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If your closet feels full but getting dressed still feels weirdly hard, you don’t need a personality transplant (or a brand-new wardrobe). You need a quick, decision-friendly closet audit that tells every piece where it belongs: keep, tailor, repair, resell, donate.
This is the method we use at OpenWardrobe because it’s practical, low-drama, and it keeps great clothes in circulation (instead of quietly migrating to the “clothes chair” forever).
What you’ll need
- A timer (set it for 60 minutes)
- 5 labeled piles or bags:
- KEEP
- TAILOR
- REPAIR
- RESELL
- DONATE
- Optional “bonus” bin: RECYCLE (for truly worn-out items)
Pro tip: Put on music you love. The goal is momentum, not deep emotional processing.
The 60-minute closet audit plan (minute by minute)
Minute 0–5: Set your “Keep” standard (so decisions are easy)
Before you touch anything, decide what “keep” means today:
A KEEP item is something you’d happily wear in the next 30 days if the weather/event called for it.
Not “someday.” Not “if I become a different person.” Just: would you wear it soon?
Minute 5–20: Fast scan + obvious wins
Do a quick sweep for the easiest calls first:
Immediately place in DONATE
- It fits, but you never reach for it and you don’t like it on you.
- It’s fine… and you feel meh every time you wear it.
- You own a better version (and you know it).
Immediately place in RECYCLE
- Holes, heavy pilling, thinning fabric, stretched-out waistbands
- Stains that won’t lift (especially underarms/collars)
- Elastic that’s fully done
Immediately place in REPAIR
- Missing button, loose hem, small seam split
- Broken zipper pull, loose belt loop
- Minor lining tear
You’ve just built momentum. We love to see it.
Minute 20–45: The decision checklist (the part that changes everything)
Pick up each remaining item and run this quick checklist. Don’t overthink—your first honest answer is usually right.
✅ KEEP if…
- Fit: It fits now and you feel good in it.
- Function: It works for your real life (work, weekends, events, climate).
- Style: It matches how you want to look this year.
- Frequency: You’ve worn it in the last 6–12 months (seasonal items count).
- Outfit potential: You can name 2 outfits you’d wear it with.
If yes to most: KEEP.
✂️ TAILOR if…
- You like it, but the fit is “almost.”
- The fix is fit-related, not fabric-related.
Tailoring is usually worth it when:
- The item is a “hero” piece (blazer, trousers, jeans, coat, occasion wear)
- The fabric is quality and the piece has structure
- You’d wear it at least 10 times after tailoring
Common tailoring wins:
- Hem pants/jeans
- Take in waist
- Adjust sleeves
- Taper legs
- Refine jacket shape
🧵 REPAIR if…
- You like it and it fits, but it has one or two flaws holding it hostage.
- The fix is maintenance-related (not a full redesign).
Quick examples:
- Replace zipper
- Reattach buttons
- Reinforce seams
- Patch small holes (especially knits)
- Fix lining
💸 RESELL if…
- It’s in good condition and has brand value or “secondhand demand.”
- You’re holding onto it mostly because it cost a lot (we’ve all been there).
Resell is a great option when:
- You haven’t worn it in 12+ months
- It’s a known brand, trending style, or timeless classic
- It’s in excellent condition (or easily cleaned)
🤝 DONATE if…
- It’s wearable, but not for you anymore.
- It’s not worth tailoring/repairing, and it’s unlikely to resell well.
Donation sweet spot:
- Everyday basics in decent condition
- Workwear that no longer suits your lifestyle
- Items that fit and function… just not for your taste anymore
Minute 45–55: The “2-Outfit” test (your final filter)
For anything you’re still unsure about:
Can you build 2 outfits you’d genuinely wear?
- If yes → KEEP (or TAILOR/REPAIR if needed)
- If no → RESELL or DONATE
This test is magic because it turns “maybe” into “clear.”
Minute 55–60: Lock in the next steps (so piles don’t become decor)
Do these tiny actions now—future you will be thrilled:
- TAILOR/REPAIR: Take 3 photos of each item + what needs fixing. Put them in one album: “Alterations.”
- RESELL: Pick your top 5 easiest items to list first.
- DONATE: Put the donation bag by the door (or in the car).
- KEEP: Hang back up only what you’re keeping.
You’re done. Seriously.
The Closet Audit Checklist (copy/paste friendly)
KEEP
- Fits comfortably now
- I like how I look in it
- Works with my lifestyle
- I can name 2 outfits with it
TAILOR
- I love it, but fit is the issue
- Worth it: I’d wear it 10+ times after tailoring
- Common fixes: hem, waist, sleeves, taper
REPAIR
- Small fix is the only thing stopping me
- Easy repairs: button, seam, hem, zipper, lining
RESELL
- Good condition + desirable brand/style
- I haven’t worn it in 12+ months
- I’m keeping it mainly because it was expensive (not because I love it)
DONATE
- Wearable, clean, and someone else would use it
- Not worth the effort to tailor/repair/resell
RECYCLE
- Too worn, stained, or damaged to pass on
What to do with each pile (simple next actions)
- Keep: Build 3 outfit formulas you can repeat (this is where your closet starts feeling “easy”).
- Tailor & Repair: Batch your fixes, handle them all at once instead of one-at-a-time.
- Resell: Start with the “no-brainer” items (excellent condition, recognizable brand, current style).
- Donate: Choose one pickup/drop-off date this week and treat it like an appointment.
- Recycle: Look for a textile recycling option locally (or keep a “rag bag” for cleaning cloths).
Common closet audit mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Trying on everything.
Not today. This is a 60-minute audit, not a marathon. Only try on items you’re truly unsure about. - Keeping “punishment clothes.”
If something makes you feel bad, it doesn’t deserve closet real estate. Your wardrobe is not a tribunal. - Saving things for an imaginary life.
Dress for the life you actually live and the one you’re realistically building.
FAQ: Closet audit questions people actually ask
How often should I do a closet audit?
A light audit every season is great. A full audit 1–2 times per year keeps things current without being exhausting.
What if I love it but it doesn’t fit right now?
If it’s close and fixable → TAILOR. If it’s far off → consider RESELL/DONATE (and keep one meaningful “memory” piece if you want: one, not twelve).
What’s the fastest way to reduce closet overwhelm?
Start with: donate the “meh” items that fit. They’re the sneakiest closet clutter.
Your next step (the fun part)
If you want, take your KEEP pile and build a mini “Winter capsule” from what you already own, then use OpenWardrobe to turn those pieces into repeatable outfits (so your closet starts working like a team).
