Winter closet clean out

As the cold weather creeps into Boulder, you’ll soon turn to sweaters, cardigans, and crewnecks. Those are some bulky clothing items, and your closet may be cramped for space, which makes this the perfect time to slim down your wardrobe and the pieces you have in your closet. Here are a few tips and tricks on cleaning your closet and getting ready for winter! 

Make a plan

When deciding what to keep, what to get rid of or deciding on your “maybe” pile, having a plan to follow makes it easier. Think about what you like to wear, where you go most often and how much space you have. Having a balance of different options is best. 

One thing in, one thing out

Adopting this mentality ensures that your closet is never overflowing with clothes. If you bring in a new shirt, donate an older shirt that you simply don’t wear enough to keep around. 

Be realistic

Know that you can’t keep everything, or get rid of everything. Think about how many items you want to clean out from your closet. It’s okay to only remove three or four items. When it comes to deciding what to keep, think about these questions:

• Would I buy this today?
• When was the last time I wore this?
• When will I wear this in the coming months? 

Try the “maybes”

Put your “maybes” at the front of your clothing choices, and try to wear them at least once before deciding if you keep or get rid of them. You might be surprised by how much you like that shirt that you haven’t worn in a while, or that pair of pants that has been stuck at the bottom of your drawer. 

Donate!

You can give your unwanted clothes a new home by donating them at any drop-off bins located around Boulder or second-hand stores like the Salvation Army or Goodwill.

Remember, you can make your closet clean out fun! 

Join the Environmental Center for Drop ‘N’ Swap— a campus-wide swap shop where CU Boulder students, faculty, and staff can donate and pick up new-to-you items such as clothing, shoes, accessories, outdoor gear, office supplies, housewares, room decor, and more! You don’t need to bring anything to take new-to-you items at this FREE event.

In addition to the swap, there will be experts on site from the ECenter teaching folks how to mend their own clothing and have on-the-go sewing kits you can take home with you! We will also have campus and community partners present to share resources—both on and off campus—to help students to meet their needs sustainably!

You can bring donations to the Environmental Center in UMC 355 Monday–Friday, 9-5 from November 4th- November 20th , or bring your donations on the day of the event!