Spring cleaning season is officially here - and that includes the closet. For some, parting ways with old clothes is no big deal. But for most of us, it takes a bit of courage and a little push to finally say goodbye to what's been quietly accumulating in our closet. If you're looking to clean out your closet and reclaim your space, here are some practical tips to help you let go and refresh your wardrobe. 

Start with What You Rarely Wear

A good rule of thumb: if you haven't worn it in the past year, it's probably time to let it go. Ask yourself honestly - does it fit your lifestyle anymore? If the answer is no, then it's time to move on.

Sort it Out

Divide everything into 3 piles: love it and wear it regularly, on the fence, and ready to get rid of. That "maybe" pile is where things get tricky. We often hold on to items because they were expensive or have sentimental value. Be honest about what you truly wear - if you've only worn that designer dress once and can't see yourself wearing it again - donate it. And for sentimental pieces that you're struggling to let go? Take a photo and hold onto the memory, not the clutter. The memory will stay, even if the item goes.

Decide What's Worth Keeping

When in doubt, ask yourself: "does it go with at least 3 other pieces I own?" If it only works with one specific outfit or doesn't match anything else, it might not be worth the closet space. The more versatile it is, the more valuable it is to your wardrobe. 

Don't Just Toss It

Instead of throwing everything out, donate your gently-used items to organizations like The Mustard Seed, Bissell Centre, Hope Mission, and more local non-profit organizations or shelters in your community. It's a great way to give your clothes a second life and help someone in need.

Give Your Closet a Deep Clean

Once you've cleared things out, the next step is deep cleaning your closet. Empty it completely and wipe down all surfaces, including shelves, baseboards, and closet rods. For sustainable clean, try using non-toxic cleaners for a fresh and eco-friendly reset.

Shop to Organize

This is the fun part - but stay focused. Instead of buying new clothes, invest in tools to help you stay organized. Use velvet or open hangers to maximize space and avoid slipping. Wicker baskets are perfect for small items and look great on open shelves. Another useful trick is to use shower hooks to hang your purses and scarves.

Organize with Intention

Sort clothes by type (skirts, pants, sweaters) or by colour to make getting dressed easier. Keep frequently-used items within reach and store seasonal pieces up high. Label bins or baskets for accessories like swimwear, belts, or rings so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

Light It Up

A decluttered closet naturally looks brighter, but adding more light can really elevate the space. Install a brighter overhead fixture, or stick on some battery-powered LED lights in dark corners.  Good lighting helps you see what you own and encourages you to keep things tidy.

Plan to Purge (Again)

To keep your closet from creeping back into chaos, schedule a "closet check-in" a year from now. Use the hanger trick: turn all your hangers backward. When you wear an item, turn the hanger forward. By next spring, you'll clearly see what you wore and what you didn't. 

CX's Spring Closet Cleanout

At CX, we're committed to investing in the communities we call home. That's why we're proud to partner with the Bissell Centre for a Clothing Drive to support individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness. Now through May 16th, Residents can drop off gently used or new clothing in the designated bins located in the main lobby and amenity spaces. Every item donated helps someone take a step toward stability and supports Bissell Centre's mission to create a poverty-free community.