August Is the Best Month to Refresh Your Closet—Here’s What to Let Go Of First

In August, summer's light fabrics start giving way to the first signs of fall layering. If you follow the " seasonal swap method ," this is your cue to start rotating your wardrobe to keep your closet organized and ready for the cooler days ahead.

We spoke to two professional organizers, who convinced us that even if your closet is big enough for an entire year's stuff, editing it now will free up much-needed mental space. From stretched-out swimwear to those "just in case" sundresses you never wear, here are the items experts say you can finally let go of this month—and how to do that without stressing.

Meet the Experts

• Courtney Cummings , professional organizer and founder of The Stylish Organizer

• Katy Wells , decluttering expert and host of The Maximized Minimalist podcast

Related: 8 Things You Should Never Store in Your Bedroom Closet, According to Organizing Pros

How Often to Declutter Your Closet

You should aim to declutter your closet at least four times per year. "Whether it's a large walk-in or a tiny corner space, your closet deserves to be a haven of functionality and style," says Courtney Cummings, a professional organizer and the founder of The Stylish Organizer. "I recommend evaluating the contents of your closet on a quarterly basis as the seasons change. The end of the summer is a perfect time to examine your summer wardrobe and accessories."

Mid to late August offers a natural reset for shifting from summer to fall organization. "Whether you're juggling back-to-school or just shifting out of summer mode, now's the time to edit your wardrobe before the busyness of fall hits," adds Katy Wells, a decluttering expert and host of The Maximized Minimalist podcast. "You get ahead of the game and avoid that chaotic closet scramble when the seasons change."

Items to Purge from Your Closet in August

As far as why you need to purge and not just shuffle your summer gear, Cummings says decluttering will just make you feel better. "An abundance of clothing and accessories that don't match your style or fit your body can lead to difficulties when you are trying to get ready for the day," she says. "When we curate a collection that feels fresh, current, and flattering, we can walk into any situation with confidence and pride. And who doesn't want that?"

First, Cummings advises being honest about what you wore and what didn't make the cut. Then, review these specific categories for ideas on what may need to go to the donation bin (or trash, depending on the condition).

Sweat-Stained Summer Clothing

Between beach days, cookouts, and daily outings, summer fabrics see their fair share of wear and tear. "Depending on where you live and what you like to do, hot and humid summer weather can leave your clothes with unsightly sweat stains," says Cummings. "While there are a few laundry tricks to remove tough stains from certain clothes, sometimes garments are beyond saving. In this case, it's time to say goodbye."

But don't just toss those stained tees in the trash. Cummings suggests researching your local area to see if there is a textile recycling facility near you. "If so, follow their instructions for proper disposal of your stained clothing," she says. "No facility nearby? Look into other organizations that take fabric donations , such as animal shelters and pet rescue charities. They can use the material for bedding material and cleaning rags."

Broken Beach Bags

Next, give your summer bags an honest inspection. "If your summer trips have left your go-to beach bag broken and unusable, it is time to invest in something new," says Cummings. "Ripped handles and broken pockets reduce the functionality of your bag and make things more difficult for you and your family. Who wants goggles and beach toys falling out of the side of the bag before you even make it to the sand?"

But don't worry, you don't need to go without your favorite summer accessory for good. "Set yourself up for success by shopping end-of-year sales to score a new bag for next year's sandy season," says Cummings. "As for what to do with the old bag? Depending on the fabric or materials, you can cut up strips to use as rags for cleaning or try to find a textile recycling center in your city."

Ill-Fitting Swimsuits

"When you are lounging at the pool, your swimwear should make you feel confident in and out of the water," says Cummings. "If your trusty favorite suit is no longer hugging your body the way it used to, it may be time to get rid of it." 

Unfortunately, if you don't wash your swimsuits carefully , elastic bands fail, spandex bottoms become less firm, and the constant contact with salt, sand, and chlorine can wreak havoc. "August is a great time to assess your swimwear situation and weed out ones that are no longer serving you," Cummings adds. 

Unworn or Worn-Out Sandals

Once you've cleared out worn-out clothing and bags, check out your summer shoe collection. Wells says to make note of any sandals you skipped all season: "If you always reached for other pairs, that's a pretty good sign they're ready to move on."

Try the shoes on and note any that don't feel great when you put them on. "Maybe they're stretched out, itchy, saggy in weird places, or just off. If you skip them every time, they're cluttering your space," says Wells. Shoes in good condition can be donated, but you may need to toss any that are beyond repair. 

Duplicate Summer Dresses

Wells says the next clutter culprit are summer dresses that never left the hanger. "If you didn't choose them when the weather was perfect for them, chances are they're not a favorite," she says. 

In some cases, you may have near-duplicate summer dresses, and you may find yourself consistently choosing the more comfortable one. "If you have five summer dresses but only ever reach for one, the others are just taking up space," says Wells.

Unused Accessories 

Last but not least, create a pile of seasonal accessories you never grabbed for the last few months, like hats, jewelry, or sunglasses that just weren't comfortable, easy to use, or your style anymore.

The accessories don't have to be limited to just summer ones, either. "Pieces from a past job, a different phase of motherhood, or a hobby you're no longer doing should go," says Wells, who adds that your closet should reflect the life you're living now, not the version of you from ten years ago.

How to Declutter Your Closet Daily

On decluttering without overwhelm, Wells says, "You don't need a weekend. You need a win." She went on to explain a clutter audit, which is a super quick check-in with your space that can take just seconds. "It's a habit, not a project. While you're getting dressed, notice what you skipped over again—and make one decision. One piece that's not serving you? Out it goes," she says.

To make these daily audits easier, Wells suggests setting up a visible, accessible donation bin inside or near your closet. "The beauty of clutter audits is that they're easy to repeat. No overwhelm. No pressure. Just small choices that build big momentum over time," she says. When doing a clutter audit, pick one item and ask yourself the following questions.

Does This Item Make Me Feel Guilty?

"That blouse you wore once but spent $58 on? Keeping it won't earn your money back; it just keeps the shame alive," says Wells. "I help women identify the three biggest guilt traps—money, body, and 'just in case'—and reframe them so they can let go with peace instead of pressure." If the item you're evaluating is only being kept because it triggers feelings of guilt, it's a sign it's time to let it go.

Have I Worn This Lately?

Wells says to ask yourself: "Have I had the opportunity to wear this in the past six months?" If the answer is yes, but you didn't? That's your cue. "Letting it go creates space for what actually works," she says.

Read the original article on Real Simple