Fall Is The Best Time To Clean Out A Closet. Here's Why

We've all been there: It's the end of summer, the weather is finally cooling down, and you're eager to break out your favorite pants, jackets, and boots for fall. The only thing is, your wardrobe is overflowing with clothes, and you're not even particularly satisfied with the items you have on hand. That should be a clear signal to you that it's time to declutter.

Thankfully, fall is hands-down the best time of year to clean out your closet. You can't deny the "back to school" energy so many of us still associate with this point in the calendar year, at least in the northern hemisphere. As the transitional season between summer and winter, autumn is the perfect time to hit the reset button and strategically declutter your possessions at home, including your clothes. And as a rule of thumb, many decluttering and organizing pros recommend doing closet clean-outs regularly — think seasonally or, at a minimum, two times a year. It's good to establish a cadence so you never end up with a closet full of garments that don't fit you or appeal to you aesthetically.

For bonus points — and a major closet refresh — get started in late August or early September, just before fall officially kicks off. As podcaster and decluttering expert Katy Wells told Real Simple, "You get ahead of the game and avoid that chaotic closet scramble when the seasons change." You'll also make room in your closet for new, better, or trendier fall clothes (ones you'll actually gravitate toward and enjoy styling).

First things first, you'll want to have a plan in place going into your closet clean-out. Neglecting to create one is a rookie mistake you won't want to make when decluttering your closet. Mentally preparing will help you avoid getting overwhelmed or feeling pressed for time. It may also help to empty all of your clothes out of your closet, dresser, and any storage bins you might have. That way, you'll be able to see everything you own at a glance and quickly spot any unnecessary duplicates or gaps in your wardrobe.

Then, you can either assess your items by season or type of garment, whatever method you prefer. Consider starting with your spring/summer clothes (i.e., shorts, linen shirts, or swimwear) since these items were recently worn and will be fresh in your memory, which will ease the decision-making process. You can even try a decluttering hack such as the 90/90 rule, asking yourself whether you've worn a piece of clothing in the past 90 days or plan to in the next 90 days — if not, that means it's got to go. Once you've decided which pieces to hold on to and which to donate, sell, or toss, organize the keepers in a system that makes sense to you. You might also consider taking this opportunity to deep-clean your closet, wipe down your dresser drawers, or stash your warm-weather clothes in storage for fall and winter.