I Tried the "Cash, Stash, and Trash" Method to Declutter My Closet
I love a closet clean-out. The satisfaction that comes when my closet looks like a cute boutique is second to none, but the thing about organization is you have to stay on top of your game. I organized my closet this summer and loved every inch of it, but as I transitioned to fall and winter clothing, it became a bit more chaotic over time.
I prefer fall and winter fashion over spring and summer, so not only do I have more clothing to organize, but it also takes up more space since coats and sweaters are bulkier than sundresses and T-shirts. I’ve had an inkling that a New Year’s closet declutter would be a good idea, especially after I’ve had a few months with my cold weather clothing hanging up. I stumbled upon this reel on Instagram by stylist Alison Lumbatis, and she recommends a three-box organizing method that I knew I just had to try.
What Is the “Cash, Stash and Trash” Method?
Lumbatis recommends grabbing three boxes (or bags) and labeling them cash, stash, and trash. The cash box is for clothing you’re ready to part with that is in good enough condition to sell or donate. The stash box is for the pieces you’re not quite sure about keeping or letting go of. And the trash box is for items not suitable for donation, and can be thrown away, recycled or used as rags.
For the stash box, Lumbatis stresses that you keep it stored in another room once you’re finished with your decluttering. Go back to it during your next closet clean-out and reassess the items. It will be much easier to part with this clothing after some time, and of course, if you find yourself going back for an item, it can earn a spot back in your closet.
How I Organized My Closet Using the “Cash, Stash and Trash” Method
I didn’t have three large boxes to use, so I wrote cash, stash, and trash on index cards and placed them on my bed in three separate sections so I could put things into piles. This ended up working great!
Normally, I’d be thinking of “keep, donate, discard” piles when organizing my closet, but it was interesting to switch it up with this new method. Since there was no “keep” pile, it was easier to sort through my things, since I knew my “keeps” would just stay put in the closet.
My stash pile ended up being the largest, but surprisingly, all of the items I placed there are “keeps” for a different season. I last swapped my closet at the end of September when the weather hadn’t quite turned yet, so I had some lighter-weight sweaters and tops still hanging up. Since I know I won’t be wearing these items anytime soon, I moved them to the stash pile. I’ll be ready for those items in the spring when the weather warms up again, but in the meantime, they don’t need to be hanging in my closet now.
My cash pile was small, but I feel confident that it’s time to donate all the items there or put them on Poshmark. These are pieces that I had simply outgrown as my personal style has evolved. All of the pieces I’m ready to part with are in great condition, so I had nothing in my trash pile!
Final Thoughts
Organizing in this way was quick and easy — I did everything in about 45 minutes. Since I organize my closet at least twice a year, I didn’t have too much to sort through, though. I can see it taking longer if you haven’t decluttered your clothing in a while, but this method makes it simple. It was also helpful to find some holes in my winter wardrobe (I’m desperate for bottoms!) and I’m planning on taking the money I’ll earn from Poshmark sales to invest in some new denim.
This was a fun way to check in with my cold weather garments. I totally recommend doing a New Year’s closet check-in, especially if you live somewhere with cold weather. I feel lighter and ready to make some extra cash — there’s a pair of dark-wash denim calling my name!
Further Reading
I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Article’s DTC Furniture
See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s Living Room
