10 Jan Your Eco-Conscious Wardrobe: A 3-Step Spring Cleaning Closet Checklist

As the new year begins, we’re focusing on clearing out the clutter that’s holding us back – including the extra items sitting idle in our closets. Still, the last thing we want to do is add to the piles of post-holiday waste. That’s why we’ve created this easy spring cleaning closet checklist to get your wardrobe primed and ready, sustainably. 

Step 1: Decide What to Toss + Keep

When deciding what to purge and what to hold onto, it’s helpful to focus on the basics. Sure, we’ve all experienced separation anxiety at the thought of tossing pieces we hope may become trendy again… but when you craft your collection around easily wearable layering basics (think: plain white tee, denim button-up, black turtleneck sweater), you can easily swap in and out a handful of trendy items each season.

Solid classics like a denim or leather jacket and warm winter coat are worth keeping. Shoes may require a bit of extra thought, as even the trendiest styles can last more than one season. A good rule of thumb is to try and keep only those items that pair well with several other pieces in your closet and that you’ve worn more than once in the last month. 

Step 2: Choose Your Exit Strategy

Next, after deciding what to keep and gathering all your discards, it’s time to find them a good home (that’s where the sustainability piece comes in). Items that aren’t terribly worn out can go to friends or family (consider hosting a clothing swap), a thrift store, or a consignment store for cash rewards. Don’t have a consignment shop in your area? Check out online resale options like eBay, Poshmark, or Tradesy. Meanwhile, you can upcycle worn out pieces into craft material or use for sustainable gift wrapping.

Step 3: Keep the Good Vibes Going

Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, take steps to make sure your closet stays organized by learning how to “do more with less” and build a capsule wardrobe. When you do add new items, make sure to shop sustainably by avoiding fast-fashion retail (learn more about that in this post) and opting for second-hand or eco-conscious brands like Seam Siren, The Global Trunk, and The Root Collective. 

Make 2020 the year of your ultra-sustainable wardrobe while managing the extra mess with this quick, 3-step spring cleaning closet checklist. Get hot tips for shopping eco-consciously in our blog post: 4 Ways to Shop More Sustainably (and Why What You Buy Matters).