How to Downsize Your Closet in 5 Easy Steps

Downsizing your wardrobe doesn't have to leave you feeling overwhelmed. With these easy steps on how to downsize and organize your closet, we promise it won’t seem like such an impossible task anymore - so let's get started now. It'll feel great when you downsize and free up space and mental energy for other things.

Step #1 Get Boxes, Bags, & Bins

You can get organized in no time. It's simple - just grab some plastic bags, boxes, and bins. Have a few for your trash, but the others will be perfect for those cozy sweaters of yours with clear stacking containers that'll make sure they're safe & sound all year round. So, let's start organizing.

When you’re ready to get a wardrobe makeover, just remember that it won't be done with the snap of your fingers before you dive in. Especially when some vintage gems may have been hiding out there since 1982. So, take a deep breath, and let's start downsizing.

Packing away clothes from other seasons before you move is the way to go, even if your new house isn't ready for a few months. Get ahead of the game and label those items now - it'll make transitioning into your new home so much easier.

If you’re downsizing and realizing your closet space might be half what it is now; it's okay, we’ve all been there. To make the transition easier – plan ahead and ensure that only items you truly need come along for the ride. That way, having a smaller home won't feel so daunting.

Step #2 Take Everything Out of Your Closet

It's time to revive your closet - let this be the first chance you’ve had since moving in. Don't rush - take it item by item, and before long all of your clothes will create a spectacular display on top of the bed. Assemble them into three groups: one for donating, another for mending/cleaning if necessary, with a third stack kept just as they are now – ready to go right back where they belong after everything is finished up.

• Tops - long sleeve, short-sleeve, sweaters, t-shirts

• Pants - all pants, capris, shorts

• Skirts - get every skirt you have

• Dresses - pull all your dresses out

• Jackets - from coats to blazers - put them all in a pile

When you’re ready to take your room to the next level, Let's make it happen - pack up what you have on your bed, and let's keep moving.

Step #3 Vacuum & Clean

Time to give your closet a much-needed spring cleaning. Vacuum the entire floor and baseboards, dust off walls – then wipe down shelves with a damp rag. If you’re moving, don't forget to leave enough space for any boxes you'll need when getting ready for the big move. Get organized now so that all of your belongings are in their place come moving day.

Getting your closet organized will make any move a breeze. Plus, it'll save you time when searching for that special wardrobe piece. Get started now and let the joy of organization unfold in front of you.

Step #4 Love It, or Not so Much?

It's time to get our ninja sorting on! Take a look at what’s in front of you and figure out how best to tackle it so that it can get done fast.

TOSS - Ready to simplify your life? Get ready to feel liberated by starting with a “toss” pile for all of the items you no longer need. Put any torn, stained, or ugly items in there and get rid of them. As that discard stack grows bigger, your home (and heart) will become lighter and brighter too - so go ahead: toss away.

YES - This is the pile for the clothes and accessories that you love. Please make sure you try everything on first before you put it in a heap. You want to make sure it fits (or will soon if you're dieting) to save it. And if you're moving to a different climate (for example, Chicago to Florida), keep some of your current clothing for when you come back and visit. You don't want to have to buy a new parka because you tossed your current one that was perfectly good.

MAYBE – If you’re having trouble deciding what to keep and what to pitch and you know you need to downsize, but it's OK if some items remain in the maybe pile - just for a week or so. Give yourself time to go through those undecided pieces again before making your final decision.

As you try on all these gorgeous clothes, take a moment to ask yourself the important questions: Does it fit? Is it comfortable? Will I feel confident in this look once I wear it out and about? With just these few simple queries, your shopping experience will be even more enjoyable.

• Does it fit?

• Does it go with my other clothes?

• Is it flattering?

If your response to the question is a resounding yes, then you have two options: either store it away in your closet or pack it up for the big move.

SOMEONE ELSE - If you're stuck in a closet-cleaning conundrum, don't forget the power of passing it along. Consider bringing joy to someone else's day by making three piles - one for donating, gifting, or selling - and get creative with your wardrobe.

• Friends

• Relatives

• Charity

• To sell

Don't worry about striving for perfection - if something doesn't fit, it's okay. Make that your motivation to keep going and achieve a healthier you so the item will be in style when you reach your goal.

Step #5 Hang & Pack

Congrats! You can give yourself a big pat on the back for going through every single piece in your closet. Now it's time to decide what you want to rock pre-move, so hang that gear up and feel good about looking swaggy during this major life transition.

If you're getting ready to move, don't just leave your belongings sitting around. Stacking the boxes up is a great way of organizing and creating order in chaos. Make sure each box is labeled clearly so that when it comes time for unpacking, all those items will find their rightful homes easily – no sorting required.

• Winter sweaters

• Summer tops

• Purses

Whether you’re downsizing or relocating, there’s a stunning home and flexible floor plan to fit your closet with your name on it. Discover the retirement community for you and experience an amenity-rich lifestyle with a social atmosphere today.

For more retirement lifestyle articles and the scoop on local hotspots, browse the Del Webb blog to get inspired.