Podcast Summary: The 30 Minute Closet Edit You Can Do This Week
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Everyday Style School
- Host/Author: Jennifer Mackey Mary
- Description: The Everyday Style School inspires women to love their daily appearance by offering practical style advice tailored to real lives, bodies, and budgets. From understanding body shapes to decluttering wardrobes, the podcast provides actionable tips for effortless dressing.
- Episode: The 30 Minute Closet Edit You Can Do This Week
- Release Date: May 22, 2025
Introduction to the 30-Minute Closet Edit
[00:00]
Jennifer Mackey Mary opens the episode by addressing a common problem: the overwhelming task of updating closets with each changing season. She acknowledges that many women end up managing more clothes than they actually wear, leading to clutter and frustration. Jennifer introduces her solution—a streamlined 30-minute closet edit designed to simplify the process and enhance wardrobe efficiency.
“There are things you can do to make the whole process easier and your wardrobe better.”
— Jennifer Mackey Mary [00:00]
Why a Quick Closet Edit?
Jennifer emphasizes that this closet edit is not about a comprehensive overhaul but rather making quick, effective decisions that set the stage for a smoother seasonal transition. She underscores the benefits of this approach, including saving time, reducing clutter, and increasing the likelihood of wearing more existing clothes, which ultimately saves money.
“You're not going to try on anything at all. This is meant to be all about quick decisions.”
— Jennifer Mackey Mary [04:30]
Preparation Steps
Before diving into the edit, Jennifer advises organizing the closet to streamline the process. She suggests grouping similar items together—tops by sleeve length, bottoms by hem length—and eliminating trash such as empty shoe boxes and broken hangers.
“If your closet isn't already organized the everyday style way...set a timer for 30 minutes and just reset your closet.”
— Jennifer Mackey Mary [03:00]
10 Steps for an Effective Closet Edit
Jennifer outlines a clear, step-by-step guide to conducting the 30-minute closet edit:
-
Gather Current Season’s Clothes
Collect all items for the current season from various places like the car, laundry room, and gym bag. This ensures a comprehensive review and prevents forgotten items from lingering in the closet.“Get all the shoes too. Collect it all so that we're dealing with the whole wardrobe.”
— Jennifer Mackey Mary [05:45] -
Empty Handbags and Totes
Clean out bags to keep them in good condition and prevent unwanted items like tissues and old medications from accumulating.“Future you will thank you for a clean slate next year.”
— Jennifer Mackey Mary [06:30] -
Touch and Inspect Clothes
Without trying on anything, inspect each item for wear and tear. Remove any clothes that are visibly worn out to avoid storing items you won’t wear.“Managing clothes you're not going to wear isn't a good use of your time.”
— Jennifer Mackey Mary [07:15] -
Identify Items Needing Repair or Tailoring
Take out clothes that need minor fixes rather than storing them. If an item isn’t worth repairing, it should be donated instead.“Don’t move and store clothes that you can’t or don’t want to wear.”
— Jennifer Mackey Mary [08:00] -
Make a List of Needed Items
Note down any essentials you need to replenish, such as stained white tees or tanks. This proactive step helps maintain a functional wardrobe without last-minute shopping stress.“Make a note in your phone to replenish them.”
— Jennifer Mackey Mary [09:00] -
Prepare Items for Storage
Ensure all items to be stored are clean, especially light-colored pieces, to prevent stains from setting during storage.“Washing them before storing them away seems like a small price to pay.”
— Jennifer Mackey Mary [10:00] -
Remove Items That Make You Feel Bad
Discard clothes that cause physical discomfort or emotional dissatisfaction, such as scratchy sweaters or frumpy dresses.“Leave it until your next real closet edit. We're just looking for easy Casualties here.”
— Jennifer Mackey Mary [11:15] -
Eliminate the 'Someday' Stash
Get rid of clothes kept for hypothetical wardrobe emergencies. Jennifer argues that such emergencies are rare and overrated.“Nothing's gonna happen. There is no situation in which all the things you like to wear are ruined.”
— Jennifer Mackey Mary [12:45] -
Dispose of Items Kept Out of Guilt
Let go of clothes you’re holding onto due to sentimental reasons or the money spent on them. Jennifer advises donating or selling items instead of storing them indefinitely.“Clothing guilt usually comes in two forms. Number one, guilt because someone gave it to you...”
— Jennifer Mackey Mary [14:00] -
Remove Items That Require Becoming Someone Different
Discard clothes that demand significant personal changes to be worn comfortably, such as needing weight loss to fit.“Don’t just keep moving it and moving it. Unpacking, unpacking is a ton of physical and mental energy.”
— Jennifer Mackey Mary [15:00]
Bonus Tip: Prepare for the New Season
As a final step, Jennifer recommends gathering all items for the upcoming season before the old season's edit begins. This proactive measure prevents missing out on necessary pieces and ensures a seamless transition.
“Go on a little treasure hunt and make sure you have everything in all the little hiding spots for the upcoming season.”
— Jennifer Mackey Mary [15:10]
Conclusion and Encouragement
Jennifer wraps up by reinforcing the benefits of the 30-minute closet edit, including reduced time spent on seasonal changes, decreased clutter, and an enhanced wardrobe. She encourages listeners to commit to this routine to create more space and efficiency in their daily lives.
“By being intentional at the end of each season, you can create more margin in your life.”
— Jennifer Mackey Mary [15:25]
Key Takeaways:
- Efficiency: A quick, organized approach to seasonal closet edits saves time and reduces stress.
- Clarity: Removing unused and problematic items clarifies personal style and increases the likelihood of wearing what you own.
- Maintenance: Regular, intentional wardrobe management leads to long-term benefits, including financial savings and a more enjoyable dressing experience.
This episode serves as a practical guide for women looking to simplify their wardrobes and make smarter fashion choices without the need for extensive time investment.