After the rush of holiday parties, gift exchanges, and that “I’ll deal with it later” pile of sweaters, January is the natural reset point for your closet. It’s when routines normalize, returns are done, and you can see your wardrobe clearly again. What you actually wear, what no longer fits your life, and what’s quietly making getting dressed harder than it needs to be.
A closet reset isn’t about perfection. It’s about function. Fewer decisions. Less friction. And yes—better basics. This guide walks through when to reset, which type of reset makes sense for your closet, and a practical step-by-step process you can actually finish. Along the way, we’ll also cover why upgrading your base layers, especially undershirts, is one of the highest-impact (and easiest) changes you can make during a reset.
In This Closet Reset Guide:
- When to Do Your January Closet Reset
- Pick Your Reset Type: Match It to Your Closet
- Step-by-Step Guide to Your January Closet Reset
- Now That You Can See Your Closet Clearly, What’s Missing?
- Keep Your Closet Organized All Year Long
- FAQs
TL;DR
A January closet reset is about ease, not perfection. Clear what no longer serves you, organize what you keep, and strengthen your foundation so getting dressed feels simpler every day.
First Things First: When to Do Your January Closet Reset
You don’t need to tackle this on January 1st. The most realistic window is January 10–31, after returns are handled and normal routines are back in place. That timing gives you clarity without pressure.
Pro tip: Plan for 2–3 focused hours. Put it on your calendar, treat it like an appointment, and keep it contained. A closet reset works best when it has a clear start and finish.
Pick Your Reset Type: Match It to Your Closet (and Your Mood)
Not every closet needs a full overhaul. Choose the level that matches your reality.
1. The “Quick Tidy” Reset (For Minimal Mess)
Best for: Closets that are mostly organized but have a few “problem areas” (looking at you, the pile of scarves on the shelf). This takes 1 hour max. Focus on folding sweaters, hanging up items that fell on the floor, and tossing any obvious trash (dry-cleaning tags, tissue paper from gifts).
2. The “Deep Declutter” Reset (For Overstuffed Closets)
Best for: Closets where you can’t see the floor, have duplicate items (how many black t-shirts do you really need?), or pieces you haven’t worn in 6+ months. This takes 2-3 hours and involves sorting every item—keep, donate, trash, or sell.
3. The “Full Refresh” Reset (For a Total Wardrobe Overhaul)
Best for: Anyone who’s ready to rethink their wardrobe (e.g., you switched to remote work and don’t need 10 blazers, or you’re tired of wearing the same 5 items on repeat). This takes 3+ hours and includes decluttering, reorganizing, and making a list of key pieces to replace.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your January Closet Reset (No Stress, Promise!)
Let’s break this down into simple steps even if you’re not a “type A” organizer, you can do this. We’ll focus on the “Deep Declutter” reset (the most common one), but you can scale it up or down based on your reset type.
Step 1: Empty Everything (Yes, Everything)
Take every single item out of your closet: clothes, shoes, accessories, even that random hat you found at a concert. Pile them on your bed (or floor, if your bed is too small). This might feel overwhelming at first, but seeing everything laid out helps you realize just how much stuff you have (and how much you don’t need).
Pro move: Wipe down your closet shelves and hanging rods with a damp cloth, dust bunnies don’t belong in your fresh start!
Step 2: Sort Into 4 Piles (Be Ruthless, But Kind)
Grab four bins (or use laundry baskets, trash bags, whatever you have) and label them: Keep, Donate, Sell and Trash. Now, go through each item one by one and decide which pile it goes in. Here’s how to make the call:
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Keep: You’ve worn it in the last 6-12 months, it fits well, and it makes you feel good (no “maybe I’ll fit into it again” items, we’re focusing on the present!).
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Donate: It’s in good condition (no stains, holes, or missing buttons) but you don’t wear it anymore. Think: that sweater that’s too scratchy, the dress that’s not your style, or the undershirts that are stretched out (more on this later).
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Sell: Designer pieces, gently used trendy items, or high-quality basics that you no longer need (e.g., a cashmere sweater you wore once). List them on Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, or take them to a consignment shop for extra cash (use it to buy new undershirts, you deserve it!).
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Trash: It’s damaged beyond repair: stains that won’t come out, holes, broken zippers, or hygiene items like worn-out socks and bras. When you’re resetting your closet, pay special attention to T-shirts, silk blouses or sweaters.
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If they’re faded, stretched at the neck, have underarm staining, or feel scratchy against your skin, they’ve reached the end of their life. These with visible underarm stains shouldn’t be donated. Those belong in the trash, not resale or donation piles.
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If you’re noticing that T-shirts or blouses are being worn out by sweat or discoloration, it may be time to upgrade your undershirts. A well-designed base layer acts as a protective barrier, absorbing moisture before it reaches your outer clothing. The result: no stains, less frequent washing or dry cleaning, and clothes that look better for longer.
This is where a closet reset becomes more than decluttering. It’s about removing worn-out basics and addressing the reason they wore out in the first place.
Step 3: Organize the “Keep” Pile (Make It Easy to Find Stuff)
Now that you’ve narrowed your wardrobe down to the pieces you actually love and wear, put them back in a way that reflects how you get dressed in real life. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s visibility and ease.
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Hang what wrinkles easily: Dresses, blouses, dress shirts, and jackets all use slim hangers to save space (velvet ones are great for preventing slips).
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Fold what doesn’t hang well: Sweaters, t‑shirts, and sweatpants should be folded neatly so you can see everything at a glance. For undershirts, stack them by style: scoop necks, square necks, crew, mock neck and V‑neck, so mornings are quick and effortless.
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Organize by colour and category: Keep like with like. This not only makes your closet visually calming but also helps you spot unnecessary duplication. Do you really need 20 white shirts if you only reach for five? A second pass can free up space and sharpen your style.
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Seasonal essentials by the door: Coats, gloves, and scarves belong where you’ll actually use them near the entryway for easy grab‑and‑go layering.
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Accessories in sight: If you can see it, you’ll use it. Jewelry, belts, and bags should be fully accessible. If they’re stacked or hidden under the bed, chances are they’ll stay forgotten.
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Undershirts as a base layer: These aren’t meant for the top shelf. Place them near lingerie or intimates the pieces you start with every day. That way, your base layer is always within reach, setting the tone for comfort and polish before you add anything else.
And let’s talk about undershirt storage, since they’re a daily essential, keep them in the front of your drawer or on a shelf near the top of your closet. No more digging through piles of socks to find a clean undershirt!
Pro tip: If you’re refreshing your basics, our essential undershirt is a good place to begin.
Step 4: Deal With the Other Piles (Don’t Let Them Sit!)
The worst part of a closet reset is letting the Donate/Sell/Trash piles collect dust. Do this within 24 hours of your reset:
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Trash: Bag it up and put it in the garbage. Done!
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Donate: Drop off at your local thrift store, Goodwill, or a clothing drive. Many places even offer curbside pickup if you don’t have time to go out.
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Sell: Take photos of the items and list them online or drop them off at a consignment shop. Set a reminder to follow up on listings if they don’t sell after a week.
What to Upgrade After a Closet Reset (Hint: Start Underneath)
Now that you have a clear view of what you own and what you actually wear, it’s worth asking: what will enhance or prolong the life of your favorite pieces? Often, the answer lies in the foundation.
If your undershirts are showing signs of wear, replacing them isn’t just about fresh basics, it’s about protecting the clothes you love, keeping your silhouette polished, and ensuring comfort day after day. A thoughtful upgrade here can make the rest of your wardrobe last longer and look better.
Undershirts are the quiet foundation of every outfit. After decluttering the ones that no longer serve you, it’s worth investing in pieces that work as hard as you do. Designed to protect your clothes and support you throughout the day, Numi undershirts are a natural addition to a more intentional wardrobe reset, because we offer:
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Material that lasts: Made with a blend of Modal™ and Lycra®, our undershirts are soft like cotton but significantly more durable. They hold their shape, resist fading, and help prevent underarm stains thanks to built-in sweat shields so they stay looking fresh, even after repeated wear. If you’d like to learn more, our fabric comparison guide walks through the top sweat-absorbing materials and how they perform side by side.
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A fit that flatters: Designed to hug the body without compressing, Numi undershirts won’t bunch under clothing or leave marks. With a range of neckline options, they layer seamlessly under T-shirts, blouses, and sweaters. If you’re deciding which style works best for your wardrobe, our ultimate undershirt buying guide walks through each collection and how to choose the right fit for your outfits and lifestyle.
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Comfort all day long: Lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, these undershirts help you stay cool, dry, and comfortable from morning through evening. No scratchiness, no mid-day discomfort.
Pro reset move: Start the year with a small rotation that you can rely on. Our 3-pack (The Signature Undershirt, The Crop, and The Square Neck Cap Sleeve) offers you versatile options that work across outfits and necklines.It’s a small investment that makes a huge difference in your daily routine, plus we’re offering 20% off for new subscribers in January. Your closet and your comfort will thank you!
Follow-Up Plans: Keep Your Closet Organized All Year Long
A closet reset is only effective if you maintain it. Here are simple habits to keep your closet clutter-free in 2026:
1. The “One In, One Out” Rule
Each time you bring something new into your closet whether it’s a shirt, a pair of shoes, or an undershirt, let something else go. This simple habit keeps your wardrobe from becoming overfilled again and helps you stay intentional about what you own. If you add new undershirts, retire the ones that no longer serve you.
2. Monthly “Mini Resets”
Set a reminder on the first Sunday of every month to do a 15-minute mini reset: fold any clothes that are lying around, hang up items that fell off hangers, and check for items that need to be donated (e.g., a sweater you haven’t worn that month).
3. Seasonal Checks
Every three months (spring, summer, fall, and winter) take the opportunity to swap out seasonal items and declutter. For example, in April, pack away heavy coats and scarves, and bring forward lighter dresses and tops. This rhythm keeps your closet fresh and functional, but it also gives you a chance to evaluate what you actually wore.
At the end of each season, ask yourself:
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Did I really need all those black t‑shirts or white shirts?
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Which pieces did I reach for most often, and which stayed untouched?
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Is there duplication that’s weighing down my wardrobe rather than serving it?
This second pass is where true editing happens, eliminating excess and keeping only what supports your style. It’s a great step before flipping your closet to spring and summer clothes.
As you transition into warmer weather, think about what you’ll need to layer smartly and comfortably:
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Fresh undershirts to replace any showing wear
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Cap sleeves for discreet coverage under lighter tops
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Cropped styles for breathable layering with summer silhouettes
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Mesh for lightweight, breathable and feminine invisible comfort in warm climates
By approaching your closet seasonally, you not only keep it organized but also ensure your wardrobe evolves with your lifestyle — polished, intentional, and ready for whatever the day brings.
4. Laundry Day Habit
When you do laundry, put clothes away immediately, don’t let them pile up on your bed or chair. Fold undershirts as soon as they come out of the dryer to prevent wrinkles (our undershirts are wrinkle-resistant, but folding still helps!).
Final Thoughts: Your January Closet Reset Is a Fresh Start
A January closet reset isn’t just about organizing clothes—it’s about starting the year with intention. When your closet is clutter-free and filled with items you love (including high-quality undershirts that make you feel confident), getting dressed in the morning becomes a joy, not a chore.
And remember: you don’t have to be perfect. If your closet gets a little messy in February, it’s okay—just do a mini reset and get back on track. The goal is to create a wardrobe that works for you, not the other way around.
If you’d like help choosing what works best underneath, our What to Wear Under guide walks through layering options so your outfits look better and last longer.
Ready to start your reset? Grab your coffee, put on your playlist, and let’s do this. And don’t forget to upgrade your undershirts with our January deal—you deserve to start the year in comfort. Happy resetting!
FAQs
How do you do a closet reset?
A closet reset works best when it’s simple and intentional. Start by emptying your closet so you can see everything you own. Sort items into four piles: keep, donate, sell, and trash based on what you actually wear and what still serves you. Then organize what you keep by category and colour, so getting dressed feels easier. Finally, strengthen your foundation by replacing worn-out basics, like undershirts, that help protect and extend the life of your clothes.
What is the 3-3-3 wardrobe rule?
The 3-3-3 wardrobe rule suggests choosing three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes to wear for a set period of time. It’s meant as a mindset tool to simplify decision-making and highlight how little you truly need. It’s optional, not a requirement and works best as inspiration rather than a strict rule.
What is the 333 rule for decluttering?
The 333 rule, popularized by Project 333, involves wearing 33 items for three months to encourage mindful consumption and reduce wardrobe overwhelm. While some people find it helpful, it’s not essential for a successful closet reset. A practical edit based on what you actually wear can be just as effective without rigid limits.
What is the 70/30 wardrobe rule?
The 70/30 wardrobe rule suggests that about 70% of your closet should be everyday essentials you regularly wear, while the remaining 30% can be trend-driven or special-occasion pieces. This balance helps ensure your wardrobe works for real life while still leaving room for personal style and expression.
