Next time you're putting away laundry or dry cleaning, grab an armful of clothes that you haven't worn since you can't remember when and try them on in front of a full-length mirror, suggests Jeanine Baron, founder of Streamliners Inc., an organizing company in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. Put the ones that you would want to buy again back into circulation; donate the rest.

Toss-It Tips

"The keepers must fit, be in style, and not need major alterations or repairs," says Baron.

Don't let the mere fact that you paid a lot guilt you into keeping something. Your closet is prime real estate.

Why It Works

You have to deal with only a few items of clothing at a time — not your whole closet.

If your weight has fluctuated over the years, this method lets you pinpoint what fits now and bag memories of your body-size history.

You might enjoy it, especially if you unearth a long-buried treasure.