Closet Clean-Out (with Love): Decluttering After 50
Look, I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if your closet is giving you mild anxiety—or maybe full-on emotional whiplash—just know you’re not alone. At this stage of life, I’ve collected enough scarves, slacks, and impulse sale buys to outfit a small town. And yet somehow… still nothing to wear?
Decluttering your closet after 50 is a different kind of dance. Our bodies change, our lifestyles shift, and frankly, some of those heels just aren’t going to cut it anymore (I’m looking at you, strappy ankle-breakers).
“My closet is like a museum of good intentions.” – Unknown
Why It Feels Different Now
In our 50s, the closet often reflects not just our style, but our story. Maybe there’s a section of work clothes from the career we’ve stepped back from. Maybe there’s the “someday I’ll fit into this again” dress. Or the outfit we wore to our child’s graduation that we’ve kept for reasons we can’t quite explain.
And while it’s tempting to keep everything “just in case,” I promise: clearing out the clutter makes room—not just in your closet, but in your mind.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind:
1. Life changes. So should your closet. If you’ve retired, started working from home, or just found yourself reaching for cozy loungewear over tailored blazers—guess what? That’s okay. Your wardrobe should serve the life you have now, not the one you used to have.
2. Comfort matters more than ever. This is the season of soft fabrics, forgiving waistbands, and shoes that don’t make you wince. You can still look fabulous without sacrificing comfort. (In fact, you’ll look even better when you’re not distracted by that itchy tag.)
3. Sentiment is sweet—but not always necessary. It’s okay to keep one or two items with emotional value. But if your closet’s full of clothes you haven’t worn in a decade “because memories,” consider taking a photo or journaling about them instead. Let the item go, and hold onto the moment.
4. The power of fewer choices. There’s something oddly freeing about opening your closet and only seeing things you actually want to wear. Getting dressed becomes easier, less stressful, and a lot more joyful.
Susanne’s Closet Clean-Out Tips:
- Set a timer for 20 minute and start with one category – tops, shoes, scarves, etc.
- Ask: Whould I wear this today? Does it feel good on my body now?
- Make three piles: Keep, Donate, and Let’s-Be-Honest-This-Needs-To-Go.
- Invest in velvet hangers (trust me – it’s a game-changer).
- Don’t forget seasonal swaps – move the heavy sweaters out of the way if it’s summer.
- Use space-saving storage bins or vacuum bags for bulky items like comforters
Final Thought:
Decluttering your closet after 50 isn’t just about tossing clothes—it’s about honoring who you are now, not who you were five, ten, or twenty years ago. Let it feel like an act of kindness, not punishment.
And remember: if all you do today is let go of that one top that never fit quite right anyway, that’s a win.
Go gently, go joyfully—and maybe reward yourself with a fresh pair of comfy pants.
– Susanne A. 
