Checklist when you tidy up

Sep 12, 2026

Short answer: Empty the shelf completely, make three piles, and put only the first one back. Keep, pass on and discard are the only three categories you will need.

Empty everything before you sort

It is tempting to sort with everything still in place and just pull out the worst pieces. But what you do not pick up is never really judged. Take everything out of the drawer or wardrobe and lay it on the bed. Then you see, for the first time, how much is actually there.

One category at a time

A whole wardrobe at once is too much for most people. Start with a single category, such as underwear, and finish it before moving on. Underwear is a good place to begin, because it is easy to see what is worn out and what gets used. See bamboo panties if the drawer is short afterwards.

Three piles and no more

Keep, pass on and discard. You do not need more categories. A fourth pile for maybes sounds sensible, but it turns into new clutter, because nobody goes through it again. Decide on each piece straight away. If in doubt, ask yourself whether you have worn it in the past year.

What goes in each pile

The keep pile holds what fits, is intact and actually gets worn. The pass on pile holds what is in good shape but does not fit you or never gets used. Discard covers what has holes, has turned see-through or has lost its shape. A worn piece does not improve in the drawer. See bamboo T-shirts for women.

Put only the first pile back

Once the piles are made, only the first goes back on the shelf. Put things back so you can see them. T-shirts can be folded and stood on edge in the drawer, so you see them all at once rather than only the top one. It also makes it easier to notice when something is running short.

Out of the house the same day

Whatever is passed on should leave the house the same day. A bag left in the hallway usually ends up back in the wardrobe piece by piece. Take it to a charity shop or a clothing bank as soon as you are done. Discarded items should go out right away too.

Socks and small items count as well

Socks are often the hardest part, because they lie loose and easily get separated. Pair them up and throw out those that have lost their partner or have holes in the heel. A pair that only half fits will not get worn anyway. See socks for women if you are short of pairs afterwards.

Repeat it once a year

A clear-out lasts longest when it is repeated. Once a year is enough for most people, for example when the season changes. The second time is quicker, because there is less to decide. And when the drawer only holds what you wear, it is easier to see what is really missing.