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14 Things in Your Closet a Professional Organizer Would Throw Away Immediately

If your closet feels like a battleground every time you open its doors, it might be time for a deep clean. Now, imagine what a professional organizer would say if they took a peek inside. Let’s discuss 14 common items in your closet that professional organizers would bid farewell to without a second thought. This list might just help you reclaim your closet space and make your mornings a lot smoother!

1. Outdated Clothes

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We all have those items lurking in our closets that are so last decade. Fashion trends come and go, and it’s easy to end up with a pile of outdated clothes. If it’s been years since you’ve worn a certain piece and the style isn’t making a comeback, it’s time to let go. Consider donating to a local thrift store or recycling center.

2. Uncomfortable Shoes

Basket filled with assorted canvas sneakers, includes red, white, black, and grey pairs, loosely arranged, some with untied laces
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A pair of shoes that hurt your feet is not worth keeping, no matter how fashionable they are. Uncomfortable shoes can cause foot problems and unnecessary pain. If you’ve been holding onto them in the hopes they’ll ‘break in’ someday, it’s time to part ways. Comfort should always be a priority.

3. Clothes That Don’t Fit

woman surrounded by clothes, sitting on floor, puzzled expression, messy room, piles of clothes, sorting through wardrobe
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If you’re holding onto clothes that no longer fit in the hopes you’ll be able to wear them again someday, it’s time to reevaluate. It’s important to wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident now, not in some imagined future. Donate or sell these pieces and make room for new items that fit and flatter your body just as it is.

4. Damaged Clothes

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Whether it’s a missing button, a broken zipper, or a stubborn stain, damaged clothes can bring down the overall quality of your wardrobe. If you’ve been planning to fix these items but haven’t gotten around to it, it’s time to either mend them or let them go.

5. Duplicate Items

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Having duplicate items can create unnecessary clutter in your closet. If you have multiples of the same item, consider keeping your favourite and parting with the rest. This will help streamline your wardrobe and make it easier to put together outfits.

6. Unworn Gifts

Woman folding clothes
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It’s easy to feel guilty about parting with gifts, but if you’re not wearing them, they’re just taking up valuable space. Consider donating these items to someone who will appreciate and use them.

7. Old Lingerie

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Lingerie has a shelf life, and keeping old, worn-out pieces isn’t doing your wardrobe any favours. If it’s stretched out, discoloured, or no longer fits properly, it’s time to toss it.

8. Unloved Accessories

Hands holding assorted jewelry, pearl necklaces, gold and gemstone accessories, open jewelry box, vintage ornaments, elegant and intricate designs, delicate craftsmanship, personal valuables
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Accessories can make or break an outfit, but if you’re not wearing them, they’re just clutter. Be honest with yourself about what you really love and use, and let go of the rest.

9. Old Hosiery

Hand applying clear nail polish to a run in black hosiery while resting on a bed
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If you have a collection of old hosiery with runs, snags, or holes, it’s time to toss them. Not only do these items take up space, but they’re not useful or attractive to wear.

10. Worn Out Activewear

Spandex activewear
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Activewear is meant to be durable, but it doesn’t last forever. If your workout clothes are stretched out, faded, or otherwise worn out, it’s time to replace them.

11. Promotional T-shirts

Assorted souvenir t-shirts on display, featuring Roman landmarks, Italian flags, gladiator and centurion graphics, bold text designs like and “ITALIA,” arranged in a grid on a market wall
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While they may hold sentimental value, promotional T-shirts from events or companies often end up just taking up space. Keep a few that hold special memories, but let the rest go.

12. Old Costumes

Two women in 1920s flapper costumes smiling outdoors, wearing fringe dresses, pearls, and headbands
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Unless you’re a professional actor or regularly attend costume parties, those old Halloween costumes are likely just gathering dust. Donate them to a local theater or school, or consider selling them online.

13. Unmatched Socks

Mismatched socks on feet, left sock is blue with Christmas trees and gifts, right sock is dark blue with white polka dots, both socks have colorful toes, worn on wooden floor
Image Credit: KaZoria – CC0/Wiki Commons.

We all have that pile of unmatched socks lurking in our drawer. If you’ve been holding onto them hoping their mates will magically appear, it’s time to accept defeat. Recycle these lone socks or repurpose them for cleaning.

14. Sentimental Items

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While it’s important to hold onto items with sentimental value, they shouldn’t be cluttering up your everyday closet space. Consider storing these items in a special box or bin outside of your main wardrobe.