Time to Donate, Declutter, and Refresh Your Wardrobe.
As the clocks "spring forward" and daylight hours stretch longer, it’s the perfect time to give your home, and your wardrobe, a fresh start. With the change of seasons, it’s natural to feel a sense of renewal, and Spring Sorting is a great way to embrace that feeling. This year, why not use the occasion to tackle your closet, declutter your spaces, and take stock of what you have for the warmer months ahead? Let’s explore into how you can use this seasonal shift to refresh your home and your wardrobe.
1. Donate the Sweaters You Didn’t Wear This Winter
Winter might be officially over, but you’re probably still staring at a pile of sweaters you didn’t even pull out of your closet this season. If you find yourself holding onto items that didn’t make it out of the drawer or the back of your closet, it might be time to let them go.
Take a look at your winter clothing collection—are there sweaters, scarves, or coats that you didn’t wear once this year? Maybe they’re a little too bulky, out of style, or no longer fit. Spring is the perfect opportunity to donate these items to a good cause. Not only will you clear up space in your closet for warmer weather clothes, but you’ll also feel great about passing on gently used pieces to someone in need (and after last hurricane season, our local friends appreciate it!).
Tip: If you’re unsure whether you’ll wear certain winter items next year, set them aside in a box and revisit it before next winter. If you haven’t used them in the past year or two, they’re prime candidates for donation.
2. Inspect Your Summer Wardrobe
Now that it’s time to embrace the sunshine, it’s important to assess your wardrobe for the upcoming season. Before you start shopping for new pieces, go through last summer’s clothes and swimwear to make sure everything is still in good shape. Here’s what to look for:
Swimwear: Does your favorite swimsuit still fit? Are the straps intact, and are there any faded or worn-out areas? If you’ve had the same swimwear for a couple of seasons, it might be time to replace it. You want to feel confident and comfortable when you hit the beach or pool.
Sundresses, Shorts, and Tank Tops: Summer staples like sundresses and tank tops can often take a beating from the previous year. Check for any rips, stains, or areas that need repair. Are your shorts still the right length or style? If something no longer feels “you,” donate it.
Flip Flops and Sandals: Check your footwear for wear and tear. Sandals often lose their shape, and flip-flops can get worn out pretty quickly. If your shoes have seen better days, it's time to invest in a fresh pair.
Hats, Sunglasses, and Bags: Accessories like hats, sunglasses, and beach bags can also get worn or outdated over time. This is the time to make sure they’re still in good shape and that you love them. If not, donate them or give them a good cleaning to refresh them.
3. Clear Out Winter Accessories
Winter accessories—think gloves, scarves, and hats—have likely been relegated to the back of your closet for the past few weeks. Now’s a great time to sort through them. Just as you declutter your sweaters, go through your scarves, hats, and mittens. Do any of these accessories still excite you, or are they taking up unnecessary space? Donate or toss the items you don’t reach for, and give the ones you’ll keep a good wash before storing them away for next winter.
Pro Tip: Consider storing your winter accessories in labeled bins or vacuum-sealed bags to keep them organized and fresh for next season.
4. Go Through Your Home and Donate Unused Items
Spring Sorting isn’t just about your wardrobe—it’s also about your entire home. As the season shifts, it’s a great time to declutter and donate any unused or unnecessary items around your house.
Kitchen Items: Have any kitchen gadgets or utensils that you never use? Maybe an extra blender that’s collecting dust or a juicer that you got as a gift but never tried? Consider donating them to a local shelter, food bank, or secondhand store.
Books and DVDs: As you prepare for more outdoor activities, think about any books or movies that no longer interest you. Whether they’re gathering dust on your shelves or taking up space on your TV stand, donate them to local libraries or charity shops.
Toys and Games: Kids’ toys can pile up quickly. Sort through their toy bins and games to see what’s still in good condition. Donate anything they’ve outgrown or don’t use anymore, and make space for any new summer activities or toys they might enjoy.
5. Refresh Your Outdoor Gear and Patio Furniture
With the warmer weather comes more time spent outside. Before you start hosting backyard BBQs or enjoying a quiet moment on your patio, give your outdoor space a little love:
Patio Furniture: Wipe down and clean your outdoor furniture. If it’s been a while since it saw a good cleaning, this might also be the time to assess whether it needs any repairs or if it’s time to upgrade to something more comfortable or stylish.
Gardening Tools: Spring is a great time to get your garden prepped. Check your tools—are they rusted, worn out, or ready for a fresh coat of paint? A little maintenance now can save you frustration in the months to come.
Outdoor Decor: Consider replacing any faded or broken outdoor décor, such as planters, string lights, or outdoor cushions. Bringing new life to your outdoor space will give you the perfect setting to enjoy the sunshine.
6. Get Ready for the Active Days Ahead
Spring is also the perfect time to assess your activewear and fitness equipment. As you get outside more, you’ll want to make sure your gear is in good condition:
Sportswear: Have you had the same workout clothes for a few years? Maybe it’s time to toss those worn-out leggings or sports bras and replace them with pieces that are comfortable and functional for the season ahead.
Fitness Equipment: Check any equipment you use for outdoor activities—whether it’s yoga mats, bicycles, tennis rackets, or running shoes. Repair or replace anything that’s seen better days, and make sure you’re ready to stay active.
Spring forward into the season with a clean, refreshed home and wardrobe! By donating unwanted winter items, assessing your summer essentials, and giving your home and outdoor spaces some TLC, you can welcome the warmer months feeling organized, light, and ready for adventure. This seasonal shift is the perfect time to declutter, donate, and enjoy the positive energy that comes with fresh beginnings.
Now, take a deep breath, enjoy the sunshine, and start your Spring Sorting with purpose.
As always, if you want help, Sorted & Styled is here for you!