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From the super-low-rise jeans you haven’t worn in years to the old college T-shirts taking up space on your shelves, your closet is probably cluttered with clothing you can get rid of today and never miss.

Don't know where to start? We do.

1. Outdated trends you won’t wear again

We’re looking at you, velour tracksuits. And while the style (like most others) will likely come back again one day, there's no need to clutter your closet with out-of-style items in the meantime.

2. Damaged or stained clothing

Maybe you have a ripped pair of denim you’ve been meaning to patch or a stained sweater that your go-to stain fighter couldn’t fix. Decide if you’re going to repair or clean these garments right now (yes, really, today!) or if you’re better off letting them go.

3. Cheap halloween costumes

You probably won't want to pass that $15 costume down to your grandkids. Go ahead and toss or donate all of the gear from past Halloweens.

4. Bad bridesmaid dresses

While it’s OK to keep bridesmaid dresses you’re likely to wear again, for the others, it’s totally fine to let go. Even better: Donate them to Goodwill or a similar organization so the dress you have no need for can benefit someone else.

5. Socks and underwear with holes

Many of us are probably hanging onto some socks or undergarments that are showing signs of wear. Now’s the time to weed out these threadbare items, take stock of what you have, and decide if you need to refresh your collection.

6. Mismatched socks

Everyone has a drawer or a bag of these somewhere. If the matching sock hasn’t turned up within a few months, it probably never will. Get rid of any longstanding singles (or give them a new use, like cleaning your blinds).

7. Anything that doesn’t fit and isn’t worth tailoring

If something fits you so poorly that the alterations are going to cost more than the garment’s original value, let it find a home elsewhere. Consider donating these items, or if they’re in good condition, you can sell them on sites like Poshmark or ThredUp.

8. Painful heels

It doesn’t matter how pretty (or expensive) they are. If a pair of pumps is so uncomfortable that you always change out of them before you even leave the house, they’re just taking up space.

9. Motivational clothing

Some people keep clothing that doesn’t currently fit them with the hopes of wearing it again one day. However, doing so can actually be discouraging and takes up space that could be filled with clothes you'll actually wear and that make you feel good. Get rid of “one day” clothing and build a wardrobe that flatters you and that you feel confident wearing now.

10. Anything that makes you feel uncomfortable

Holding onto clothing you’ve been working up the courage to wear for years? Send them on their way — your clothing should make you feel beautiful, not self-conscious.

11. T-shirts you never wear

Whether you’re still holding onto a stash of college T-shirts from schools you didn’t even attend or free shirts from charity runs or work trips, it’s time to let them go. These are great to wear when cleaning or painting, so keep a few favorites and donate the rest.

(Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at www.realsimple.com.)

©2026 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.