8 Items to Remove From Your Wardrobe This Weekend Before Autumn Begins

While it’s bittersweet to bid farewell to the final days of summer, the arrival of fall brings its own excitement. As outdoor adventures, barbecues, and vacations wind down, the season of cozy sweaters and pumpkin-spiced everything is just around the corner. Before the hustle of Halloween and holiday preparations takes over, seize the moment to refresh your closet. Here are eight items to clear out before autumn fully sets in.

Anything Damaged

Damaged items should be removed from your wardrobe. "Begin by eliminating anything that’s damaged or unwearable, regardless of the season," advises professional organizer Emily Preciado-Fonseca. This includes visible issues like holes, stains, or pilling, as well as items you’ve neglected to repair.

Nicole Gabai, a certified virtual organizing professional, suggests also discarding items with stretched-out elastic that you’re unlikely to fix or that no longer fit. Trying on a few pieces can help confirm what stays and what goes.

Unwearable Shoes

Evaluate your shoe collection. "Worn-out flip-flops or open-toed shoes that have seen better days should be discarded," says Preciado-Fonseca. "Additionally, as fall approaches, consider parting with boots or shoes that are no longer fashionable."

Gabai also recommends letting go of shoes that haven’t been worn in over a year or that cause discomfort.

Old Summer Clothing and Accessories

"As summer comes to an end, thoroughly evaluate your summer items," suggests Preciado-Fonseca. "Discard worn-out swimsuits, outdated coverups from vacations long past, unfashionable shorts, and accessories like beach bags or oversized sun hats that are more clutter than functional."

Old Sports Equipment

While decluttering, don’t forget to inspect your sports gear. Items like a tennis racket beyond repair, scratched goggles, or torn snorkeling fins from your last trip should be removed. If you plan to replace them, there’s no need to hold onto the old ones.

Scratched Sunglasses

Sunglasses aren’t meant to last indefinitely, and holding onto pairs that are scratched or ill-fitting only takes up valuable space. "Discard older, cheap, or damaged sunglasses," advises Preciado-Fonseca.

Summer Outerwear

Preciado-Fonseca recommends clearing out summer outerwear, like denim jackets or lightweight hoodies, that won’t be suitable for fall. This creates space for heavier winter coats. "If they won’t keep you warm in the coming months, store them elsewhere," she suggests.

Things You Don’t Need Regular Access To

With limited closet space, it’s inefficient to store rarely used items in prime areas. "Are you keeping boxes from electronics or seasonal items like Halloween costumes?" Gabai asks. "Consider moving them to the garage in clear, airtight containers."

Items Associated With a Negative Emotion

Does that concert t-shirt bring back memories of a painful breakup? Preciado-Fonseca suggests donating it or giving it away. "Anything that evokes negative feelings, such as anxiety or self-doubt, should be removed," she explains. "This includes clothes you’re saving for ‘someday’ or items that no longer spark joy. There’s no season that justifies holding onto things that make you feel unhappy."