National Clean Out Your Closet Week

7-day Guide to Cleaning Out Your Closet - And How Goodwill Can Help

National Clean Out Your Closet Week is this week and the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe, reclaim your space and give your gently used clothing a new life.

Over the next seven days, we'll take it step-by-step -- no overwhelming piles, just small, manageable tasks that will leave you feeling accomplished. Plus, by donating your pre-loved items to Goodwill, you're making a meaningful impact in your community. (Goodwill of the Heartland reinvests 88 cents of every dollar in programs and services that directly benefit your neighbors and community.)

As you begin, define what you want to accomplish. Do you want to create a capsule wardrobe? Need to make room for new pieces? Is the main focus to cull the herd by simply decluttering?

Grab some boxes or bags for sorting. You'll want at least one for donations, one for items you want to sell or repurpose, and another for anything that needs repairs or is otherwise unsuitable for the other piles.

Start with the obvious. Pull out anything that no longer fits, is damaged beyond repair (or beyond your ability) as well as items that no longer fit your style. If you've not worn it in the last year, consider whether it is time to let it go.

Goodwill welcomes donations of clothing, shoes and household goods in good condition, so add anything that could find a new home to your donation box.

If you still have an overflowing closet after this step is complete you can jump start the process for next year by flipping all of your hangers so that the hook is to the front. As you pull items from your closet throughout the year, reset the hangers so that the hook faces the back of the closet. This way you will know at this point next year what has been worn and what has not.

Today, focus on specific categories of items. You can do this by looking at jeans, then sweaters, then dresses and so-on or by looking at items according to season.

By taking everything out and evaluating each item, you can get a better understanding of what you truly love and wear. Drop those items still in great shape that you no longer wear or use into the donation box.

Today take a closer look at your seasonal items. Rotate out-of-season clothing, setting aside items that need to be stored until next fall, and take a hard look at special occasion outfits.

If you have a holiday dress or formalwear you've only worn once or twice, consider donating it. Goodwill shoppers love finding affordable, stylish pieces for special events!

Go back to anything you were unsure about earlier in the week. Try it on, style it with other pieces, and ask yourself if you feel good wearing it. If not, it may be time to donate.

This is also a good time to take a realistic look at items that need repairs. Are you willing to invest the time or money to fix or repurpose the item? If not, you may want to donate or recycle.

Now that you've pared down your wardrobe, organize what's left in a way that makes getting dressed easier. Sort by color, season or function -- whatever works best for you.

And, if you have extra storage bins, baskets or other organizers you no longer need, consider donation those to Goodwill too!

Gather your donation items and drop them off at your nearest Goodwill location. They are accepted at all Goodwill of the Heartland stores via our convenient drive-up donation bays. Have a bunch? No worries, we have attendants on hand who can help you unload.

You can rest assured that your donations help fund the Goodwill mission. They help us provide no-cost job training, career services, professional certification courses and more. Plus, you'll enjoy the satisfaction of a refreshed closet.

Cleaning out your closet doesn't have to be a chore. With this simple plan, you can make steady progress all week long. And by donating to Goodwill, you're not just making space in your home - you're making an impact in your community!