At the rate we collect stuff– I mean be honest, it’s exponential–we could stand to do a cleaning every season, not just in the spring.

There are some givens that withhold the test of any season.

1. If you haven’t worn it in over two years, donate it. Focus on quality, not quantity; it’s just taking up physical and mental space.

2. If it has a stain (food, sweat, or otherwise) or a hole (that isn’t supposed to be there) toss it. OR rip it up and use it for rags. This is a green solution to cleaning with paper towels. Rags can be wrung out, dried, and re-used.

3. If it doesn’t fit, it goes in the old donation pile. Don’t save something because you are planning on losing weight, or getting something tailored. You aren’t going to fit into the pants you wore at 18 (nor should you). And if you bought that dress with the intention of tailoring it, but it has just taken up space for 6 months, let it go girl.

4. Look into closet swapping (like website Bib + Tuck) or if you have a lot of designer duds check out consignment retailers (like website The Real Real).

5. When all else fails, promise your best friend dinner and make her give you an honest opinion. Sometimes we hold on to “treasures” for sentimental reasons.

Seasonal storage.

This comes down to planning. You know your city. How cold it gets, or how warm it stays.

All summer gear can get packed and stored. You don’t need 10 pairs of cut-off taking up space, or beach cover-ups.

Think, boots, pants, autumnal colors, one great long coat, season-less tees, and fitted dresses. In the colder months it is good to wear form fitting clothing. Layers can get bulky. You don’t need to hide your shape.

-Arianna Schioldager