How to Clean Out Your Closet

While it's not the most fun thing to do in the world, cleaning out your closet can help your everyday life a little easier and possibly make you some extra money. In this article, I'll show you some easy steps and tips to make this project get done quickly and more easily.

1) First, I find it's easier to start with clothing first and then sort through other items such as shoes and other miscellaneous items that usually get stuck in closets.

Basically the two boxes or garbage bags are going to serve two purposes: a sell/donate pile and a throw away pile. If you have a big closet or are sorting through more than one, you'll probably need more.

2) A general rule with clothing is if you haven't worn it in a year and it has no sentimental value to you, either sell or donate it.

Having one of those "I didn't wear it this past year but maybe I'll wear it next year" moments? Take a twist tie and wrap it around an area of the clothing where you'll notice it if you do wear it but won't damage the clothing. When this time comes around again, you'll basically be able to face yourself on what you're never going to wear. Just be sure to remember to take the ties off, or you'll get some funny looks from people.

3) Next, you should be able to sort through your other items and accessories in a similar fashion of either selling/donating what you never use and throwing away anything that's too worn.

4) Now I'm not the type of person that's obsessed with organization, but give some thought to how you put everything back into your closet in a practical way.

Do you have trouble finding certain things? Maybe you can find a creative way to solve this or at least make it easier when you get ready in the morning.

5) Based on the weight and brand of the clothing and other items, try eBay first before selling them in a consignment shop or in a yard sale.

I've known people who've made pretty good money this way. Donating is a good option as well, especially if you're not so much wanting extra money as you are wanting extra space.

Best wishes to you!