How to Declutter Your Closet Before Fall

Probably the last thing you want to do during the last glorious days of summer is add another to-do to your list. But tackling a quick declutter of your closet before fall will help you find plenty of space for all those cozy-season sweaters and ankle boots—and ensure that you won’t be wondering why you held onto that faded swimsuit when next summer rolls around.

Still, you don’t want to spend a single second more than you need to on your seasonal closet makeover—so follow these strategies to help you streamline your wardrobe in no time flat.

Take a Fast Pass Through Your Summer Stash

Now’s the time to scan through what you’re wearing now to see what’s working—and ditch the things you haven’t worn, no longer work for you, or can’t be revived (stretched-and-faded bathing suit, we’re looking at you). That way, once the weather finally cools, you’ll have less to store away—and you won’t end up unpacking the same pair of shorts that doesn’t quite fit again next year.

Shuffle Your Clothes to Suit the In-Between Season

You (probably) won’t be making the leap from sundresses to cable sweaters overnight—so place those perfect in-between pieces front and center in your closet, Hord says. We’re talking lightweight sweaters, pants, and layering pieces that make it easy to peel off or put on what you need to make it through chilly mornings and warmer afternoons.

Evaluate Your Fall and Winter Wardrobe

As you bring out the warmer clothes, take a quick look to see what may need repairs or refreshes, what may not fit, and what really works for you. “With a new season comes a new year and a new wardrobe,” Hord says. “When decluttering this fall, keep in mind what’s still in style, what’s still your style and what you will still wear today. If this is the second or third fall season that you haven’t worn that item, consider letting it go and keeping the best of the best.”

Find a Good Home for Your Discards

Unless something’s truly beyond repair, your discards definitely don’t belong in the trash. (And even the clothing that can’t be repaired can still be recycled or turned into something else!)

Consider selling high-quality clothing online, or give them away to a charity or through a local Buy Nothing group.

Refresh Your Pest Repellents

Wool and other natural materials can attract moths and other pests that can wreak havoc on your favorites. As the seasons change, refresh cedar blocks or hangers and sachets to keep your items fresh over the winter season, Hord says.

Give Your Closet and Dressers a Good Dusting and Vacuum

When is the last time you vacuumed the corners of your closet? Exactly. At least once a season, grab the vacuum and duster. Don’t forget to dust off the closet rods, and get into the crevices of your closet. (Bonus: This can reduce the chances that pests will find a home in your closet, too.)

Don’t Forget to Check the Coat Closet

“Categories you should focus on decluttering in the fall are categories that usually live in the front closet like coats, jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves—and fall and winter shoes like boots and any fall clothing,” Hord says. If you can’t find a mitten’s mate, now’s the time to toss it.