5 Tips For A Mindful Closet Cleanse
Closet cleanses are one of the most transformative processes I guide clients through to help them shift energy in their lives.
The noticeable changes they experience with their mindset, confidence, and overall outlook after a deep closet cleanse are profound. The energetic releasing of the past allows them to create space for the new energy they want to attract in.
I’ve had many experiences with closet clean-outs throughout my life. Having moved over 10 times in the past 16 years, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to practice cleaning out my wardrobe before packing it into boxes. Let’s just say that most of those times, my closet cleanses were NOT mindful––instead I rushed the process, getting rid of stuff in a panic and later feeling remorse for things I hastily gave away. I also spent a lot of time writing content about closets and home organization when I worked for California Closets. While there, I actually had the golden opportunity to watch tidying expert, Marie Kondo, perform her KonMari Method first-hand, as part of a collaboration I was involved in. All of my learnings (and especially the mistakes I’ve made) informed the development of my own closet cleansing process that I now follow and use with clients.
There are times when I strongly recommend waiting to do a closet cleanse. When you’ve just gone through a painful breakup is a big one. Your emotions are running high and you’re way more likely to get rid of anything and everything that reminds you of that person and the life you once shared. Trust me, I’ve been there. I once got rid of 80% of my belongings in an attempt to immediately relieve myself of the pain I was feeling over my broken heart. Turns out, not only does it not dull the pain, but it’s also quite stressful and expensive to build your wardrobe back up after such an impulsive act.
Our closets are one of our most private and vulnerable spaces in our home. They also carry the most baggage and energetic weight. That’s why I am a huge advocate of cleaning your closet out mindfully, and with intention. This will allow you to tap into the frequency held within the items, so that you can release the attached energy out of your body as you release the clothing items themselves.
I guide clients through my complete, Energetic Closet Cleansing process in my 1:1 coaching containers, but below are five of my favorite tips for a mindful closet cleanse:
Create the right vibe. Grab your journal, a box of kleenex, a pillow, some Sage, your favorite crystals, dim the lights and put on some tunes. Anything that helps you feel relaxed and comfortable in your environment.
Collect the items you are releasing. One-by-one, hold each item and breathe into it. Allow yourself to sink into the memories attached to the specific item of clothing. This may bring on an emotional reaction - that’s to be expected and exactly what you want! Let those tears flow. Cry it out. Scream. Yell. Punch your fist into a pillow. Journal what emotions are coming up. Move that energy out of your body.
Cleanse the clothing items. This is a great place for Sage, or Palo Santo and your crystals. Saging is a widely used practice for spiritual purification and energy (house) cleansings. Hot tip: Don’t light the clothes on fire! Just burn the Sage or Palo Santo and let the smoke waft over the clothes.
Verbally express your gratitude to the clothing items. Yes, I know this sounds a little silly, but hear me out. Our gratitude is important because it serves as recognition for everything having a purpose, a time and a season in our life. Just because we are getting rid of something, doesn’t take away from the importance the item once held.
Donate or sell the clothing items. Please don’t throw them away. It gives clothes a second life and prevents them from ending up in a landfill, reducing waste. There may be local shelters or consignment stores in your area worth checking out, plus online options like Depop, ThredUP and Poshmark. Dress for Success is another favorite global, not-for-profit organization to donate gently used clothing to.
My one caveat for this: Sometimes there’s a specific item(s) that triggers a really deep, emotional response. Maybe it’s an old band t-shirt your ex gave you, or something you wore with a loved one who passed away. Feel free to pick an item or two and rip them, shred them, or cut them up to help you fully release and cut the energetic cords tied to that person.
I hope you found these tips helpful! If you give any of them a go, please let me know how it goes for you. And if you want to learn about my complete process or are in need of further support, check out my Energetic Closet Cleansing and Energy Restyling packages in my 1:1 coaching containers. I would love to work with you!
