10 Items To Get Rid Of In Your Closet Right Now

It's purge time — Closet purging, that is. With this icky, cold weather surrounding us, I'm already looking forward to spring, which means one thing: Getting rid of clothes. That's right, it's time to employ your most important resolution. Because we all know you don't need that pilled sweater from your freshman year of college. We get it, it has sentimental value, but it's time.

I have a confession to make: I can't let go. Every time I try to get rid of items in my closet, I go into a panic and think, what if I need this ripped up t-shirt?! What if I happen to need to paint my entire bedroom, and I just need this shirt to paint? Even though I have about a thousand of the same shirts...Still, you have to be prepared. In reality, though, how many "gym shirts" do I really need to have (seeing as I only make it once a week...).

Aside from sheer practicality, there's the sentimental value I mentioned earlier. I mean, I still have my ex-boyfriend's T-shirt from college. Come on, really? He's not coming back (and thank God for that), and this T-shirt definitely doesn't need to be be in my closet. Another facet of sentimentality? Being a slave to brands. Like, I know these Ferragamo shoes are way dated, but how on earth can I get rid of them?

But like cleaning out your apartment or home every spring, your closet needs a good sweep-through, too. If you ever need a source of inspiration for minimizing, pick up a copy of The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art Of Decluttering And Organizing by Marie Kondo. Trust me, you'll want to throw everything out ASAP.

If you're in need of a handy dandy guide, consider this your "Closet Cleaning For Dummies" manual.

1. Your Holey T-Shirts

When a t-shirt looks like this on you, or when there's so many holes in it, you can barely call it a shirt, it's time to toss it out.

2. Those Uncomfortable Shoes

This year, I'm revolting against uncomfortable shoes. Cause you know what? My feet deserve ultimate comfort. And there are plenty of heels out there that won't betray me with pain.

3. Anything That Has A Permanent Stain

Even though it's your favorite black shirt, those white little stains from the accidental Clorox spill are never ever going away. Same with that wine stain you were too lazy to wash out of your top when it happened. If it's stained permanently, it's time to let go of it.

4. Underwear & Socks That Have Seen Better Days

I have absolutely no problem spending over $150 on a sweater, but can't bear the thought of forking over $16 for a three pack of socks. I mean, shouldn't underwear and socks be free?! If you're anything like me, you wear your underwear, bras, and socks until they're on their last leg. But when the elastic starts to form a "bacon" shape, it's time to let go.

5. The Super Trendy Piece That Isn't Practical

Listen, I'm a lover of fashion fantasy. I love that couture and even runway can be so playful and out of this world. But sometimes, these pieces are best left where they are: on the runway.

6. The Vintage Score That's Ridiculously Impractical

Because who really can walk around New York City in a ridiculously expensive coat? Cabs, buses, and bikes just love to whip past you, splatters included. It's beautiful, it's hard to get rid of, but consider adding it to consignment store. It'll be hard to let go of, but if it never comes out of your closet, what's the point of having it?

7. The Ill-Fitting Dress

Alright, we all have that one dress in our closet that we bought on sale and swore to take to the tailor because it didn't fit right. You know what I'm talking about. But even though you love it, it's been over a year since you bought it and you haven't worn it yet — are you really going to take it to the tailor? Probably not. Time to part with it, ladies.

8. That "I Just Needed Something To Wear" Buy

Likely happened when you were shopping for a NYE look, or a Friday night out. You were probably in a super-panic and just grabbed the first thing you saw...and haven't worn it in months. Yep, time to get rid of it.

9. The Pilly Sweater

Look, I love a comfy sweater as much as any person. But when a sweater looks like a gourd made of cotton, it needs to just RIP.

10. The One-In-Every-Color

I'm a firm believer that if you love an item so much, having multiples may actually be a good idea. But you know that ribbed tank you have in every color — blue, yellow, pink, green, you name it? You don't need every single one. Pick out your top two or three, and the rest, go ahead and ditch.

If I've convinced you to go ahead and purge, I wish you good luck. You're going to need it. Remember the most important rule of all: If you haven't worn it in the last 12 months, it's time to be like Elsa and let it go. Yes, I did just use that reference.

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