worn it, donate it so someone else can love it.
Too Big or Too Small
Keep only clothes that fit comfortably right now. Items that pinch, pull, or “almost fit” create frustration. Store a few goal pieces in a bin elsewhere if you're actively working toward a size change, but free your closet from the daily reminder.
When you finally pare down your closet, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, calmer space and an easier time getting ready each day. A well-organized home starts with smart habits — and a thoughtfully designed home from Ernest Homes gives you even more room to breathe.
